Getting to Vail in Winter: Airports, Shuttles and the I-70 Drive

By Patrick W. Davis, Director of Sales & Marketing

Arriving in Vail

Eagle County Regional Airport is about a 40-minute drive from Manor Vail Lodge. Denver International Airport is about 100 miles away, a 1.5- to 2-hour drive on I-70. Either way, the journey ends at the base of Golden Peak, steps from the Riva Bahn Express Lift, with complimentary ski valet at Chair 6.

Manor Vail Lodge on a snowy evening with warm lights glowing among evergreen trees.

At a Glance

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): about 40 minutes by road
Denver International Airport (DEN): about 100 miles on I-70
Vail Village: a five-minute walk from the lodge

Flying Into Eagle County

Airlines and routes change each season. Check the airport's flight schedule for current service and cities. From the airport, Epic Mountain Express lists shuttle service to Vail.

Flying Into Denver

Allow extra time when roads are snowy, and check COtrip before you go. If you would rather not drive, Epic Mountain Express lists a shared Denver-to-Vail shuttle. Its Premier Mountain Express private shuttles provide door-to-door pickup and drop-off to lodging in the Vail area.

Guests walking through Vail Village in winter.

Driving in Winter

Colorado's traction law is in effect each year from September 1 through May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison. It applies to all passenger vehicles, including all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Tires need at least 3/16-inch of tread and must be winter, all-weather or mud and snow (M+S) rated; otherwise, chains or an approved alternative traction device are required on two or more drive tires. When the passenger vehicle chain law is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device.

Check road conditions and closures on COtrip before you set out, and review the traction law requirements from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Once You Arrive

Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m.

Self-parking at the lodge is $65 per night in winter and $35 per night in summer, in covered underground parking or on a surface lot. Electric vehicle charging is available on the property.

You may not need the car much: Vail Village is a five-minute walk, the lodge offers complimentary in-town shuttle service and the Town of Vail runs free year-round bus service throughout Vail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Eagle County Regional Airport from Manor Vail Lodge?

About a 40-minute drive.

How long is the drive from Denver to Vail?

Denver International Airport is about 100 miles from the lodge, a 1.5- to 2-hour drive on I-70.

Do I need chains or snow tires to drive to Vail?

The traction law applies on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31. It covers all passenger vehicles, including all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Tires need at least 3/16-inch of tread and must be winter, all-weather or mud and snow (M+S) rated; otherwise, chains or an approved alternative traction device are required on two or more drive tires. When the passenger vehicle chain law is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device. All drivers, rental cars included, should review the Colorado Department of Transportation traction law requirements for their vehicle type before they travel.