Vail: Guides

Getting Here

October 16th, 2007 11:50am

John Elliot

I-70 is the lifeline of the Vail Valley, and the highway you will most frequently use when traveling between Vail and surrounding areas. It can also be quite dangerous. There is almost always some form of construction going on, wildlife has been known to cross the highway, and in the wintertime the roads are a little more than slick.

But we don’t want you scared, we want you prepared. So, if you are driving, please take a look at our Defensive Driving Guide, and always remember to check road conditions before heading out.

Road Conditions

Colorado Department of Transportation, 877-315-7623

Vail Transportation/Parking Department, 970-479-2178

Eagle County Road & Bridge Department, 970-328-3540

When you’re off I-70, you’ll notice that Vail’s two major roadways (South Frontage Road and North Frontage Road) are connected by a series of rotary circles. The rotary circle has a formidable presence here in the Valley. Three rotary circles connect Avon and Beaver Creek’s major drag, Avon Road. They’re literally everywhere but don’t fear these intimidating ovals, we’ve got all you need to know in our Rotary Driving Guide.

However, we’ve always found that’s it’s best to leave the driving to the pros, and that’s an easy and inexpensive option thanks to the fantastic bus systems of Vail and Eagle County. The buses maintain a heavy run schedule during the high seasons and will take you anywhere your heart desires in Vail or the surrounding environs. Check the schedules on-line, or call the dispatcher.

Bus

Vail Bus & In-Town Shuttle, 970-477-3456

Eagle County Regional Transportation, 970-328-3520 ext. 1

Local’s Tips

Take the bus. It's the easiet and most effiecent way to get around Vail. And the safest, especially if you've had a few apres drinks. Remember, your body will act differently at altitude and that includes the consumption of alochol. Stay safe and ride the bus.

Take Hwy 6 to avoid traffic. As we mentioned earlier, I-70 is prone to construction, and that means delays are inevitable. Hwy 6 was the I-70 before there was an I-70, and the old road runs through every town from Minturn to Eagle. If you see traffic up ahead, turn off at your nest exit and find Hwy 6. It will be a major thoroughfare and near the heart of every town; impossible to miss. Soon you’ll be cruising to your next destination.

Vail Pass, a somewhat treacherous stretch of I-70 in the wintertime, has been known to close for hours, even days if conditions are bad. Unfortunately, I-70 is our lifeline to Denver. If you absolutely must make it to Denver and I-70 is closed, there’s an old trucker/locals route you can use. Take Hwy 24 up to Leadville, and then take Route 91 down to Copper Mountain. This route will allow you to effectively skip over the closed portion of I-70, Vail Pass. However, if the conditions are bad enough to close Vail Pass, it’s a safe bet that the alternative route we provided isn’t going to be a picnic either. Please take your time. Drive slowly and carefully. Click here for alternate route map.

Perhaps you’re more inclined to hoof it? Check out Vail’s town map or Eagle County’s Road and Street atlas to plan the best route.

Maps

Vail Village, Lionshead & Ford Park | Eagle County

But how do you get here to begin with? Well, we drove and while there’s something to be said about the beautiful majesty of the plains of Kansas, it’s really more practical to fly.

Vail is serviced by two airports, the smaller regional Eagle County Airport (45 miles from Vail via I-70) and the massive Denver International Airport (110 miles from Vail via I-70). Obviously, the Eagle County Airport doesn't accept the same volume of flights as Denver, but DIA does offer a number of connecting flights to Eagle Airport daily, if you'd prefer not to drive or take a shuttle service. Check with your carrier.

For the more independent-minded, Vail Valley Jet Center (located at the Eagle County Airport) plays host to private jets throughout the winter and summer seasons. The Jet Center has a sterling reputation and strives to equal some of the Vail Valley's finest resorts in terms of comfort and service.

Airport Conditions

Eagle County Regional Airport, 970-524-9490

Denver International Airport (DIA), 303-342-2000

Vail Valley Jet Center, 970-524-7700

Airlines

The moderately-sized Eagle County Regional Airport accepts flights from six major airlines: American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways.

The larger Denver International Airport serves as a hub for every major carrier and a number of smaller airlines. A full list of airlines that fly to DIA can be found here.

If you're flying on a private jet, be mindful of size and popularity of the Vail Valley Jet Center and be sure to call ahead as spots fill up quickly.

Vail is home to a number of limo and taxi services to shuttle you around Vail and the Valley or take you to and from DIA or Eagle. The locals' choice is Colorado Mountain Express (CME) due to their relatively inexpensive fare for the long trip to Denver.