So, you want to take a ski trip but aren’t sure where to start? Great—you’re in the right place! Traveling solo can feel daunting, but this guide will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy your adventure.
Booking and Reservations
Purchasing a Resort Pass or Ticket
If this is your first time skiing, you might not be familiar with how ski passes work. Most ski resorts in Colorado belong to one of two major networks: Ikon or Epic. The pass you purchase gives you access to resorts within that specific network.
Here are some of the major resorts near Denver for each pass:
- Epic Pass Resorts: Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek
- Ikon Pass Resorts: Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Eldora
Each pass varies in price, duration, and resort access, so it’s best to choose one based on your travel plans. Consider how many days you’ll ski, which mountains you want to visit, and what fits within your budget.
Travel to the Resorts
Once you’ve chosen your pass and picked your destinations, it’s time to plan how you’ll get there. All of these resorts are located in the mountains west of Denver, typically a 1–2 hour drive from Denver International Airport.
You have a few transportation options:
Driving Yourself: Renting a car at the airport is the most flexible option, especially if you want to visit multiple resorts. Make sure to rent a vehicle with AWD or 4WD, particularly if snow is in the forecast. Some mountain highways even require tire chains if your vehicle doesn’t meet traction laws. While car rentals can be pricey, safety should never be compromised—even on a budget.
Epic Pass: Epic Mountain Express offers direct shuttle service from the airport to Epic resort areas.
Ikon Pass: Amtrak runs a two-hour train from Denver’s Union Station straight to the base of Winter Park—an affordable and scenic option.
There are also various shuttle services available to get to the various resorts, but they may be more expensive.
Picking a Place to Stay
When choosing where to stay, think about how far you’ll be from the resort and what fits your budget. During peak season, hotels and resort lodging fill up quickly—and prices go up fast. Once you decide to take the trip, try to book your reservation as soon as possible.
If you’re looking to save money, I recommend staying at a hostel or Airbnb. One of my favorite spots is The Pad in Silverthorne, a small mountain town. It’s the closest to Keystone and just a 30-minute drive from Vail and Breckenridge.
Copper and Winter Park are also easy to reach from Silverthorne. While staying there, I’ve met lots of other solo travelers. A few of us even ended up skiing together at the resorts.
It’s also worth noting that many resorts have local bus systems. If you want to avoid the hassle of parking, plan to stay somewhere near a resort bus stop.
That way, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot or paying for parking. The bus systems make it easy to get to and from the slopes without a car. This can make getting to and from the slopes much more convenient.
Checking the Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly. Snowfall makes roads tricky—especially if you don’t have much experience driving in it—so check the forecast before heading up.
Highways get packed on Friday nights and Saturday mornings as people head to the resorts. The same goes for Sunday evenings when folks drive back to Denver or Colorado Springs. Low visibility and heavy snow can lead to accidents and major traffic jams. If you’re driving, top off your gas tank—you don’t want to be stuck in traffic with low fuel. You can check road conditions to the resorts here.
At the Resort
Hitting the Slopes Safely
Like any sport, skiing comes with its own set of risks—especially when conditions change due to weather or heavy crowds. That’s why practicing good risk management is essential.
As a solo traveler, it’s especially important to stay aware of your surroundings. Snow and trail conditions can shift throughout the day, so plan accordingly. Always let someone you trust know your plans for the day, including which resort you’re at, which trails you’re aiming for, and when you expect to return.
Even a quick text before heading out can go a long way in making sure someone knows where you are, just in case.
Food
Bringing a PB&J sandwich for a quick lunch break on the chairlift can be surprisingly refreshing. It gives you the energy to hit a few more runs. You’ll find grocery stores in the nearby towns around the resorts where you can grab ingredients for a homemade meal.
If you’ve never skied before, even a few hours on the slopes can be exhausting. That’s why packing snacks for the day is a great idea to help boost your energy. My go-to snacks are granola bars and fruit strips. But feel free to bring anything you enjoy eating on the go.
Just keep in mind—your snacks might get a little squished if you fall on them. And don’t forget to carry out any trash!
Equipment and Gear
Renting
If you’re renting gear, you’ve got a few options. Budget-conscious? Local rental shops usually offer better rates than the resorts. They offer different selections in rentals, and many are incredibly friendly and great services. Most shops also sell jackets, pants, helmets, and gloves if you’re missing anything.
If convenience is more important to you than cost, consider renting your gear at the resort. Most resorts have rental shops in the village areas. You can pick up everything you need there before heading up the slopes.
Flying Your Own Equipment
If you already have your main gear—whether it’s a snowboard or skis—you might be wondering how to get it to the mountains. Don’t sweat it! Most airlines actually make it pretty straightforward to fly with large equipment. Your gear will be treated as oversized baggage, and while it may cost a bit extra, fees vary by airline and the size of your equipment.
To avoid any surprise charges, be sure to check your airline’s baggage policy in advance.
When you arrive in Denver, you’ll typically find your gear at the oversized baggage carousel located in the same baggage claim area as your assigned flight.
Taking Breaks and Hydrating
When you’re having fun on the slopes, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Most resorts have water refill stations scattered around, so you can top off your bottle or grab a sip when you need it. Staying hydrated is key to feeling good—even after you’re done skiing.
The high altitude can affect your body more than you might expect. It’s common to get headaches or feel sick and nauseous. Taking regular breaks to rest and drink water can really help you feel better and enjoy your time on the mountain.
Once your done skiing, make sure to give yourself plenty of rest too! The combination of skiing and being in the altitude can be incredibly tiring, and you may feel really sore afterwards. Taking the time to stretch or take an afternoon nap can do wonders after long day on the slopes!
A solo ski trip may seem intimidating, but with the right planning, it can be a fun and empowering experience. From picking your pass to packing your snacks, each step gets you closer to an unforgettable adventure. Trust yourself, take it one day at a time, and enjoy the ride—mountains and all.
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