Which Airport to Fly Into:
(A) Denver (Airport Code DEN):
1 hour and 45 minute drive.
Denver is typically the least expensive airport to get into. However, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to get to the rental car terminals.
Basically, you will be taking I-70 to route 9. It fairly scenic - but there is a lot of traffic. At the top of Loveland pass, you will go through the Eisenhower Tunnel at an elevation of 11,992 feet. It is the highest mountain pass, in the world, that regularly stays open during the snowy winter season. Colorodo DOT does their best to keep the pass operable in the winter - but it can be a challenge with the snow. Just be aware of this as you are departing Breck - trying to catch a flight out of Denver Int.
(C) Colorado Springs (Airport code COS): 2 hour and 30 minute drive.
It is a far smaller airport so rental car pick up is a breeze and the drive is very pretty. Going up little less stressful. We typically stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort - which has a fantastic Military rate. You might also want to check their AAA discounts (www.cheyennemountain.com). The drive through Manitou Springs is windy - but not difficult. If you have never been - a drive through "Garden of The God's is a free easy and scenic way to get to route 24 that will wind you up an through Manitou Springs. Depending on time - we hit the Hungry Bear Restaurant for a little down home dining in Woodland Park (111 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863 / 719-687-5912) (all the while drinking copious amounts of water). From here, it is a very rural drive all the way to Hartsel (think bio break). Just after Hartsel, you will catch 9 and be on your final approach to Breck (remember to drive slowly through Fairplay and Alma. After Alma, you will go over Hossier's Pass (11,532). It is not nearly as well traveled as Loveland Pass - so in the winter it can be a challenge. Then, as they say, it's all downhill from there...
(D) Eagle Vail (Airport Code EGE): 45 minute drive.
There are far fewer direct flights - and typically costs more than the other two airports. Here, you will be going over Vail pass - but typically not a big deal.
Final Note:
1 hour and 45 minute drive.
Denver is typically the least expensive airport to get into. However, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to get to the rental car terminals.
Basically, you will be taking I-70 to route 9. It fairly scenic - but there is a lot of traffic. At the top of Loveland pass, you will go through the Eisenhower Tunnel at an elevation of 11,992 feet. It is the highest mountain pass, in the world, that regularly stays open during the snowy winter season. Colorodo DOT does their best to keep the pass operable in the winter - but it can be a challenge with the snow. Just be aware of this as you are departing Breck - trying to catch a flight out of Denver Int.
(C) Colorado Springs (Airport code COS): 2 hour and 30 minute drive.
It is a far smaller airport so rental car pick up is a breeze and the drive is very pretty. Going up little less stressful. We typically stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort - which has a fantastic Military rate. You might also want to check their AAA discounts (www.cheyennemountain.com). The drive through Manitou Springs is windy - but not difficult. If you have never been - a drive through "Garden of The God's is a free easy and scenic way to get to route 24 that will wind you up an through Manitou Springs. Depending on time - we hit the Hungry Bear Restaurant for a little down home dining in Woodland Park (111 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863 / 719-687-5912) (all the while drinking copious amounts of water). From here, it is a very rural drive all the way to Hartsel (think bio break). Just after Hartsel, you will catch 9 and be on your final approach to Breck (remember to drive slowly through Fairplay and Alma. After Alma, you will go over Hossier's Pass (11,532). It is not nearly as well traveled as Loveland Pass - so in the winter it can be a challenge. Then, as they say, it's all downhill from there...
(D) Eagle Vail (Airport Code EGE): 45 minute drive.
There are far fewer direct flights - and typically costs more than the other two airports. Here, you will be going over Vail pass - but typically not a big deal.
Final Note:
- Breckenridge is designated as (B)
- Estimated times assume no traffic delay's.