Quick Fact
Eagle County Transit’s ECO Transit runs buses between Vail and Beaver Creek every half hour from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. A one-way ticket costs just $7.
What’s the lay of the land between Vail and Beaver Creek?
Tucked into Colorado’s Rockies, Vail and Beaver Creek sit side by side in the Gore Range. By 2026, they’re part of the biggest free public transit network for any ski destination in the country—no car needed. The villages sit about 100 miles west of Denver and 20 miles south of Eagle, Colorado, right off Interstate 70.
How often does the shuttle run, and what’s the cost?
| Route | Distance | Frequency | Cost (one-way) | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vail to Beaver Creek | 12.7 miles | Every 30 minutes | $7 | 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
| Beaver Creek to Vail | 12.7 miles | Every 30 minutes | $7 | 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
The Town of Vail’s free transit system runs year-round, covering Vail Village, Lionshead, and Vail Mountain. Beaver Creek has its own free shuttle inside the village. Parking at both spots is free during the day; overnight parking runs $35 a night in Vail Village or Lionshead. In Vail’s Red Sandstone Garage, you can park up to 72 hours for free as of 2026 Vail Transit.
Any fun history behind the connection?
Vail Resort has owned both mountains since the 1980s, when Vail Associates expanded west from its original ski area. By 2026, Vail Resorts runs 37 resorts across North America and Australia, with Beaver Creek acting as a top-tier spot famous for its service and beginner slopes. The villages sit along Bachelor Gulch, so you can ski straight from one mountain to the other. Beaver Creek’s summit tops out at 11,440 feet with a 4,040-foot drop, while Vail’s sits at 11,570 feet with a 3,450-foot drop—both offer terrain for every skill level Vail Resorts.
Beaver Creek leans into its “champagne powder” reputation with a quieter, upscale feel. Vail, on the other hand, is all about lively après-ski and a European-style village. The area’s also a leader in green mountain operations, running electric buses and zero-waste programs that earned praise from the National Park Service.
How do visitors usually get from Denver to Vail or Beaver Creek?
Most folks fly into Denver International Airport, then hop on ECO Transit Route 30/34 or a private shuttle—about an hour forty-five minutes if traffic cooperates. As of 2026, the RTD A-Line train from Denver to Eagle County Regional Airport connects straight to ECO Transit, making the trip smoother. Peak season (December–March) brings higher shuttle and hotel prices, averaging around $200 a night in Vail and $300 in Beaver Creek—so public transit beats renting a car Colorado Ski Country USA.
Summer visitors can take the Beaver Creek Summer Gondola up to high-alpine trails, though some guided hikes need a paid lift ticket. Both villages keep noise and parking rules tight to protect the mountain environment, so campers should stick to designated lots. Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, the shuttle network runs 362 days a year—only shutting down in May and October for maintenance.
