Getting to Vail
Everything you need to know for a smooth drive from Denver to the mountain.
Drive time
1 hr 52 min
Denver Tech Center → Evergreen Lodge, Vail
Depart by
5:30 AM
Thursday, March 4 — from Denver Marriott
The Drive to Vail
Take I-70 West from Denver. The drive is straightforward — one highway the whole way. Leave by 5:30 AM to beat traffic and arrive in time for rentals and first chair.
Open in Google MapsDay-of timeline
- 1
5:30 AM
Depart Denver
Leave from the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Carpool with fellow attendees — coordinate the night before at Wednesday dinner.
- 2
En route
I-70 West
Head west on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel and into the Rockies. The drive is scenic and straightforward — no complicated turns.
- 3
~7:30 AM
Arrive at Evergreen Lodge
Pull into the Evergreen Lodge lot at 250 S Frontage Rd W. Check in, drop your bags, and get ready for the mountain.
- 4
After arrival
Ski Rentals
Head to Venture Sports for ski and snowboard rentals. Lift tickets are provided — no need to stop at the ticket window.
- 5
8:30 AM
Slopes Open
First chair is at 8:30 AM. Meet at Gondola One and let the mountain magic begin.
Arrival tips
Check road conditions
I-70 through the mountains can have closures or chain laws in winter. Check CDOT at cotrip.org before you leave.
Fill up before you go
Gas is significantly cheaper in Denver than in Vail. Fill your tank the night before or at the DTC before hitting the highway.
Dress in layers
You'll be going from a warm car to cold mountain air quickly. Have your base layers accessible so you can change at the lodge without unpacking everything.
Leave on time
The 5:30 AM departure is intentional — it gets you ahead of ski traffic and gives you time to settle in before rentals open.