While Colorado’s I-70 mountain corridor is the gateway to outdoor recreation, it can also be a source of frustration for skiers and snowboarders. But more travelers are discovering a solution that benefits both their wallet and the environment: carpooling. During the 2023-24 ski season, data from major Colorado resorts shows this trend is gaining impressive momentum.
Success Stories from Colorado Resorts
Arapahoe Basin Innovates
A-Basin’s innovative “pay-to-park or free for carpooling” program has shown remarkable results. Between 65-75% of vehicles in the Early Riser lot over the past two seasons were carpoolers. This success has had a ripple effect, with parking lot shuttles seeing reduced crowding as more families and high-occupancy vehicles secure spots in the Early Riser lot.
Keystone’s Expanded Initiative
Keystone Resort made a bold move to encourage sustainable transportation by expanding their River Run carpool parking by approximately 600 spaces. The results? A dramatic increase in carpooling by more than 30%. This expansion demonstrates how improved infrastructure can drive significant behavioral change.
Breckenridge’s Financial Incentives
Breckenridge Ski Resort reported a 9% increase in carpool utilization this winter, driven by substantial discounts for vehicles with four or more occupants. Their 2024-25 season pricing structure offers compelling savings for vehicles with four or more occupants:
- $8.50 off on non-peak days
- $13.50 off on peak days
- 50% discount in primary lots (North and South Gondola Lots)
- Same discounts available in premium lots at The Stables and Beaver Run
Copper Mountain’s Creative Approach
Copper Mountain activated its “Stoke Police” program twice during the 2023-24 ski season, offering unique rewards for carpoolers during high-volume weekends. Cars with three or more passengers can receive:
- One-day Fast Tracks access which allows:
- Priority lift line access on eight popular lifts
- 30-minutes of early access to the American Eagle chairlift
Why Carpool on I-70?
- Save money – split fuel costs, share parking fees, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and take advantage of carpool parking discounts and benefits at many resorts
- In many cases, carpool parking spots are closer to the base area, giving you quicker access to the lifts!
- You’re not just cutting down on traffic—you’re part of the solution to decrease congestion
- Reduce carbon emissions to help protect the environments we all love to explore
- Enhance safety – less cars on the road means less crashes, and safer travel conditions for all
Tips for I-70 Mountain Corridor Carpooling
- Download the TreadShare app, which matches drivers and riders so they can share the trip
- Join local skiing/snowboarding social media groups to find carpooling buddies
- Connect with colleagues who ski or ride
The success stories from A-Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain demonstrate that carpooling initiatives work when resorts provide the right infrastructure and incentives. As Colorado’s population continues to grow and more people seek mountain recreation, these programs aren’t just convenient—they’re becoming essential to maintaining accessible and enjoyable mountain experiences.
The momentum behind carpooling on I-70 is growing, and the data proves it’s working. Whether you’re motivated by environmental concerns, cost savings, or simply getting to the slopes faster, carpooling offers multiple benefits that make it worth exploring.