Quick Info
Nearby resorts: Breckenridge (9 mi), Keystone (10 mi), Copper Mountain (8 mi), A-Basin (17 mi). Free bus: Summit Stage connects all resorts. Advantage: Stay central, ski different mountains, avoid parking.
Frisco's central Summit County location makes it ideal for skiers who want to explore multiple resorts. Four major ski areas sit within 20 minutes, all accessible by free bus. You can ski Breckenridge one day, Keystone the next, and try Copper or A-Basin without moving hotels.
The trade-off: you're not slopeside. But you gain lower lodging costs, a real town with local restaurants, and flexibility. Many repeat Summit County visitors prefer Frisco's base-camp approach to staying at any single resort.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Breckenridge
Distance: 9 miles, 15-20 minutes. Bus: Summit Stage to Breck.
The most popular resort in Summit County. Five peaks, extensive terrain, historic town. Gets crowded, especially weekends. Excellent for all levels with good beginner and advanced terrain.
Keystone
Distance: 10 miles, 15-20 minutes. Bus: Summit Stage to Keystone.
Three mountains, excellent night skiing, family-friendly. Often less crowded than Breck. Good intermediate terrain. The Outback has challenging runs.
Copper Mountain
Distance: 8 miles, 12-15 minutes. Bus: Summit Stage to Copper.
Natural terrain separation—beginner on one side, expert on the other. Often the least crowded of the Ikon resorts. Excellent for all abilities.
Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin)
Distance: 17 miles, 25-30 minutes. Bus: Summit Stage.
High elevation (13,050 feet summit), longest season in Colorado. No-frills, locals' favorite. Challenging terrain and famous for spring skiing into June.
Summit Stage Bus
The Summit Stage is a free public transit system connecting all Summit County towns and ski resorts. For Frisco visitors, it's the easiest way to ski without driving or parking.
Routes from Frisco:
- Blue Route: Frisco to Breckenridge
- Green Route: Frisco to Keystone
- Copper/A-Basin: Check current routes
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes during ski season. First buses run early for first chair.
Stops: Multiple stops in Frisco including the Transit Center on Main Street.
Ski gear: Yes, the buses accommodate skis and snowboards.
Driving to Resorts
If you prefer driving, all resorts have parking, though lots fill early on powder days and holidays.
Breckenridge: Paid parking in town and at base areas. Free parking at outlying lots with shuttle.
Keystone: Free parking at River Run and Mountain House.
Copper Mountain: Paid parking at base. Arrives early for closer spots.
A-Basin: Free parking, but lots fill on powder days. Arrive very early for best access.
Passes: Ikon vs Epic
Ikon Pass: Covers Copper Mountain, A-Basin, Winter Park, Steamboat, and many others.
Epic Pass: Covers Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, and many others.
From Frisco: Both passes have nearby options. Epic gives you Breck and Keystone. Ikon gives you Copper and A-Basin. Consider which pass aligns with your ski style.
Tips
Take the bus. Avoid parking stress and expense. Plus, you can grab a beer after skiing.
Check resort webcams. Conditions vary between mountains. One might be sunny while another is in clouds.
A-Basin for spring skiing. It stays open latest, often into June. Perfect for late-season trips.
Copper for avoiding crowds. Generally less packed than Breck, especially midweek.
Night skiing at Keystone. The only Summit County resort with extensive night skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which resort is best for beginners?
Keystone and Copper both have excellent beginner terrain with natural progression. Breck's beginner area is good but crowded.
Which resort is best for experts?
A-Basin for steep, challenging terrain. Breck's Peak 6 and Imperial Bowl for hike-to extreme skiing.
Is the Summit Stage reliable?
Yes, very. It runs consistently during ski season with frequent service. Check schedules for exact times.
Can I ski multiple resorts in one day?
Theoretically, but not practical. Better to ski one resort fully, then try another the next day.
What about Loveland?
Loveland is 20 miles east on I-70. Good affordable option, not on the Ikon or Epic pass. Worth considering if you want variety.