The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will resume its Snowstang express bus service for the sixth consecutive year, starting this weekend. The service provides transportation from Denver and Lakewood to four major ski destinations: Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge (including both the town and the ski resort), Copper Mountain, and Loveland Ski Area.
Snowstang coaches will operate roundtrip every Saturday, Sunday, and on holiday Mondays through early May 2026. Service to most destinations begins on December 13, while trips to Copper Mountain start a week later on December 20. Buses depart from three locations: Denver Union Station, Regional Transportation District’s Federal Center Station in Lakewood, and the Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride at the I-70 – Morrison/Red Rocks interchange.
Tickets for a roundtrip cost $25. Seniors aged 65 and older as well as people with disabilities can access additional discounts. Children between ages 2 and 11 can ride for $12.50 roundtrip when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available online at RideBustang.com.
“There’s a good reason Snowstang is so popular,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “It’s an affordable, convenient way for people to hit the slopes without the inconvenience of dealing with the traffic or weather. And you don’t have to worry about parking. Passengers get dropped off right by the ski lifts.”
CDOT introduced Snowstang in 2019 with goals that include reducing traffic congestion during peak periods, promoting walkability within resort communities, connecting riders to other transit options in mountain areas, and improving air quality. Over five seasons of operation, more than 32,000 passengers have used the service.
“Snowstang is another way to help lessen traffic congestion and make our mountain highways safer and function more efficiently. If you’re taking Snowstang, that’s one less vehicle navigating our roadways, oftentimes during adverse weather conditions,” said CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail Director Paul DesRocher.
Each coach accommodates up to 51 passengers and features climate control systems, luggage bays, Wi-Fi access, restrooms, USB ports, and power outlets.
Passengers can find schedules or purchase tickets at RideSnowstang.com. For travel on December 13–14 or December 20–21, customers can use promo code SNOW25 for a 25% discount on ticket prices.
The bus service is operated by Ace Express Coaches of Golden under contract with CDOT.
