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A switchback on Highway 82 below Independence Pass
Getting around  ·  Private car

Aspen to Breckenridge

Two resorts on opposite sides of the Divide: which road is open, and a private car that knows both.

Photo: Rick Kimpel, CC BY-SA 2.0 · All credits

In winter, Aspen to Breckenridge means Highway 82 west to Glenwood Springs and I-70 east to Summit County, because Independence Pass is closed. In summer the pass opens a shorter route via Leadville. We arrange a private car door to door.

Routes and road rules below come from the Aspen Chamber, CDOT, RFTA and town sources, checked November 10, 2026. Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and traffic.

Paul Montiel  ·  Aspen  ·  Updated November 2026

IThe drive

Aspen to Breckenridge: route and timing

Route
Winter: Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs, I-70 east to Frisco, Highway 9 to Breckenridge. Summer: Independence Pass, Leadville and Highway 91 over Fremont Pass.
Winter
Independence Pass (Highway 82 east) is closed; the drive goes west to Glenwood Springs and then east on I-70.Colorado's traction law applies on I-70 in winter.
Summer
With the pass open (late May to autumn), Highway 82 over Independence Pass is the shorter way east; vehicles 35 ft or longer are not permitted.
Time
We confirm the timing for the day you travel, from the route that is open.No official drive time is published for this route.
The car

A private car, Aspen to Breckenridge

The car is arranged through authorized local providers: a winter-equipped SUV for up to five with ski luggage, or a Sprinter for up to twelve; child and booster seats on request; the price confirmed before anything is booked. Send the date and the group; we confirm the vehicle, the route for that day and the price.

IIPlanning

Making the trip easy

Daylight

Mountain roads are easier in daylight; in winter we plan departures so most of the drive happens before dark.

Luggage and skis

An SUV carries five with ski bags; for more people or gear, a Sprinter or a second car.

Split stays

Skiing both on one trip: move mid-morning, avoid Friday afternoons on I-70, and have the next house ready when you arrive.

Winter roads

Independence Pass is closed in winter

CDOT closed Highway 82 over Independence Pass for the 2026–27 winter on November 3; it reopens in spring, typically around Memorial Day weekend. Until then every route east goes via Glenwood Springs and I-70. Your phone's map may not know; your driver does.

Common questions

Can you drive from Aspen to Breckenridge in winter?

Yes, via Glenwood Springs and I-70. Independence Pass is closed in winter.

Is there a shuttle from Aspen to Breckenridge?

There is no direct scheduled resort-to-resort service; a private car is the simple way.

Which is shorter in summer?

Independence Pass, when it is open; we choose the route on the day.

Around the drive

The car, timed to the day; the house ready when you arrive.

Discover more

Roads, known

Before you drive

The Aspen Privé Brief

Travel notes for the winter

Road closures, airport changes and the routes in and out of Aspen.

Written from Aspen by Paul Montiel. A few letters a season, only when something matters. Leave any time; we never share your address.
Sources

Aspen Chamber: getting to Aspen by car · CDOT: Independence Pass closed for winter (Nov 2026)  — checked November 10, 2026.

Continue
Aspen to Breckenridge

Want the car arranged?

Send the date, the group and the bags. We choose the route that is open that day and confirm the car.

Also worth arranging
Arrange the car
Paul Montiel  ·  Founder, Aspen Privé
+1 (970) 315-2060  ·  paul@aspenprive.com