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Flying into Eagle County Airport (EGE): Getting to Vail & Beaver Creek and Renting Skis
Flying into Eagle County Airport (EGE): Getting to Vail & Beaver Creek and Renting Skis
Updated October 2026 by the Charter Sports team in the Vail Valley.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is the closest airport to Vail and Beaver Creek: about 35 miles from Vail and 22 miles from Beaver Creek and Avon, versus roughly 120 miles from Denver International. Land, get to your lodging, and pick up your skis after 1 p.m. the same day so you’re ready for the first chair.
EGE vs. Denver International at a glance
| Eagle County (EGE) | Denver International (DEN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Vail | ~35 miles (about 40 min) | ~120 miles (2–2.5 hrs) |
| Distance to Beaver Creek / Avon | ~22 miles (25–30 min) | ~130 miles (2.25–2.75 hrs) |
| Mountain passes | None | Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass |
| Flights | Seasonal nonstops from major hubs | Many more routes, often lower fares |
Getting from the airport to your lodging
- Rental car: the airport is right off I-70 in Gypsum; head east to Avon (exit 167) or Vail (exits 173 and 176).
- Shuttles and private cars: shared-ride and private transfer companies meet flights; reserve ahead in peak season.
- Hotel transfers: many Beaver Creek and Vail properties arrange airport pickups.
- In the valley: free Town of Vail buses serve Vail Village, Lionshead and West Vail, and regional buses connect Vail, Avon and Beaver Creek.
Where to rent skis after you land
| Staying in | Closest Charter Sports shop | Why it’s convenient |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver Creek | The Charter at Beaver Creek | Ski-in/ski-out via the Elkhorn lift |
| Avon | Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas | Skier Express shuttle to Beaver Creek; up to 30% off online |
| Vail – Lionshead | Lion Square Lodge or Lion Square Lodge North | Next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola; free overnight storage |
| West Vail | Highline Vail or Streamside Marriott | Up to 30% off online; free bus to the lifts |
Arriving on a flight? Book online at least 24 hours ahead to save up to 30%, then pick up after 1 p.m. the day you land. Return to any participating Charter Sports shop.
Vail ski rentals · Beaver Creek ski rentals · Avon ski rentals
Tips for fly-in skiers
- Leave your skis at home: skip airline bag fees and damage risk; rental packages start at $35 per day for juniors online.
- Bring your boots if you love them: rent skis only and we’ll adjust the bindings to your boots.
- Altitude: Vail Valley bases sit above 8,000 feet. Drink water and take day one easy.
- Weather delays: mountain airports can see winter delays, so give yourself a buffer before lessons or tours.
FAQ: flying into Eagle County Airport
How far is Eagle County Airport from Vail?
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Gypsum is about 35 miles west of Vail, roughly 40 minutes by car on I-70.
How far is Eagle County Airport from Beaver Creek and Avon?
Beaver Creek and Avon are about 22 miles from EGE, around 25 to 30 minutes by car on I-70 to exit 167.
How do I get from EGE to Vail or Beaver Creek without a car?
Shared-ride shuttles and private cars meet most flights, and many Beaver Creek and Vail hotels arrange transfers. Inside the valley, free Town of Vail buses and regional buses connect Vail, Avon and Beaver Creek.
Where should I rent skis after flying into Eagle?
Rent at the shop closest to your lodging. In Beaver Creek, Charter Sports is inside The Charter, which is ski-in/ski-out. In Avon it’s inside Sheraton Mountain Vista, and in Vail there are two Lionshead shops and two West Vail shops.
Should I fly into Denver or Eagle for a Vail ski trip?
EGE saves about 1.5 hours of driving and avoids I-70 mountain passes, but has fewer flights and higher fares. Denver International has more flights but adds a roughly 2 to 2.5 hour drive.
Related: Driving from Denver on I-70 · Vail ski trip guide · Beaver Creek ski trip guide
