A question that's frequently asked in the initial stages of planning a Breckenridge, Colorado ski vacation is "how do I get to Breckenridge and how will I get around once I'm there?" Travelers are faced with a number of airport options as well as a myriad of transportation options once they are on the ground. While the variety of choices may seem a bit daunting at first, a better understanding of them is sure to help you plan a successful trip to the Rocky Mountains.

If you are flying into Colorado, your destination of choice should be the Denver International Airport. DIA Is far closer to Breckenridge than Colorado Springs and offers a greater array of transportation options to get you to the mountains once you arrive. Don't buy into the myth that flying into Eagle-Vail will save you time. This airport is just as far from Breckenridge as Denver's and you'll most likely end up with a layover at DIA along the way.

The next step in planning your vacation is determining how you'll get from the airport to Breckenridge. Your choices here include shuttles, private car services, limousines and car rentals. A shared ride shuttle is the most economical option for your party and includes door to door service from the airport to your accommodations. This service typically includes transportation in 10-passenger van, outfitted with ski racks to carry your equipment and luggage. The down side to shuttle services is that you're sharing the ride with people you don't know and may be stopping at their lodging properties before being dropped off at your own.

Private car and limousine services provide a chauffeured, high end transportation experience for those seeking the exclusivity of their own vehicle. Transport is typically provided in Cadillac sedans, Chevrolet Suburbans or Executive Vans depending on the size of your party. Vehicles include luxuries such as leather seats, DVD players and complimentary bottled water. Private cars and limousines provide direct transportation to your accommodations with no stops along the way, unless of course you request them.

The above options are the most popular choices for travelers visiting Breckenridge. They prevent you from having to navigate a wintry interstate and alleviate the hassles of having to find parking for your vehicle after reaching your accommodations. The town's pedestrian-oriented nature makes the need for your own vehicle virtually nonexistent, with nearly all shopping and restaurant options being located along the historic Main Street corridor. Guests leaving their vehicles at home will find Breckenridge offers a convenient, complimentary public bus system known as the FreeRide, in addition to a new public gondola, the BreckConnect. If you're seeking to travel beyond the borders of the town, the Summit Stage bus provides free county-wide transportation. Several private ski shuttles also operate in the immediate area with regularly scheduled service to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin.

Guests seeking to have a vehicle at their disposal while on vacation will find car rental the most convenient option for them. 4-wheel-drive SUVs are highly recommended for travel in the winter months as the I-70 interstate can become extremely treacherous during frequent snowstorms. Car rental is generally the most convenient option for visitors seeking to explore Breckenridge's sister resorts without having to hire a private ski shuttle each day. Be advised that you should plan on paying for parking each time you travel to a neighboring ski area and that airport surcharges may be as high as 24% of your quoted car rental costs. The town of Breckenridge does become congested during the winter months which can lead to a shortage of parking, even at your accommodations.

When considering transportation options, contemplate your comfort level with winter driving conditions as well as whether having a vehicle will be an asset or a hindrance to you. It's also a good idea to check with your lodging provider as to whether they provide complimentary shuttle service within the town. Book your reservations well in advance to ensure the vehicle or transportation service that best suits your needs will be available upon your arrival.

Although selecting your method of transport isn't the most important decision you'll make when planning your Breckenridge ski vacation, it's one that could drastically affect the convenience and comfort of your trip. By weighing a few simple options and conditions, you should easily arrive at the option that works best for your party. No matter how you choose to get here, enjoy your flight, the gorgeous ride up and the number one ski resort in North America.