Flying in from Texas with two kids under four
The Nguyens fly from Austin to Denver every January for a week in Vail. Dad skis. Mom skis. The three-year-old is in ski school. The 18-month-old is in resort childcare. They used to rent an SUV at DIA.
"Last year we landed at 2 PM, waited 45 minutes at the rental counter, then drove I-70 in a snowstorm in an unfamiliar Jeep with Texas plates," David told us. "My wife was holding the baby's hand because the car seat wasn't tight enough in the rental — you can't really install them properly in a rental lot, and I was white-knuckling Vail Pass at 25 mph. We got to the condo at 6:30 PM. The kids were melting down. My wife said never again."
Car seats installed before they landed
We put them in a Suburban with a driver who's logged 3,000+ trips on I-70 since 2018. Both car seats were installed and safety-checked before the family landed. When they walked out of DIA, the car was idling at the curb — warm cabin, car seats buckled, kids' snacks in a cooler (David mentioned the 3-year-old loves goldfish crackers when he booked).
They were in the vehicle within 8 minutes of walking out of the terminal. No counter. No shuttle to a lot. No wrestling with car seat LATCH systems in a parking garage.
I-70 in January, as told by someone who does it daily
The drive from DIA to Vail is 97 miles. In summer, it's 90 minutes. In January, it depends on the mountain. That afternoon, CDOT had a traction law in effect from Georgetown to the Eisenhower Tunnel, with chain restrictions on Vail Pass.
Their driver — annual ice-driving certified, 15 years on Colorado mountain roads — took I-70 at a pace that kept the family safe and the kids asleep. He knew which lane moves through the tunnel. He knew where the visibility drops on the Pass. He knew to exit at the west Vail exit instead of the main ramp because traffic backs up a quarter mile at the main ramp on Friday afternoons.
They arrived at their condo at 4:45 PM. Both kids were asleep. David carried them in. His wife said: "That was the first time I've arrived in Vail and felt like the vacation had already started."
The car seats were already installed when we walked out. The kids had snacks. My wife actually relaxed on the drive for the first time in four years of this trip.— David N., Austin, TX
The Full Picture
- Door-to-door DIA to Vail in 2 hours 35 minutes (during a traction law advisory)
- Both car seats professionally installed before landing
- Kids' snacks, water, and blankets in the vehicle
- Return trip on Saturday: driver arrived at 8 AM, drove the family back to DIA for a noon flight
- The Nguyens have booked Arion for every ski trip since — and added a summer trip to Aspen
Let someone who knows the road do the driving
Car seats installed. Gear loaded. Mountain roads handled. Your vacation starts at the airport curb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle fits a family with skis and luggage?
Ski luggage, not passenger count, is the constraint. Subtract roughly one seat per two hard ski cases. A family of five with equipment is usually more comfortable in a coach van than in an SUV rated for five.
Are child seats available?
Yes, with advance notice at booking. Tell dispatch the child's age and weight so the correct seat is installed before the vehicle leaves for the pickup.
How long is the transfer from DEN to Vail?
About three hours in good conditions for the 120 miles. During an active storm or Sunday afternoon eastbound traffic, plan four.
Can the chauffeur stop for groceries or a rental shop on the way?
Yes. Intermediate stops are common on resort transfers and are easier to accommodate when they are on the reservation rather than added mid-trip.
Is the vehicle equipped for traction law conditions?
Yes. Our vehicles run traction-law-compliant tires and equipment, and chauffeurs are ice-driving trained under our written Driver Excellence Manual and SOP.
Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 by Arion dispatch. Rates, policies and Colorado Department of Transportation rules are subject to change; call (970) 703-4995 for current details.