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I’ve been flying into Denver International Airport (DIA) for ski trips for years, and honestly, I’m done with the big rental car companies. If you’ve ever tried to rent a so-called “ski-ready” car from one of them, you probably know the headache. You think you reserved an SUV, but when you get to the counter, they hand you the keys to a sedan. Or, worse, you actually get the SUV, but it’s equipped with those “all-season” tires that are practically useless in a real Colorado snowstorm.
And ski racks? Good luck. You’ll either pay an outrageous extra fee or they simply won’t have any available. So, on my last trip, I tried a new service called Winter Wagon. I’d never heard of them before, but they specialize entirely in mountain-ready vehicle rentals and private transport from Denver Airport. It was a total game-changer for our trip.
The Big Problem with “Normal” DIA Car Rentals
Here’s the issue: the major rental companies at DIA just aren’t built for skiers or mountain travelers. They cater mostly to business visitors heading downtown. When you book a “Standard SUV,” you’re basically making a bet and it’s usually a bad one.
1. The “All-Season Tire” Myth
“All-season” tires are not snow tires. In cold conditions, they get hard and lose grip. When you’re driving up I-70 into the mountains and the weather turns, those tires can become a huge liability. You’ll see cars sliding all over the road, it’s dangerous.
2. Colorado’s Traction Law
Colorado enforces a Traction Law for I-70 and other mountain routes during snow season. When it’s active (which is often), you must have one of the following:
- M+S (Mud and Snow) rated tires
- Real snow tires (with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol)
- AWD or 4WD vehicle
- Chains (which no one is putting on a rental car)
The problem? Most standard rentals don’t guarantee any of this. You could easily end up with a front-wheel-drive car and worn tires, putting you at risk for getting stuck or even fined.
3. The Gear Struggle
Trying to fit four pairs of skis and luggage into a midsize SUV like a Ford Edge? Not fun. Most rental companies don’t offer ski racks or rooftop cargo boxes either, which means your gear ends up taking over the entire car.
How Winter Wagon Solves All of This
They looked at these exact problems and built their entire business around fixing them. They’re true specialists in mountain transportation.
Real Mountain-Ready Vehicles
When you rent from this Wagon, you’re not just getting a car. You’re getting a vehicle designed for adventure travel.
- SUVs and Vans: Choose from large SUVs (like Chevy Suburbans) or spacious vans (like Ford Transits or Mercedes Sprinters). Perfect for groups and all your gear.
- Real Snow Tires: Every vehicle is equipped with genuine, three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rated snow tires. These stay soft in freezing temperatures and actually grip the road. It’s a massive safety upgrade.
- Ski Racks & Cargo Boxes: Because they knows you’re heading to the mountains, most of their vehicles come equipped with ski racks or rooftop cargo boxes. Your gear stays secure and your interior stays dry.
Don’t Want to Drive? They’ve Got You Covered
Driving I-70 in the winter can be stressful, even if you’ve got the right car. Between traffic, steep grades, and white-out conditions, it’s not for everyone. If you’d rather sit back and relax, Winter Wagon also offers private airport shuttle services.
They’ll pick you up at Denver International Airport and take you directly to your hotel or condo in major resorts such as:
- Vail
- Beaver Creek
- Breckenridge
- Keystone
- Copper Mountain
- Aspen / Snowmass
- Steamboat Springs
- And more
This isn’t a shared bus making endless stops. It’s a private van or SUV for your group only. You land, grab your bags, meet your driver, and go. No stress just mountain views and peace of mind.
Your Vacation Shouldn’t Start with Stress
The whole point of a ski trip is to relax and have fun. The last thing you need is to start it by white-knuckling a rental car up a snowy mountain pass, wondering if your tires are safe. Winter Wagon has built a service that completely changes that experience. Whether you want to drive yourself in a properly equipped vehicle or let a professional handle the drive, they’ve got you covered.
Don’t let your transportation be an afterthought, it’s one of the most important parts of your trip. If you’re flying into Denver for your next ski adventure, skip the big rental companies and check out Winter Wagon. You’ll thank yourself halfway up I-70.
