A free shuttle service has officially launched in Leadville, offering weekend transportation to Ski Cooper, one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain resorts. The new service, which began this ski season, aims to improve access to the resort while reducing parking congestion and easing travel burdens for visitors and employees.
The shuttle operates every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., with departures from downtown Leadville scheduled at the top of every hour, except during a noon lunch break when the shuttle temporarily pauses service.
The pickup location is just outside the historic Tabor Opera House, near 3rd Street and Harrison Avenue. A sandwich board sign marks the boarding area, providing a clear meeting point for skiers and snowboarders looking to avoid the hassle of driving and parking at the mountain.
The shuttle is operated by the same service that runs Leadville’s weekday routes and is fully equipped for winter travel. The vehicle features all-terrain studded snow tires, ensuring safety on snowy mountain roads.
Shuttle driver Nick Hatfield, who previously served town-based routes, expressed his excitement about the change of pace. “Better views, it’s been fun,” he said, noting that the shuttle drops passengers off just a short distance from the lifts. “If it is busy, some people would have a 500-yard walk to the lift, and I think a 10-yard walk to the lift is a little better.”
That shorter walk can make a big difference for skiers hauling gear or families with young children. Instead of trudging across icy parking lots, riders can disembark just steps away from the action.
Leadville local Shannon Grant, who took the shuttle herself on a recent Sunday morning, believes the service holds strong potential, even if its long-term viability is still being assessed. “We don’t know yet because it is brand new. I think this season will tell us whether or not this is something to keep doing,” she said. “I’m excited that Ski Cooper and the county are giving it a shot.”
In addition to serving tourists, the shuttle offers a vital transportation link for Ski Cooper employees who may not have cars or prefer not to drive in winter conditions. It’s more than a convenience—it’s a resource that improves accessibility to the workplace.
Beyond that, the shuttle helps alleviate environmental concerns by reducing vehicle traffic and emissions. With fewer cars vying for limited parking near the resort, the system promotes a more sustainable model for winter recreation.
Local businesses in Leadville will also likely benefit from the increased foot traffic. Visitors may be encouraged to grab coffee, breakfast, or shop before catching their ride to the slopes, giving a welcome boost to the downtown economy.
A representative from Ski Cooper expressed support for the service, noting that it enhances the guest experience and provides practical benefits for resort operations. “This kind of initiative is exactly what we need. It gets people out of their cars and onto the mountain faster, safer, and more relaxed.”
While the shuttle has already received positive feedback, organizers will continue monitoring usage throughout the season. Community response and ridership levels will help determine whether the program continues beyond this winter or expands with additional service days or stops.
For now, the shuttle represents an innovative, forward-thinking approach to transportation in one of Colorado’s highest mountain towns. With free service, easy pickup, safe vehicles, and a direct drop-off at Ski Cooper, the new shuttle quickly becomes a local favorite.
And for those who’ve ever carried skis across a snow-packed lot in frozen boots, it’s more than just a bus—it’s a better way to start the day on the slopes.
