Electric vehicle practical to Breck? Vail?

Question

I'm planning on staying in Silverthorne and ski at Breck, keystone and possibly Vail. This is my first visit to this area, so I'm not really familiar with it and available infrastructure, but I've been to many other skiing areas. I know that many of them are real wilderness with no access to many of the commonly accepted conveniences. Even more so during snowstorms or other inclement weather, which can often catch by surprise.

I'm thinking of renting a vehicle at DIA to drive to drive around. I noticed that most car rentals offer electric vehicles. Never used them before and have lots of questions about their practicality. It'd be fun to try it out and the distances seem to be well within the range, but I'm worried about getting stuck (especially given the possibility of low temps) and availability/convenience of chargers. E.g., I'd never drive to Vermont etc NE in an electric car.

Are there available public electric vehicles charges in Silverthorne? Is it something locals drive in any meaningful numbers? How do they handle these issues? Anything else to keep in mind?

Answer

Hi there,

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) in the Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail area is possible, but there are a few important considerations to make your trip safe and enjoyable. The high-altitude, mountainous terrain and winter conditions can impact range and charging convenience, so planning ahead is key.

EV Infrastructure and Availability:

Silverthorne has several public EV chargers, including Tesla Superchargers and Level 2 public chargers at locations like the Silverthorne Pavilion and Summit County libraries or shopping areas. These are usually reliable but may be occupied during peak ski season.
Breck, Keystone, and Vail also have public chargers, including fast-charging options at major resorts and parking garages. However, chargers may be limited at smaller lots or during snowstorms.
EVs are increasingly common in Summit County and the resort areas, so locals do drive them in meaningful numbers, but most EV drivers plan around charging availability and carry awareness of winter range reduction.

Practical Considerations for Winter EV Driving:

Cold temperatures can reduce battery range by 20–40%, depending on the model and outside temperature. Expect shorter distances than advertised, especially when climbing steep mountain roads.
Use the EV’s preconditioning feature if available, warming the battery and cabin while still plugged in to preserve range once you start driving.
Plan your route around available chargers, especially if traveling from Silverthorne to Vail (approx. 40–45 minutes) or to Keystone and Breck (10–20 minutes). It's practical for short hops like Silverthorne to Breck or Keystone, but longer trips in bad weather require careful planning.
Be prepared for slower charging times if Level 2 chargers are your only option. Superchargers are much faster but fewer in number.
Check with your car rental provider about winter tires and snow-rated EV models, as steep icy roads are common in early season skiing.

Tips from Locals:

Charge overnight at your accommodation whenever possible. Many condos or hotels in Silverthorne have EV charging stations.
Carry a backup charging plan. Know where the next charger is along your route, and consider apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint for real-time availability.
Keep your EV charged above 50% before starting mountain trips to account for uphill driving and cold weather effects.
Understand that regenerative braking in EVs works well on downhill slopes, which can help extend range back to Silverthorne after skiing trips.

In summary, driving an EV in Silverthorne and surrounding ski resorts is practical for shorter daily trips like Silverthorne to Breckenridge, Keystone, or Vail, as long as you plan your charging and account for winter range reduction. It’s a popular choice among locals, and with some preparation, you can enjoy the mountains without worrying about running out of charge.