Every vehicle in the Summit Rental Car fleet is an all-wheel-drive SUV, and our winter fleet runs snow tires. They are set up for Breckenridge roads, ski area parking lots and the drive over the mountain passes.
Our AWD SUVs
| Vehicle | Seats | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Explorer AWD | 7 | Families and ski groups on a budget |
| 2018 Ford Explorer AWD | 7 | Groups who want a newer SUV |
| 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD | 5 | Couples and small families who want more comfort |
Rear-facing car seats, front-facing car seats and booster seats are $10 per day each. Add them when you book. Every rental day includes 200 miles.
Colorado Traction Law: What Visitors Need to Know
Colorado enforces a Traction Law on I-70 and mountain highways during winter storms. When it is in effect, vehicles must have tires with at least 3/16 inch of tread and either snow tires, mud and snow (M+S) tires, or four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Vehicles without proper equipment can be fined, and fines are higher if an unprepared vehicle blocks the road.
During severe storms CDOT can also activate the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, which requires chains or an approved traction device even on AWD vehicles. When that happens, the safest choice is usually to wait until the road reopens or conditions improve.
Check current conditions at COtrip.org before you drive.
Winter Driving Tips for Breckenridge
- Give yourself extra time. Snow can slow I-70, Hoosier Pass (Highway 9) and Loveland Pass.
- Brake and turn gently. AWD helps you accelerate on snow, but it does not help you stop faster.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full and carry water, snacks and warm layers.
- Brush snow off the roof and lights before driving. It is safer and expected in Colorado.
- Park in designated lots and follow posted winter parking rules in town so you are not towed during snow removal.
Why Rent an AWD SUV in Breckenridge?
Many guests arrive by airport shuttle and then want a car for Keystone, Copper Mountain or Vail, grocery runs in Frisco, or a scenic drive. An AWD SUV with winter tires gives you that freedom without the stress of driving an unfamiliar rental from Denver in a storm.
Book Your AWD Rental
Call or text (970) 445-3092 or 303-214-4319, or check availability online. See how pickup and delivery work.
Colorado’s traction law, in plain English
When CDOT activates the traction law on I-70 or a mountain pass (it happens on most storm days from September to May), every passenger vehicle must have either 4WD/AWD with 3/16″ tread, or tires with the mountain/snowflake or M+S symbol, or chains. Fines start at $130 and go past $650 if you block the road. A front-wheel-drive car on summer tires from an airport counter does not qualify. Our cars do, every day of the year.
AWD vs. 4WD vs. chains
- AWD (what our Explorers and MKX have): always on, sends power to the wheels with grip, no buttons to press. Ideal for paved mountain roads, condo driveways and I-70.
- 4WD: a truck-style system you switch on; great for unplowed forest roads, overkill for a ski trip.
- Chains: the last resort for 2WD cars. Fiddly to fit in a snowbank at 10,000 feet and hard on the car.
Driving Hoosier, Loveland and Vail Pass
Slow down before the curves, not in them. Leave double the following distance you would at home. Downhill, use a lower gear instead of riding the brakes; the Explorer’s “L” or manual mode works well. If the road is closed, it is closed: check cotrip.org before you leave and plan a long lunch rather than waiting on the shoulder.
Our tires
We run dedicated winter tires, not all-seasons, on every vehicle. The difference on packed snow is a shorter stopping distance by a car length or two, which is the difference that matters at the bottom of Ski Hill Road.
Summit Rental Car – Breckenridge
Office: 305 S Ridge St, Unit 7906, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (by appointment)
Free pickup lot: 1680 Airport Rd, Unit C1, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Call or text (970) 445-3092 · Open 24 hours, 7 days
Delivery to Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Silverthorne and Dillon