Summit Express, a Colorado-based transportation company known for connecting travelers between the Denver airport and the state's mountain destinations, is celebrating 15 years in business with a major expansion aimed at serving travelers across Colorado year-round.
The milestone marks a new chapter for the company as it expands its services portfolio beyond its airport-to-mountain routes. While Summit Express remains committed to the ski travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who helped build its reputation, the company is now investing heavily in transportation solutions for corporate travel, weddings, conferences, sporting events, group excursions, and customized tours throughout the state.
According to Summit Express co-owner Jackie Roppel, the expansion stands as a testament to the company's growth and its vision for expanding its status from a seasonal service provider to becoming a transportation partner for all of Colorado.
"We help over 70,000 travelers annually reach Colorado's mountain destinations," Roppel says. "Now, we're taking that experience and applying it to a much more expansive range of transportation needs across the state. Whether someone is attending a conference in Denver or exploring Colorado's outdoor destinations, we want Summit Express to be the company they trust."
Historically, Roppel notes that the majority of Summit Express' business has been tied to Colorado's tourism economy, with most of its revenue generated during ski season. The company perceived that concentration as an opportunity to build a more balanced operation capable of supporting guests throughout the year. "We have the team, the experience, and the infrastructure to support travelers wherever they need to go in Colorado," she says.
Additionally, Summit Express is working toward a long-term model where its traditional airport services and its transportation offerings each contribute equally to the business. A key part of that growth strategy is the premium transportation experiences. The company's fleet includes executive black SUVs, 14-passenger Ford Transit vans, and 35-passenger mini coach buses designed to accommodate travelers and the equipment that often accompanies Colorado adventures.
Roppel observes that corporate clients are increasingly turning to Summit Express for dependable transportation between airports, hotels, conference venues, and business meetings. The company believes many travelers value having a consistent transportation partner that delivers the same level of service on every trip, and that's what it strives to offer.
Summit Express' expansion extends into Colorado's tourism and recreation markets as well. Guests regularly book transportation for winery tours, brewery outings, casino trips, hot springs excursions, rafting adventures, golf outings, and cycling experiences. In many cases, Summit Express also helps travelers coordinate itineraries and plan entire experiences.
"We can provide transportation for a trip that a customer has already planned, or we can help build the experience from the ground up," Roppel explains. "Many groups want someone who can handle the logistics so they can focus on enjoying their time together." The company's larger vehicles offer expanded cargo capacity for bikes, golf equipment, ski gear, and oversized luggage, allowing travelers to bring everything they need without compromising comfort.
As Summit Express enters its next phase, company leadership hopes travelers recognize that its services extend far beyond airport transfers.
"I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that we're simply an airport shuttle company," Roppel says. "We're much more than that. We can support transportation for nearly any type of group experience in Colorado, and we want people to know we're here to help make those experiences seamless."
The company also credits its drivers and customer-focused approach for helping create memorable journeys. Guests often spend several hours traveling together, and Summit Express believes those rides should feel like part of the overall experience.
She says, "People put a tremendous amount of trust in us. We take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is for every guest to feel safe, cared for, and confident that they're in good hands from the moment they step into one of our vehicles."
As it celebrates 15 years of service, Summit Express insists that its focus remains on helping travelers discover more of Colorado while delivering the very services that have defined the company since its founding.
