Denver to Vail
Oct 21st, 2006, 08:09 PM
#1
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Denver to Vail
We are a group of 13 (8 adults; 5 kids) travelling to Vail in January for two weeks skiing. We are flying into Denver - would we be better off using the shuttle serice or renting two vehicles? I always think you pay a premium for renting at the airport. Any recommendationa or suggestions would be welcomed.
Oct 21st, 2006, 10:00 PM
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I went from DEN to the Vail Cascade Hotel in January 06. I decided to take the Express shuttle. I think it was like 68.00 round trip.
We had a great driver both ways, an Aussie working in Vail for the 'summer'. Cute guy.
Anyway, it would have been nice to have a car during the week I was there BUT there were horrible snow storms on the day in AND the day out. Wrecks all over the place and visibility was pretty dismal. I think they may have a significant discount for 12 people in a party. I want to say it was called Rocky Mountain Express or something like that...
We had a great driver both ways, an Aussie working in Vail for the 'summer'. Cute guy.
Anyway, it would have been nice to have a car during the week I was there BUT there were horrible snow storms on the day in AND the day out. Wrecks all over the place and visibility was pretty dismal. I think they may have a significant discount for 12 people in a party. I want to say it was called Rocky Mountain Express or something like that...
Oct 22nd, 2006, 04:36 AM
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We have done this trip for years. For that number I would definitely rent two vehicles and start looking now. The shuttles used to be $25 and it might have been cost effective to use them. IF the RT fare the other poster quoted is correct, it might be still cost effective. We paid $50 OW a year or so ago from Breckenridge.
Shop NOW for your car. Look on Hotwire first for the vehicle you want. This will give you all the taxes, etc. Then bid on PL. The taxes, etc. will be added on but you will know what you are bidding/expecting. A couple of years ago I had a GREAT price on a 4WD, delayed 2 weeks and it was gone.
I think I paid under $400/week for a minivan on President's Day week-end 2 years ago.
Even if you break even on the price of the rentals you may want to use the vehicle to shop at nearby supermarkets. I don't know where you are staying but shopping in Vail Village for food is expensive.
Yes, airport rental is expensive and particularly at DIA, BUT if you bid on PL or through Hotwire I have usually saved half at the very least.
As for the weather, we have rarely left the ski areas in less than a blizzard--honestly!! The roads are quickly plowed, the Eisenhower Tunnel is backed up, the going is slow, but we have never been delayed more than a half hour (amazingly so--it just seems longer!) It is a 2 hour drive from DIA to Vail.
And I will say that the shuttle drivers are indeed "cute". Especially when they "have to" stop at the convenience stores for a half hour for you to get drinks, etc.
Shop NOW for your car. Look on Hotwire first for the vehicle you want. This will give you all the taxes, etc. Then bid on PL. The taxes, etc. will be added on but you will know what you are bidding/expecting. A couple of years ago I had a GREAT price on a 4WD, delayed 2 weeks and it was gone.
I think I paid under $400/week for a minivan on President's Day week-end 2 years ago.
Even if you break even on the price of the rentals you may want to use the vehicle to shop at nearby supermarkets. I don't know where you are staying but shopping in Vail Village for food is expensive.
Yes, airport rental is expensive and particularly at DIA, BUT if you bid on PL or through Hotwire I have usually saved half at the very least.
As for the weather, we have rarely left the ski areas in less than a blizzard--honestly!! The roads are quickly plowed, the Eisenhower Tunnel is backed up, the going is slow, but we have never been delayed more than a half hour (amazingly so--it just seems longer!) It is a 2 hour drive from DIA to Vail.
And I will say that the shuttle drivers are indeed "cute". Especially when they "have to" stop at the convenience stores for a half hour for you to get drinks, etc.
Oct 22nd, 2006, 08:08 AM
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You can price the cost of shuttle service at www.ridecme.com There are options for large groups as well as individuals.
If you're skiing for 2 weeks you can use your Vail pass at Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone and A-Basin. You might want to try some of the other mountains to get a bit of variety. Keystone has night skiing. You can take a bus but a car would be much easier.
Keep in mind, you can also rent a car locally. When I go for 2 weeks over the holidays this year, I'll take a shuttle to Summit County and rent a car just for a few days from Enterprise.
If you're skiing for 2 weeks you can use your Vail pass at Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone and A-Basin. You might want to try some of the other mountains to get a bit of variety. Keystone has night skiing. You can take a bus but a car would be much easier.
Keep in mind, you can also rent a car locally. When I go for 2 weeks over the holidays this year, I'll take a shuttle to Summit County and rent a car just for a few days from Enterprise.
Oct 22nd, 2006, 09:25 AM
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I would also get a car or two (try breeze.net), and plan a couple of side trips: Glenwood Springs for the giant hot springs pool, maybe Leadville, whatever, for a break from using the same muscles every day. (13 round trip shuttles will be very expensive!)
