We need to rent a car for skiing in Steamboat and Vail in January 2009 pick up and return Denver airport. do we need a 4 wheel drive? What is a good reliable cheap rental car company? Many thanks Kate

We've used Budget in both places. Had no complaints. If you're sticking to main roads, 4W useful but not necessary. If you're not, probably can't rent one anyway.

FYI, there's no such thing as a cheap car rental at DEN.

We rented a 4x4 Suburban from Avis at DEN to visit DS living in Steamboat Springs two years ago. There were 5 of us, plus ski equipment, so the extra room was nice.

We stayed in Steamboat five days. Weather was nice for three of them, snowy and blowy for two (including the ride in). We stayed in the Ranch at Steamboat, which is a pretty good drive up the hill. We drove through Rabbit Ear Pass three times, which is often restricted to 4x4s or cars with tire chains in the winter.

Overall, we were glad to have the 4x4, and plan to rent one again this winter. If you have a smaller group traveling, another option would be to find a rental car company that can guarantee you an AWD vehicle, such as a Subaru.

I don't agree with EricH about DIA rentals, but starting RIGHT now is a good idea. It will be cheaper now for that time period.
I don't think you need a 4WD for those places--they are accessible by wellmaintained roads.
I look on HOtwire for the time and get the price there that will include all the taxes. Then bid on Priceline, knowing what will be added.

thanks for the info, Avis seems to be the best. We will think about Priceline as well. cheers Kate

Why do you say Avis is best? I REALLY recommend you look on HOtwire first, although I see you are out of the country so you may not be able to bid on PL.

You could also try this site:
http://www.carrentals.com/

My husband and I used it in May for our trip to Hawaii & it ended up costing us only $8.00/day!

Coloradoians, do you often have to chain up going 70 to Vail? In California in January, we have to chain up a lot so I would totally recommend a 4Wheel drive so you don't have to chain up. Plus, once you get off the highway, you may need it to keep from sliding around.

Ronda -- never for passenger cars. The requirement is chains or adequate snow tires. No one checks. We have a much different kind of snow that does not cause the problems you get in CA. Four wheel can be handy but unless you have prior experience with either 4 wheel or all wheel drive I would not recommended it for first time drivers in CO. Too many inexperience drivers of 4 wheel end up off the road.

Thanks for that info. We have been OFTEN, and never needed to put on chains, although one year we did buy chains in case. The thing with 4WD that the novice doesn't understand is that it will help you go forward, but it is of no use for STOPPING. Lots of accidents for that.
We have come through the Pass many times when the chains had to be put on for trucks but as fmden says, not for cars. And we have been in mighty snows often. It is like a magnet for when we leave!!