SUV vs. mini van in the Rockies
 

We'll be traveling from Deniver to Beaver Creek with 5 adults, luggage and skiis. How do the mini vans handle snow out there or are we better off renting an SUV. We're concerned we'll need an extra large SUV to carry all our stuff and with the cost of gas we're rethinking our plan. Any suggestions?

We've rented SUVs and minivans on our trips from Denver to BC- both have handled the snow just fine. With 2 adults and 2 kids, it's always a tight squeeze with all of the luggage and skis. I think anything less than a Suburban or an Expedition would be too small for 5 adults with luggage and skis. Perhaps you pack lighter than we do...

I live in Colorado and I would go with the SUV. If for no other reason, if snow conditions call for "chain law in effect" you will not be allowed to go through the Eisenhower tunnel to get to and from Beaver Creek. That could really mess up your vacation. We have both a van and a SUV and I would not even consider taking the van to the mountains in winter. 4 x 4's handle so much better in the snow.

When the 'Chain Law' is in effect No State official will stop you from traveling unless the road is closed to all vehicles. The Chain Law applies only to Semi Trucks. Having said that I would recomend the SUV for peace of mind.

You could always take the shuttle from DIA to Beaver Geek.

Beanman

A word of caution, in case you aren't used to SUV driving: you still have to be cautious in the snow/ice. Here in Washington, the State Patrol has taken to broadcasting recorded radio messages for SUV drivers because they cause a phenomenal amount of accidents in the mountain passes here-people don't realize they actually take longer to stop due to their weight, that you can't drive them like they are impervious to road conditions, etc.

I will point out that there are minivans with 4 wheel drive. They may not have as much clearance. Is that really a problem. A normal minivan can seat more people and more equipment than a normal SUV. You'd need a huge one to fit as much in as a minivan. Why not ask the rental people?

You will need a huge SUV (as mentioned above). Since snow is snow, my personal experience with minivans is that both my Toyota (which I love) and Chrysler (which I hated) did not very well in Eastern snow.

Most minivans, even the stretched ones, do not have all that much cargo space behind third row. Just don't let them talk you into full-sized regular van - that is the worst of both worlds.

Maybe take the shuttle so you don't have to worry about it, or feed it gas. It's true that when there's a vehicle off the road in bad conditions on our mountain roads, it seems to be an SUV 90 percent of the time! I think people who rent them assume they will grip on any road, but nothing grips on ice. So be careful out there.

Maureen is completely right! Everytime I see a car off the road it's an SUV.

imho your best choice would be to take a shuttle to beaver creek and then rent a car in edwards or vail for your stay. perhaps if you get a car instead of an suv you'll save a bit on gas. or if you do not plan to leave bc very often maybe you would not need wheels at all.
as to the debate over snow driving. after 25 years driving over battle mtn/tennessee pass and fremont pass (where climax is) i say front wheel drive gets you there most often.
oh and one last thing. if while you are there, you would like to try the best and most authentic mexican food around go to leadville to The Grill. (they roast their own chiles to make the green chile and salsa) very downhome Not dressy!!

The shuttle is an easy option, BUT with 5 people it's going to cost $600 round trip. Depending on how much your car is costing, that's a lot of gas.

Catbert has the figures right. We used to take the shuttle to Vail years ago, but it was reasonable then. I have driven an SUV and a minivan in the mountains. And more times than not we have left in a driving snow storm. Have even purchased chains one time--but never required of regular cars. The minivan will do fine, with a ski rack. If you start shopping for it now, you may save a bunch of money on the rental.
The last time we had a minivan (2 years ago) we had to drive up a very steep driveway to our house. It made it not quite as well as my 4WD, but OK.

Here's something you might want to consider. If you reserve online (www.cme.com) you can take the shuttle for $29 one way to the Frisco transfer station. At the hotel next door there is an Enterprise Office. You could rent your vehicle there. The fees are less because you're not paying airport taxes, and your avoiding the major part of the drive into the mountains. Beaver Creek is still over Vail Pass but that's not as difficult as The first 100 miles. Reserve early though, that office doesn't have a huge number of vehicles.

Sorry, that should be www.ridecme.com and I just checked the price. It's gone up to $34.

If you choose a minivan, make sure it has front wheel drive. I loved our three Chrysler minivans beginning with the first in 1984. We live in NH on a dirt road and have a steep driveway. Cars with front wheel drive seem to hold the road better. I switched to a Durango 4x4 since I had thought I needed a tow vehicle. The occasional drift/minor skid still unnerves me but it has always been able to make it up the driveway relieving my husband of the need to make sure the driveway is cleared before I get home from work. We had a rental rear wheel drive van for a few weeks and it was awful in snow. Hope you have a great trip.