Valuable Travel Info
We don't want to scare you away - but please be aware, you are going to a HIGH altitude:
If you are coming in from a (much) lower altitude you need to be aware that Altitude Illness is a real concern. We STRONGLY recommend staying a night near Denver Int. or Colorado Springs - in order to give your body time to acclimate. We do - even though we go to Breck, often. Also, remember to drink a LOT of water while traveling to Breck (plane and car). In fact, start a couple of days before you leave for your trip.
The scoop on 4 wheel drive: If you are staying at our 3BR townhome (which is perched atop a little knoll - we do recommend 4 wheel drive in the winter months). Otherwise, front wheel drive should be adequate. The state of Colorado and Town of Breckenridge are pro's at snow removal. However, understand the time of year you are going, pay attention to weather, don't freak out, give yourself extra travel time in winter months, etc...
Personal Experience: We get our rental vehicles on www.Priceline.com. I typically "bid" for the vehicle and get cars for about $20 per day and Mini-Van's for $35 per day. We have never rented an SUV - but we are cheap - and I grew up driving in snow in New England.
Tip: If we have more than two people in the car - we bid on a mini-van. They handle great in the snow. When picking up or vehicle, I check to make sure the tread is good. In fact, I ask for the newest car (at the rental desk - to help ensure this).
If you are very concerned about driving in snow (and don't want to rent an expensive SUV), you might want to consider...
Which Airport to fly into: You will land at either A, C or D. Our personal favorite is Colorado Springs. However, read below for some of the pro's and con's.
A - Denver
C- Colorado Springs (C-Springs)
D- Eagle / Vail
> Airport Info:
(A) Denver (Airport Code DEN):
1 hour and 45 minute drive.
Denver is typically the least expense airport to get into. However, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to get to the rental car terminals.
Basically, you will be taking I-70 to route 9. It fairly scenic - but there is a lot of traffic. At the top of Loveland pass, you will go through the Eisenhower Tunnel at an elevation of 11,992 feet. It is the highest mountain pass, in the world, that regularly stays open during the snowy winter season. Colorodo DOT does their best to keep the pass operable in the winter - but it can be a challenge with the snow. Just be aware of this as you are departing Breck - trying to catch a flight out of Denver Int.
(C) Colorado Springs (Airport code COS): 2 hour and 30 minute drive.
It is a far smaller airport so rental car pick up is a breeze and the drive is very pretty. Going up little less stressful. We typically stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort - which has a fantastic Military rate. You might also want to check their AAA discounts (www.cheyennemountain.com). The drive through Manitou Springs is windy - but not difficult. If you have never been - a drive through "Garden of The God's is a free easy and scenic way to get to route 24 that will wind you up an through Manitou Springs. Depending on time - we hit the Hungry Bear Restaurant for a little down home dining in Woodland Park (111 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863 / 719-687-5912) (all the while drinking copious amounts of water). From here, it is a very rural drive all the way to Hartsel (think bio break). Just after Hartsel, you will catch 9 and be on your final approach to Breck (remember to drive slowly through Fairplay and Alma. After Alma, you will go over Hossier's Pass (11,532). It is not nearly as well traveled as Loveland Pass - so in the winter it can be a challenge. Then, as they say, it's all downhill from there...
(D) Eagle Vail (Airport Code EGE): 45 minute drive.
There are far fewer direct flights - and typically costs more than the other two airports. Here, you will be going over Vail pass - but typically not a big deal.
Final Note:
If you are coming in from a (much) lower altitude you need to be aware that Altitude Illness is a real concern. We STRONGLY recommend staying a night near Denver Int. or Colorado Springs - in order to give your body time to acclimate. We do - even though we go to Breck, often. Also, remember to drink a LOT of water while traveling to Breck (plane and car). In fact, start a couple of days before you leave for your trip.
The scoop on 4 wheel drive: If you are staying at our 3BR townhome (which is perched atop a little knoll - we do recommend 4 wheel drive in the winter months). Otherwise, front wheel drive should be adequate. The state of Colorado and Town of Breckenridge are pro's at snow removal. However, understand the time of year you are going, pay attention to weather, don't freak out, give yourself extra travel time in winter months, etc...
Personal Experience: We get our rental vehicles on www.Priceline.com. I typically "bid" for the vehicle and get cars for about $20 per day and Mini-Van's for $35 per day. We have never rented an SUV - but we are cheap - and I grew up driving in snow in New England.
Tip: If we have more than two people in the car - we bid on a mini-van. They handle great in the snow. When picking up or vehicle, I check to make sure the tread is good. In fact, I ask for the newest car (at the rental desk - to help ensure this).
If you are very concerned about driving in snow (and don't want to rent an expensive SUV), you might want to consider...
- Hire a 4Wheel drive car service. We have had guest say good things about Michael at www.COLORODOLUXURYRIDE.com It will cost about $400 (up and back). Since he has a ski pod on his car, I think he can fit 6 adults. Once in Breck you can walk just about anywhere you want to be - so a vehicle is not necessary.
- Buy chains at Walmart - and return them on your way back. (I know you pass one when entering Woodland Park - if flying into Colorado Springs.
Which Airport to fly into: You will land at either A, C or D. Our personal favorite is Colorado Springs. However, read below for some of the pro's and con's.
A - Denver
C- Colorado Springs (C-Springs)
D- Eagle / Vail
> Airport Info:
(A) Denver (Airport Code DEN):
1 hour and 45 minute drive.
Denver is typically the least expense airport to get into. However, it will take 30 to 45 minutes to get to the rental car terminals.
Basically, you will be taking I-70 to route 9. It fairly scenic - but there is a lot of traffic. At the top of Loveland pass, you will go through the Eisenhower Tunnel at an elevation of 11,992 feet. It is the highest mountain pass, in the world, that regularly stays open during the snowy winter season. Colorodo DOT does their best to keep the pass operable in the winter - but it can be a challenge with the snow. Just be aware of this as you are departing Breck - trying to catch a flight out of Denver Int.
(C) Colorado Springs (Airport code COS): 2 hour and 30 minute drive.
It is a far smaller airport so rental car pick up is a breeze and the drive is very pretty. Going up little less stressful. We typically stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort - which has a fantastic Military rate. You might also want to check their AAA discounts (www.cheyennemountain.com). The drive through Manitou Springs is windy - but not difficult. If you have never been - a drive through "Garden of The God's is a free easy and scenic way to get to route 24 that will wind you up an through Manitou Springs. Depending on time - we hit the Hungry Bear Restaurant for a little down home dining in Woodland Park (111 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863 / 719-687-5912) (all the while drinking copious amounts of water). From here, it is a very rural drive all the way to Hartsel (think bio break). Just after Hartsel, you will catch 9 and be on your final approach to Breck (remember to drive slowly through Fairplay and Alma. After Alma, you will go over Hossier's Pass (11,532). It is not nearly as well traveled as Loveland Pass - so in the winter it can be a challenge. Then, as they say, it's all downhill from there...
(D) Eagle Vail (Airport Code EGE): 45 minute drive.
There are far fewer direct flights - and typically costs more than the other two airports. Here, you will be going over Vail pass - but typically not a big deal.
Final Note:
- Breckenridge is designated as (B)
- Estimated times assume no traffic delay's.
