Winter Travel Tips
When driving to Grand County from the Denver area:
Take
I-70W to exit 232. Continue north on US Hwy 40 Berthoud Pass: 53 miles west
of Denver Winter Park Resort: 67 miles northwest of Denver SolVista Golf & Ski
Ranch: 79 miles northwest of Denver, 12 miles north of Winter Park Granby: 81
miles northwest of Denver, 14 miles north of Winter Park Grand Lake: 102 miles
northwest of Denver, 35 miles north of Winter Park.
The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
SUMMER TRIP TIPS
What to Bring/ What to expect
Expect a vacation filled with wonderful memories, lots of laughs and good times.
Here are some easy tips to help with that. . .
Elevation & Weather
The
elevation in Winter Park is just at 9,000ft. The top of Berthoud Pass is over
11,000ft. There is less oxygen here (and unfortunately, no one sells it). Take
your time getting used to the elevation. Drink plenty of water!!! That will
help in many ways.
Average humidity (measured at noon) in the mountains is 20 percent. Your skin, especially your face, will need extra attention. Plan on using lots of moisturizing lotion.
Average high temperature during the summer: 78 degrees. It can be cold at night Above 9,000 feet, frost is possible any night of the year, even in the summer.
Restaurants
Most restaurants close at 9pm. Some are open later- check the Menu Guide for
details and menus. Businesses want to know how you found them. Please tell them
you found them in GuestGuide!
Communication
Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an
emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. (Just don't
be on a ridge during a thunderstorm!) If you call 911, tell them you are in
Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center
for a different county.
What to Bring. . .
Sturdy shoes. If you plan on hiking or light walking, you need good protection
for your feet.
Dress Code: Bring enough clothes to dress in layers. Cotton is so soft and comfortable, but the wrong thing to wear when playing outdoors. When it gets wet, it stays wet, and you get cold. The first layer you wear should be made from a material that wicks moisture away from the skin. The next layer is a warming layer or warm jacket. The last layer is a rain jacket. Summer rain storms come suddenly and usually don’t last long. Bring and carry rain jackets.
Apply sunscreen (SPF 30) 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply often. Keep the lip balm handy and apply frequently!
Wear good eye protection. Ultraviolet radiation is 36 percent higher here than at sea level.
Never pass a drinking fountain without taking a drink. At this altitude, you can become dehydrated. Carry water bottles and drink water as often as you can! Camelbaks are great for carrying water. (Coffee drinker? Drink water between every cup of coffee. Caffeine — and alcohol — deplete body fluids.)
Advice for Parents
Keep in mind that along with the excitement of a trip comes the stress of something
new. Go over your schedule with your children so they know what to expect. Give
yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Schedule downtime. (Everyone
will benefit from it!)
Take Only Pictures
The best film speed to use when taking pictures on a bright sunny day is ASA
100 or ASA 200. The sun in the mountains is intense and bright. Pictures taken
with film any faster will most likely be overexposed. The best time to take
photos is early morning or late afternoon. The sun is at a lower angle, therefore
the shadows will be more dramatic and the colors will be more saturated.
