TRAVELERS TO ASPEN/SNOWMASS have numerous options during temporary interstate closure

Submitted by aberne on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 9:09am

Resort Launches Webpage to Simplify Travel Options

http://www.aspensnowmass.com/travelinfo/options.cfm.

Crews Working Now to Reopen I-70 after Rockslide Aspen/Snowmass, Colo., March 9, 2010 – The recent rockslide on I-70 in GlenwoodCanyon has temporarily limited access to Aspen/Snowmass from the east via the interstate; however travelers still have many options to get to the resort via air and ground routes. Crews are working on the highway now and could reopen two lanes within a day or two. Colorado Department of Transportation will be providing updates frequently as they make progress on reopening the route. For a complete list of options and updates, please visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com/travelinfo/options.cfm.

More than half of the winter visitors to Aspen/Snowmass arrive directly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) and are unaffected by the incident. Travelers coming to the resort through DenverInternational Airport, EagleCountyAirport or via I-70 from the east have many options. Air Access Currently there are seats available on flights into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Air travelers can reroute their flight or add a leg by contacting their airline or travel agent. Travelers who had planned to drive from Denver can book seats on these flights directly in to the resort, and arrive just three miles from downtown Aspen and six miles form Snowmass Village. Most hotels in the resort have free transportation to and from the airport.

Visitors can also reroute flights into the following airports:

* Grand Junction Walker Field (GJT): 124 miles from ASE (2 hours via I-70 west), served by American, Delta, United, U.S. Air & Allegiant

* Montrose CountyAirport (MTJ): 135 miles from ASE (3 hours over McClurePass), served by American, Continental, Delta & United

* Yampa ValleyRegionalAirport (HDN): 174 miles from ASE (3 hours via Rifle/Craig), served by American, Continental, Delta & United

* Gunnison CountyAirport (GUC): 199 miles from ASE (4 ½ hours via Montrose), served by American, Delta & United

Ground Access Access to Aspen/Snowmass is still possible from both the east and west via shuttle services, rental cars and Amtrak. Both Gray Line Aspen/Snowmass and Colorado Mountain Express are offering limited service from Denver and Eagle via the detour around the closure. The trip is currently six hours from Eagle (287 miles) and seven and a half hours form Denver (379 miles). Both companies can also provide transportation from Grand Junction. Rental cars are also available in these locations and should be booked in advance. Amtrak runs regularly scheduled train service from Denver’s Union Station to Glenwood Springs (only 45 minutes from Aspen/Snowmass). Trains depart daily at 8:05 a.m. and arrive in Glenwood at 1:53 p.m. and tickets are just $39 one way. The daily train from Glenwood to Denver departs at 12:50 p.m. and arrives in Denver at 7:18 p.m.

There are shuttle services, taxi, rental cars and public bus options available for the 40 mile trip between Glenwood Springs and Aspen/Snowmass. Passengers may take a shuttle services or taxi from DenverInternationalAirport to Union Station.

Resources Colorado Department of Transportation www.coloradodot.info/news/media-room.html

Aspen/Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com

Aspen Chamber resort Association www.aspenchamber.org

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport www.aspenairport.com

Gray Line Aspen/Snowmass www.ridegrayline.com

Colorado Mountain Express www.ridecme.com Amtrak www.amtrak.com

Denver InternationalAirport www.flydenver.com

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, AspenHighlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com.

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