FAQs

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Spring in Colorado is very unpredictable. It could be 20* and snowing or 70* and sunny. Prepare for a winter wedding by packing multiple layers and a coat for the ceremony. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be outside.

Question

Can I go skiing?

Answer

Yes! Winter Park Ski Resort will still be open for spring skiing. DTR offers a complimentary ski shuttle to Winter Park Ski Resort. It's about a 30 min drive. Spring skiing is usually quieter than peak winter, conditions can vary but one thing will always be constant is that you'll have a great day on the mountain regardless of conditions.

Question

Can I go hiking?

Answer

Yes! There is no way to predict the weather, so we suggest bringing waterproof hiking boots and waterproof outer layers just in case there is precipitation and the trails are a little snowy/muddy. Check here for trail conditions in Grand County: https://headwaterstrails.org/trail-conditions/

Question

Will I be staying at high elevation?

Answer

Yes, Tabernash, CO is at 8,405'.

Question

What is Altitude Sickness

Answer

https://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com/high-altitude-advice

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional).

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

Kids are not invited to the Rehearsal Dinner or Wedding BUT bring the kids and make a trip of it!

Question

Will any wedding festivities be outside?

Answer

Weather permitting, the ceremony and cocktail hour (less likely) will be outside. Bring your winter coat!

Question

What is the drive like from DIA to DTR? PART 1

Answer

You're considering renting a car or taking the shuttle, you're concerned about what the drive will be like. This will hopefully explain the drive to you. The drive is 100 miles from DIA to DTR. The first 40 miles are interstate driving through metro Denver mainly on I-70.

Question

What is the drive like from DIA to DTR? PART 2

Answer

The next section you will encounter is a 15 mile stretch of I-70 that winds through the foothills of Genessee Park and Evergreen. This is your first encounter with mountain driving. It's big open turns with hill climbs and hill descents. The section that can be most hazardous is Floyd Hill. It's a 7% grade downhill for roughly 7 miles. Be cautious and give yourself space as the bottom of the hill has a left hand turn that drivers will be braking for. You should be riding your brakes the entire hill.

Question

What is the drive like from DIA to DTR? PART 3

Answer

The next stretch of I-70 winds through clear creek canyon for 19 miles from Idaho Springs to Empire where you will be exiting the interstate. You might consider using the I-70 express lane if it's open and traffic is heavy, they will just bill your car rental the $6-15 cost. It's usually worth the money vs. sitting in traffic. Additionally, we love stopping in Idaho Springs for a bite to eat, it's an old historic mining town with a vibrant Main Street. https://www.colorado.com/downtown-idaho-springs-shops

Question

What is the drive like from DIA to DTR? PART 4

Answer

You are now on US-40, this 20 mile stretch from Empire to Winter Park will consist of driving over Berthoud Pass by driving up and down 2,000 feet with climbing, descents and switchback turns. The top of the pass is 11,306', so you will be driving at high alpine elevation. Fortunately the road is in excellent shape with multiple lanes and is actively maintained by CDOT. If there are any snow storms happening, this section is where you could encounter the most snow. The best place to monitor whether the pass is open or closed is here. If it's closed, it's usually not longer than a day. But be prepared and we encourage people to come out early in case it's snowing hard. https://isberthoudpassopen.com/

Question

What is the drive like from DIA to DTR? PART 5

Answer

You're now in the Fraser Valley and it should be smooth sailing to Devil's Thumb Ranch. If you want to make a pit stop for gas, lunch, groceries, booze, etc.... They have all of that in Winter Park and Fraser which are within a couple miles of each other and on the way to DTR.

Question

What if I don't want to drive in the mountains at night?

Answer

If you're renting a vehicle and landing in Denver in the late afternoon / evening and don't want to drive in the mountains at night, we recommend booking a hotel in Denver or Golden. Golden would get you closest to the mountains without driving up them. This is also a good way to acclimate to our higher elevation for a night before heading to the mountains.

Question

How do I ensure 4x4 / AWD in a rental vehicle?

Answer

Typically there is no way to guarantee this, however reserving an SUV or Truck with a higher tier rental company will ensure you have the proper vehicle for the mountain drive in the late winter / early spring.