FAQs
Question
What is the elevation of Piney River Ranch?
Answer
9,400 feet above sea level! We're pointing this out because it is important to prepare and acclimate yourself to the "high altitude" (considered 8,000 ft. or above). It is estimated that 20% of visitors who travel from sea level to above 8,000 feet, regardless of their physical condition, feel some affects of altitude. The best way to prepare is to drink LOTS of water the day or two before your travel and while in the mountains. Limiting alcohol consumption the day before and the day of and after arrival will also help. Some might want to consider staying a night or two in Denver (5,280 ft.) before heading up into the mountains. One herbal remedy thought to be helpful is drinking or chewing coca tea (aka, mate de coca). If you are concerned about altitude sickness or have a history of it, talk with your physician. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is the most commonly prescribed medication to prevent or decrease the symptoms of altitude sickness and is generally started the day before travel.
Question
What is the dress code for the wedding?
Answer
"Mountain Chic" What does that mean? Fun, casual and comfortable. Ties? No (unless you really want to). Stilettos? Heck no. There is gravel all around and uneven wood flooring. Wear comfortable shoes, or even cowboy boots.
Question
What is the weather like in Vail in July?
Answer
Colorado has 300 days a year of sunshine! The average high is 77 degrees in July, with evenings going down into the mid 40's. You'll want to bring a jacket, but the ranch itself has ceiling heaters if needed. During the summer there is almost always about a 20% chance of rain, which, if it does occur, usually happens in mid afternoon, and lasts only an hour or two.
Question
What is the drive like to Piney River Ranch?
Answer
Piney River Ranch is about 12 miles from the town of Vail. Eleven of those miles are on a dirt road that is quite bumpy and windy. You'll have to drive slowly (like 10 -20 miles an hour) and it generally takes 40 - 50 minutes to get to the ranch from Vail. While the drive is do-able in an SUV or sedan, we are renting a few motor coaches that will take folks round-trip from Vail and Frisco to and from Piney River Ranch.
Question
Is there going to be transportation for guests to and from Piney River Ranch?
Answer
Yes! There will be 2 motor coaches to take guests to and from Piney River Ranch (and each one has a bathroom :). One will pick up in Frisco at the Frisco Transfer Station. Address is 1010 Meadow Dr. (1:30 - 1:45). Parking is FREE in the lot. The other will pick up at the Vail Village Transportation / Welcome Center. Address is 241 S. Frontage Road (2:00 - 2:15); Parking is FREE. Park in the Vail Village garage and go to P4 / top level. You certainly don't have to use the motor coach, as the road is drive able and there is plenty of parking. If you are planning on drinking, though, or feel uncomfortable driving in the dark on a windy road, we really recommend you use the motor coach. You will need to RSVP here on the website! Do this by going to the [Next Event] page of the RSVP tab. You will need to select your pick-up / drop-off location from 2 options: Frisco or Vail. Buses will be staying at Piney River Ranch for the duration of the event, and will leave PRR at 10:00 p.m.
Question
Is internet and cell service available at Piney River Ranch?
Answer
No! There is a land line at the ranch = (303) 905-4439, and someone will be at the front desk throughout the day and night. Text service on Verizon is weakly available at the front desk of the lodge. Don't worry - there will be an EMT on site throughout the wedding and reception, plus a number of doctors will be in attendance.
Question
Will vegetarian options be available for dinner?
Answer
Yes! You can request a vegetarian dinner on the RSVP page. In addition, the dinner will be a buffet style with many different options that will be open to even those who request a vegetarian dish.
Question
Are Ubers and Lyfts available in Eagle and Summit Counties?
Answer
While there is Uber and Lyft in the area, they are very limited. If staying in Vail, there are 2 villages (Vail Village and Lionshead Village). Each village is very walkable, but if you'd like to go between them, a complimentary bus runs throughout and between both villages. If you are staying at the Vail Marriott, the bus stops right outside of the hotel every 15 minutes. https://www.vailgov.com/bus-schedules. If staying in Breckenridge or Keystone, there are town buses that run within each village, but to transport throughout all of Summit County, you can ride the Summit Stage. The Summit Stage delivers free, safe, reliable and courteous public transportation to residents and guests in Summit County. https://www.summitcountyco.gov/986/Riding-the-Bus