Transportation
WPSMF Ski Locker- Your charter buses, local ski shuttle and hired buses for performances
Your Chartered Motor Coaches in Winter Weather
Please visit with your bus company regarding the following three topics when contracting for motor coaches, or anytime before your trip to Winter Park.
- Experience of bus drivers on mountain roadways within winter climates
- Who gets to change a group’s trip itinerary
- Snow Chains or other approved devices for each bus
The biggest weather problem with groups traveling to/from Winter Park, is when the whole state gets a big winter storm. It seems that that the long stretches of interstate in the flat lands don’t have the same amount of equipment or resources to keep the roadways immediately plowed in heavy snow fall. Warmer temperatures in the flat lands may create ice on the roads rather than snow. If there are any significant travel delays- they will most likely occur in the flat lands of Colorado based on our experience.
Before we touch on the three topics- just a quick summary of how weather affects roadways when traveling to/from Winter Park and within the Winter Park area. First, there is a big difference between normal snowfall, and a snow storm. During any spring months throughout Colorado, and especially in the mountains west of Interstate 25, snow can be expected any day, and especially every night! It may only be 1-12 inches, or could be much heavier with up to 3-4 feet per day. Our experience with challenging weather for groups traveling to/from Winter Park seems to be worst for snowy conditions that affect the whole state versus snow fall west of Denver, or in Winter Park. The Colorado Department of Transportation and local municipalities seem to always be prepared for snowy inclement weather in the mountains west of Denver. They obviously have the all the sand/chemical/snow plow trucks needed to keep this mountainous region of the state drivable for its citizens. Having said this- Interstate 70 west of Denver and the higher mountain passes can sometimes enforce chain laws, or be temporarily closed due to excessive amounts of snow.
Back to our three topics:
The first topic goes without mention towards the travel safety of your group with experienced mountain drivers within winter climates. DEMAND your bus company provide drivers with this experience!!!
- With mountain/winter experienced drivers- hopefully they will be knowledgeable of what highway routes to take within various weather conditions or the benefits of traveling on better maintained major interstates rather taking less traveled routes when snow is expected along your travel route.
- With experienced mountain/winter drivers, they understand that snowfall in the mountains is a common occurrence, and can be driven safely within, without an overwhelming fear.
- Drivers with mountain/winter experience may be more likely to approach any driving conditions with a stable attitude, and not just park the bus as a solution.
- Drivers must have adequate winter attire, knowledge, and enough physical strength to install any snow chains or other approved devices when needed. This is further discussed below.
Drivers who change a group’s itinerary due to their inexperience of mountain/winter driving
- Unfortunately, we have attending groups that come to Winter Park, and get their trip cut short, or completely altered, because of inexperienced drivers, or drivers that use snow on roadways as an excuse to depart early. How? It seems that drivers can always get a group to Winter Park according to the trip itinerary, even if there is some delay due to heavy snow storms. But any chance of snow on the day or night a group expects to depart; some drivers will begin to intervene with the travel itinerary! A common occurrence is when a group expects to depart Winter Park after the awards ceremony. We suppose some drivers feel that the awards ceremony is an intangible component of the trip that isn’t really necessary to attend, and begins to either make decisions on their own, or contact their dispatch about getting home early because it is snowing, or could snow that evening. Directors- there is snowfall almost every day and night in Winter Park, and unless it is extremely heavy snow fall, or a bad storm, the roads will be maintained for safe travel! If the roads are too dangerous for travel, the highway department will give warnings and/or close them. Have a conversation with your bus company before, or after executing your contract, about what reasons would constitute your trip to be cut short. Remember, the festival has purchased a travel protection plan for every group member, that should well cover any additional cost of being delayed. We want every group and student to not miss that last day of skiing, or our awards ceremony, because a driver is suddenly worried about getting home due to a chance of some snowfall.
- You might sense that this is a sensitive subject for the festival staff. Directors share with us how their students love and think the awards ceremony was the best part of the trip, how it creates group pride and enthusiasm, and their students’ enjoyment of being surrounded by so many other enthusiastic student musicians. It is so frustrating when a group has to leave early because a driver decides its time to leave, or because there is a chance of snow. And of course, 50+ other buses leave that same evening without any travel problems whatsoever. Talk with your bus company about who makes the decision to alter your trip itinerary, and for what reasons. Again, experienced drivers should only be provided to you!
3rd topic: Snow Chains are required for every commercial vehicle (including motor coaches) traveling on Interstate Highway 70 west of Denver, to be equipped,or ready to be equipped with snow chains or approved traction devices, from September 1 to May 31.
- Demand that your bus(es) have snow chains or snow cables on-board the bus before you depart your hometown, and available during your trip. There could be a chain law enforced anytime during your trip route. Why jeopardize your entire planned trip, to be required to turn around somewhere short of Winter Park,and return home, simply because your bus company failed to not have snow chains (the proper number of sets) onboard, or the wrong size of chains that don’t fit the bus’ tire size, or a driver that can’t install them.
- Having/using snow chains is not so much as being able to drive in unsafe conditions- but rather to be safe when driving, or even with a stuck parked bus. Anytime there is any significant amount of snowfall in the Winter Park area- almost all roads, driveways, parking lots get plowed for travel. But the pavement surrounding a parked bus may not be plowed because of its parked location, or other vehicles/curbs/objects surrounding it. The #1 reason for our groups’ travel delays in Winter Park is a stuck bus after being parked overnight. Without chains- the bus driver has to arrange with their dispatch or central office to get a local tow which can take up to several hours to eventually get the bus unstuck. Of course- this will happen at the most inconvenient times such as prior to your scheduled performance time or ski lessons. Rescheduling these events, may cause a ½ day or even an entire day of missed recreation. With a set of tire chains available and quickly installed- valuable time can be saved in just minutes.
Local Winter Park Ski Shuttle Service
- The Winter Park shuttle buses operate as a free and convenient way to get you around town, and to and from the slopes during your leisure time. This is not a fast means of transportation, and not always right on schedule! They follow an established route running twice an hour during the March festival week, and once an hour during the April festival weeks. It is available for all visitors of the town and ski resort. The routes are color coded (see maps) and are relatively easy to understand the operation once ridden. The bus capacity is usually 44 persons per bus. If your group uses the shuttle buses for primary transportation- remember to start early!
- You will find the shuttle bus convenient for moving individuals or small groups to and from the resort or town for souvenir shopping, restaurants, etc. when promptness is not an important issue. At the resort’s shuttle bus pick-up/drop off area- there are signs designating the shuttle route and the lodging facilities the route serves. Wait for your bus under the appropriate sign. If your place of lodging is not listed- simply ask any bus driver which bus route to use. BE SURE YOUR STUDENTS KNOW THE EXACT NAME OF YOUR LODGING FACILITY. THE SHUTTLE BUSES DO NOT SERVE SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH LODGES AND CABINS.
- Your own buses should be used whenever possible if your group has to be at a given destination at a specific time (such as ski rentals, ski returns, ski lessons, performances and/or award ceremony/street party).
- Here is the same map link we provide on the Ski Locker “maps” page: https://www.theliftwp.com/all-routes Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a colorful map showing all shuttle routes, and their stop locations (dots)
On this map, let us shortcut you with the following information:
- Every shuttle route color, except the green (Old Town) route, runs between the Winter Park Resort shuttle bus pickup/drop off area, and the Town of Winter Park. Each shuttle route may have different final destinations, but will stop at a shuttle stop somewhere in the Town of Winter Park and the resort. This would be applicable for any person or group of persons wanting a shuttle ride between the Winter Park Resort and the Town of Winter Park. Again, any color route except the green route.
- Any person or group of persons wanting a shuttle ride between the Winter Park Resort and the Safeway grocery store in Fraser, should use the either the black, emerald, or purple line as the map indicates to stop at the grocery store.
- Groups staying at Beaver Village Condos and relying upon the ski shuttles for transportation to and from the Winter Park Resort: Go back to the Ski Locker main page, and scroll down to #5 Overnight Lodging Information, then click on the bullet “Specific Information to know about your Lodging Facility”. Read all about the ski shuttles on this page when staying at Beaver Village Condos!
- On the shuttle website, a person can scroll down and see a link for each colored route’s scheduled stop times. The ski shuttle now has a teal colored regional route running between Winter Park and Granby (where the performance site is located) a few times each day. In our festival information, we state a performing group without their own transportation, should hire private coaches between the performance site and their lodging. Please do not rely, or plan for your group’s travel to and from the performance site on this one operating shuttle bus! Contact us for hiring private coaches.
Hired Buses for travel to and from Performance Site
- The East Grand School District will again be providing transportation for groups needing to hire a bus(es) to and from the performance site.
- Contact the festival office well before your trip, to initially schedule buses to transport your group, and figure the approximate cost.
- Unlike other festival components, the festival is not including, or providing at an additional cost these hired buses. Each group using this service will pay the East Grand School District directly, at the time of service. The school district contact person is Mike Thompson through his work cell number: 970-531-3548 or email mthompson@egsd.org
Overnight Lodging Choices and Descriptions
Snow Mountain Ranch Lodge Rooms
- Located 12 miles from Winter Park Ski Resort in beautiful Snow Mountain Ranch (Local ski shuttle does not service Snow Mountain Ranch which requires a group’s own transportation the entire stay)
- Lodge rooms sleep 6 persons. (3 different facilities, each with one of the following: 2 queen beds + pull out sofa, or 2 queen beds + bunk bed, or 2 bunk beds + queen bed) Each room has its own private bath and WIFI. This is a more budget friendly choice IF group chaperones can share rooms with students, or other chaperones
- Similar to a hotel room (without kitchens) with indoor corridors from lobby. Some lodge rooms (2 queen beds + pull out sofa) have mini fridge and small microwave in each room
- Per Person Price based on Maximum Occupancy. $30 empty bed space charge per space per night may apply for adult rooms filled with less than maximum occupancy
- One male student and one female student lodge room allowed with no empty bed space charges
- Enjoy the amenities of Snow Mountain Ranch: huge rec center (court games, roller skating, wall climbing & more),indoor Olympic sized pool, and laundry vending
- Discounted bus driver lodging available for groups staying at Snow Mountain Ranch
- Optional “All You Can Eat” buffet meals can be purchased for an additional cost
- Breakfast – $11 per person per meal + tax
- Lunch $13 per person per meal + tax
- Dinner $16 per person per meal + tax
Snow Mountain Ranch Cabins
- Located 12 miles from Winter Park Ski Resort in beautiful Snow Mountain Ranch (Local shuttle doesn’t service Snow Mountain Ranch which requires a group’s own transportation the entire stay)
- 2 through 8-bedroom cabins that will sleep up to 42 persons- all under one roof for easy chaperoning. Larger groups can use multiple cabins
- Living area, kitchen (prepare own meals), dining area, fireplace, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and grill for the entire group
- Per Person Price based on Minimum Occupancy. $35 empty bed space charge per space per night may apply for cabins filled with less than minimum occupancy. Ask festival staff about cabin sizes and min/max occupancies
- Enjoy the amenities of Snow Mountain Ranch: huge rec center (court games, roller skating, wall climbing & more), indoor Olympic sized pool, and laundry vending
- Discounted bus driver lodging available within nearby lodge rooms for groups staying at Snow Mountain Ranch
Beaver Village Condos
- Located near downtown Winter Park. Walk into town, ride the free ski shuttle to town, and/or ride the free shuttle to the Winter Park Ski Resort
- Condos sleep 6+ persons within 2 bedrooms and living area. 2 baths in each condo. These multiple bedroom condos will allow chaperoning adults more private separate sleeping space in a condo with students or other adults
- Full kitchens in each condo unit for own meal preparation. Gas fireplaces and Wi-Fi in each condo
- Main building offers an indoor pool, hot tubs, and laundry vending
- Walk or shuttle to local restaurants, shopping, groceries or ski rental shops
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Per Person price based on maximum room occupancy. $55 (March) or $45 (April) empty bed space charge per space per night applies for condos filled less than maximum occupancy
- One male student and one female student condo allowed with no empty bed space charges
The Vintage Hotel at Winter Park Resort
- A ski in/out property located just above the ski resort with a quick two- minute, free gondola ride away from Winter Park Ski Resort base, slopes and Resort Village.
- Studios sleep 4 persons. Two double beds with no separate bedrooms
- Each studio condo has a gas fireplace, cable TV and Wi-Fi
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Kitchenette (convection microwave, 2 burner stove, undercounter fridge & dish washer) for preparing meals
- Ski rentals from ski resort with convenient overnight storage at the ski base
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, game room and workout facility
- Conference/meeting rooms possibly available
- Ski shuttle service available to and from town of Winter Park for shopping and groceries
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Per Person price based on maximum room occupancy. $53 (March) or $40 (April) empty bed space charge per space per night applies for all condos filled less than maximum occupancy
Fraser Crossing/Founders Point Condos at Winter Park Resort
- A ski-in/out property located directly across the street from Winter Park Resort base- just a short walk to the lifts
- Most condos are either studio or one-bedroom condos that sleep 4 persons. A very limited number of two bedrooms (sleep 6) are available
- All condos have either kitchenettes or full kitchens for preparing meals
- Outdoor hot tubs, gas fireplaces, cable TV and Wi-Fi
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Ski rentals from ski resort with convenient overnight storage at the ski base
- Ski shuttle service available to and from town of Winter Park for shopping and groceries
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Per Person price based on maximum room occupancy. $70 (March) or $50 (April) empty bed space charge per space per night applies for all condos filled less than maximum occupancy
Zephyr Mountain Lodge Condos at Winter Park Resort
- A ski-in/out property located directly within the Winter Park Ski Resort Village at the base lifts
- Most condos are one-bedroom condos that sleep 4 persons. A very limited number of two bedrooms (sleep 6) are available
- All condos have full kitchens for meal preparation
- Outdoor hot tubs, gas fireplaces, cable TV and Wi-Fi
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Ski rentals from ski resort with convenient overnight storage at the ski base
-
Ski shuttle service available to and from town of Winter Park for shopping and groceries
-
Per Person price based on maximum room occupancy. $80 (March) or $60 (April) empty bed space charge per space per night applies for all condos filled less than maximum occupancy
Overnight Lodging Damage Deposits
Every group must place a credit card damage deposit for the entire group during lodging check-in. The amount is $10 per person, up to a $500 maximum deposit. The damage deposit required at check-in is not included within any payments the festival collects from a group prior to attending the festival. If no lodging damages are incurred, this deposit is refunded, or held funds released.
Lodging
Now offering seven different lodging options for your group to choose from. We offer cabins, lodge rooms, and condos in order to fit any travel budget and need.
Recreation
Every package includes a choice between one recreation activity: skiing, snowboarding, downhill tubing, gondola rides, snowcat tours, or snowshoe tours.
Performance
Groups compete against same school size, ensemble type and level. Comments and ratings are provided by 3 recognized and experienced adjudicators.
Awards and Street Dance
Each festival week concludes with an exciting outdoors awards ceremony and DJ’d Street Dance at the base of Winter Park Resort.
Packages Include
Overnight lodging
Groups can choose to stay 2,3, or 4 nights with seven different lodging options. Plan to arrive and depart on days your travel schedule allows, providing you with the utmost amount of travel flexibility.
Participation in performance
Groups will compete each week with institutions of similar size and performance skill. A panel of three respected adjudicators will provide constructive feedback and score the competing groups. Each festival week ends with a highly energetic awards ceremony and DJ’d street dance.
Choice of ONE recreation activity
Every registered participant will choose between 4 days of skiing or snowboarding (including lift card, equipment rental & beginner lesson) or the ability to trade in vouchers to participate in one of our non-ski activities: downhill tubing, gondola rides, snowcat tours, and snowshoe tours.
Travel protection plan
WPSMF will purchase on behalf of every registered participant, a limited benefit, “Post Departure Travel Protection Plan.” Additional trip cancelation/protection insurance can be secured through a third-party supplier.
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Resources for Registered Groups
Ski Locker
Is a website dedicated specifically for the directors of our registered groups. This online resource contains all the festival information regarding their trip. For example, you can view trip information reports, adjust attendance counts and build group rooming lists. Ski Locker also allows Directors to monitor the progress of their student’s individual online registration in Start Gate.
Start Gate
Is the online portal for all students and adults registered to attend the festival. Participants can learn more about their recreation options, suggested clothing/items to pack and helpful information to prevent altitude sickness. All attending students and adults will be required to read WPSMF Start Gate topics and individually registering through this portal.
WPSMF App
We have teamed up with guidebook to create an app accessible by all registered directors during their time with us at festival. The WPSMF App will allow directors to access all the pertinent information provided on Ski Locker via their smart phone while on the mountain and stay in the know. Important updates and notification to groups will be sent via the app during the festival.
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“The Winter Park Ski-Music Festival has consistently been one of the favorite destinations for my students. The value is incredible, the customer service outstanding, and the musical and social experience for the students is truly exceptional.”
Thomas Rinn, Head Director
Colleyville Heritage High School Choir
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