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Site Details
Breckenridge, Colorado is an historic mining town located about 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Denver International Airport in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Settled in 1859 as a gold and silver mining town, it was named after then Vice President John Cabell Breckinridge in 1860 in hopes of gaining a post office. An idyllic Victorian town with a charming main street, Breckenridge has more than a hundred shopping and dining options to satisfy every taste. A free town shuttle makes getting around town easy and convenient.
At an altitude of 9600 feet (2926 meters), Breckenridge enjoys a high-alpine climate. May weather is unpredictable. Clear sunny skies are the Colorado norm, but we could still get a late season snowstorm. Expect pleasant days and cool nights. The ski slopes will probably be closed for the season, but with annual snowfall averaging in excess of 250" (6.3 meters), there may still be some snow around.
Lodging
Beaver Run Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado
Phone: 800-525-2253
http://www.beaverrun.com
stay@beaverrun.com
Special symposium room rates are being offered at Beaver Run Resort for the nights of May 4-7, 2003. Rooms start out at $84 US for a hotel room, to $155 US for a two-bedroom condominium, to $219 US for a corporate suite (larger rooms can accommodate extra people). These rates are subject to all state and local taxes, currently 10.25%. In order to guarantee the conference rate, all reservations must be made by April 10, 2003. Refer to the "NREL Meeting" when making phone reservations. A major credit card or the cost of one night's lodging is required for a deposit. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. The hotel has excellent recreation and business facilities. A complimentary Internet Cafe will be set up for conference participants wishing to check their e-mail.
Transportation
Air travel reservations should be made to Denver International Airport (DIA). Commercial shuttle service from DIA to Beaver Run Resort is provided by Resort Express at 1-800-334-7433. The cost is $52 US each way (subject to change). It takes approximately two and a half hours and is highly recommended. We may also set up special group shuttles for the symposium. There is little need for a car in Breckenridge. Shops and restaurants are in easy walking distance and the hotel and town both provide free shuttle buses.
Airport Lodging
The Marriott Gateway Park Hotel at the airport 303-371-4333 is holding rooms for Biotechnology Symposium attendees at $79 US for Friday night, May 2nd and Saturday night, May 3rd, if you will arrive late either day. These rooms will be held until April 14th. Spending a night in Denver before heading up to the mountains is recommended to ease adjusting to the altitude.
Driving
Though we highly recommend shuttle service to Breckenridge, if you choose to rent a car for your stay, please be aware that Beaver Run is a 2 � hour drive from Denver International Airport. Driving up to the mountains in the dark could be more difficult—besides you'd miss a lot of great scenery. If your flight arrives in late afternoon or evening and you are unfamiliar with the Colorado mountains staying a night at the airport is recommended. When leaving the airport on Pena Boulevard, follow signs to I-70 West. Follow I-70 West to Highway 9 (Interstate exit 203 at Frisco). Take Highway 9 south to Breckenridge. Highway 9 will become "Main Street" upon entering the town. At the far end of town, turn right on South Park Avenue, then left on Village Road. Beaver Run Resort is approximately � mile off Main Street.
Recreation
Breckenridge offers many recreational activities in addition to skiing (which will most likely have ended for the season.) In early May, activities may include: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, canoeing and golf. For the evening, there are many in-door nightlife opportunities available in Breckenridge. For more information about arranging these and other activities during your stay in Breckenridge, please visit www.gobreck.com or call 1-888-251-2417 (toll free in the US).
Adjusting to the Altitude
A few participants at past symposia held high in the Colorado mountains have experienced symptoms of mild altitude sickness such as headache, fatigue, or nausea. Such symptoms can be alleviated by drinking lots of water, avoiding heavy exertion the first day, and limiting your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods for the first day or two. Aspirin or iboprofen can help if you do experience headache. Spending a night in Denver before coming up to Breckenridge would be an excellent preventative. If you are concerned about altitude effects, check with your doctor about preventative medication. Also, because the weather is more intense and can change suddenly at high altitude, don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and extra layers of clothing.
Schedule Details
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