Housing and Arrivals Information for all Participants

The following document contains arrivals and check-in information for all participants. We include this as a pdf document for printing convenience: Housing and Arrivals Information for all Participants. More detailed versions of this same document are available for Students and Affilates on their respective resource pages.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

The closest international airport to Boulder is the Denver International Airport. (referred to as DIA, but the airport code is DEN). DIA is a hub for United Airlines and Frontier but fares can be found with most major airlines.

DIA to Boulder

By Rental Car: The following car agencies are available at the DIA: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Payless. It is a 50-60 minute drive from DIA to Boulder. Google maps suggest taking the E-470 toll road, but that is unnecessary if you are not arriving during the typical rush hour commute times. CU's directions to Boulder gives a good set of routes.

By Bus: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers skyRide service between DIA and the surrounding areas. The AB route runs from DIA to Boulder. Fare costs $12 (cash only) and terminates at the Boulder Transit Center in downtown Boulder. Tipping the driver is optional, but appreciated, especially if he/she is handling your luggage.

By Super Shuttle: Boulder Super Shuttle provides door-to-door service between DIA and your accomodations (directly to the hotel or dormitories). Fares to residential location (door-to-door) cost $33 (each way). Fares to select Boulder hotels (including the Boulder Inn) cost $25 (each way).

We will have more information on the local transportation in the Spring of 2011.

Before Arriving in Boulder

Boulder Weather

Boulder's summers are typically sunny, dry, and mild. The average summer temperature for Boulder is in the mid 80s in F (low 30s in C), but the summers can also get quite hot at 90+ degrees F (32+ degrees C).

Preparing for the Altitude

Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness is an ailment that affects people traveling at or above 8,000 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. While Boulder and its surrounding areas are located well under this altitude at 5,344 ft (1,629 m), it is not uncommon for the visitors to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. It may affect each person a little differently, but in general they include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

In order to prevent these symptoms we recommend two simple prevention techniques. Firstly, drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. If possible, avoid alcohol, caffeine and any other drinks that may cause dehydration. We strongly advise that you carry a bottle of water wherever you go and keep it filled. (Tap water is quite drinkable and safe in Boulder!). Secondly, take it easy and rest when you can. This will be especially true for your first week in Boulder.