Travel Tips
Paragon Travel Tips
Travel Logistics
Please make travel arrangements as soon as possible. Higher rates and lack of lodging availability are common headaches for those who wait. We ask that you arrive two nights prior to your trip departure. This allows time for high altitude acclimation, final equipment preparations, and our pre-trip orientation day.
Flights / Scheduling
Vail/Beaver Creek Travel can help you book all your travel reservations with discounted airfares and possible direct flights into the Vail/Beaver Creek Jet Center in Eagle. We request that you arrive at least two nights prior to your trip departure. This allows time for proper altitude acclimation. When you arrive in the area, please call our office to confirm your arrival and any pre-trip arrangements.
Trip Insurance
We recommend that individuals protect their investment in a trip by purchasing Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance. It will reimburse you for non-refundable costs due to unexpected cancellations and other possible interruptions. CSA Travel Protection at 1-800-348-9505, can help with your travel insurance needs. Paragon Guides cannot be responsible for cancellations inside our 45 day cancellation policy.
Lodging & Transportation
Lodging should be arranged for nights prior to the trip as well as following. Driving time from Denver International Airport to Vail is approximately 2.5 hours. Regular van shuttles are available through CME Travel. Participants wishing to make travel arrangements departing from Vail / Avon on the trip return day should do so after 5:00 pm or otherwise arrange lodging in the area. Keep in mind that a snowstorm can slow down a tight travel schedule.
Pre-Trip Orientation Day
The Orientation day begins with a meeting at our Backcountry Center at the Arrowhead Ski Area (2 miles west of Beaver Creek and Avon) the day prior to your trip departure. Please let our office know if you will need a ride. The meeting allows us the opportunity to get acquainted with each other, discuss the route, gear, and logistics along with answering last minute questions. Please arrive ready to ski, bike or hike and bring your pack and gear with you. Our Backcountry Center is located on the mountain at Arrowhead . All trips depart from and return to Arrowhead or individual lodging in the Avon / Beaver Creek / Vail area.
How to get to the Backcountry Center – Google Maps
Trip Departure
On the morning of your trip departure, we will pick you up at your lodging or meet you at a pre-arranged location. Specific meeting times and places are arranged at the Orientation meeting but generally are between 7:00 – 8:30 am. Following breakfast, usually a favorite local’s restaurant, we proceed to the trailhead and head out on the trail.
Recommended Lodging in the Avon / Beaver Creek Area
Comfort Inn, Avon* (800) 423-4374
Inn at Riverwalk, Edwards* (888) 926-0606
Christie Lodge, Avon (970) 949-7700
Recommended Area Lodging [Need Own Transportation]
Best Western Eagle Lodge, Eagle (800) 528-1234 (17 miles west of Beaver Creek)
Low-cost lodging:
The Bunkhouse – Hostel, Minturn, CO
The Turntable – Motel, Minturn, CO
Central Reservations for Vail, Avon & Aspen
Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau (800) 525-3875
Aspen Resort Association (800) 421-7145
Transportation Reservations Vail / Beaver Creek Travel (Travel Agent) (800) 323-4386
Colorado Mountain Express / CME Travel (970) 949-4227 (Denver-Vail / Avon Van Service) (800) 525-6363
(For auto rental, please check with your travel agent)
For more information on the Vail Valley, vacationing in Vail / Beaver Creek, local activities, events, shops, restaurants and amenities check out the Vail home page on the World Wide Web at:
The Final Leg – Denver Airport to the Vail Valley
Driving I-70 in the Winter
Just getting here can be a bit of an adventure. We have often said that we would rather be skiing the trails in a snow storm than driving Interstate 70 over Vail Pass.
Contact Paragon Guides today to join us on a backcountry adventure!
970.926.5299
trips@paragonguides.com