Workshop on Antarctic Numerical Weather Forecasting for Operations

 

16 – 17 October 2002

National Center for Atmospheric Research

Foothills Laboratory

3450 Mitchell Lane

Boulder, CO  80301

 

DIA Airport and Transportation to and from DIA

The Denver International Airport (DIA) is located east of Denver and approximately 50 miles from Boulder.  Maps showing the general location and specific routes can be found on the web at http://www.flydenver.com/maps/index.asp   (DIA home page, with maps) and http://www.ucar.edu/ucar/diamap.html.  Once inside Boulder, a map showing the location of the NCAR Foothills Lab is on the web at http://www.ucar.edu/ucar/bouldermap.html. 

The Baggage claim is on Level 5 at the main terminal of the airport.  The counters for most means of ground transportation are on that level also. 

For participants who are not renting a car at DIA, there is a shuttle service called the SuperShuttle that runs between DIA and Boulder, making stops at various Boulder hotels and other sites, for a one-way cost of $19.00.  For a higher fee, the shuttle will take you to any specific address you request, even if it is not on their list of regularly scheduled stops. The shuttle bus runs typically once every hour. There is no need to make an advanced reservation for the SuperShuttle. Just stop by their desk at DIA and purchase a ticket.  To return to the airport on the SuperShuttle from Boulder, call them directly for a pick-up. Their phone number in Boulder is 303-444-0808.

           

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Golden Buff Lodge, located at the intersection of 28th Street (Highway 36) and Canyon.   The cost for a single room will be $79 per night, plus 9.6% tax, with complimentary coffee, tea, juice, and pastries in the mornings.  This hotel is conveniently located across the street from Crossroads Mall, where there is a stop for the NCAR shuttle (see the shuttle schedule at http://www.fin.ucar.edu/sass/transport/index.html).  It is also near downtown Boulder and many restaurants.  If there are several participants staying here, a special mini-van will be available to transport them to and from the workshop site, otherwise the NCAR shuttle will be sufficient.

If you wish to use these facilities, please mention the AMPS Workshop when you call to make your reservation and to obtain the discounted rate mentioned above.  Below is the information on this lodge.

 

Best Western Golden Buff Lodge

1725 28th Street

Boulder, CO 80301

Phone:  1-800-999-2833

Or (303) 442-7450

 

Restaurants

The Golden Buff has a restaurant within its campus.  There are also several choices of eating establishments in the vicinity of the lodge.  Some of the possibilities are:

 

 

During the workshop you may find it most convenient to dine at the NCAR Foothills Laboratory’s cafeteria that serves breakfast (7:30am-10:30am) and lunch (11:30am -1:30pm.  The cafeteria is in the same building as the workshop will be.

 

General Notes on the Area

Boulder is situated against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  The Fall season is often fickle and it can be 70 degrees or it can be snowing.  The days are usually fair but the evenings are often chilly. The altitude is 5300’ above sea level, thus if you are unaccustomed to high altitudes you should be aware of the difference that altitude makes on your body. 

1)      Take it easy, and expect to experience fatigue, even if doing some simple task as climbing the stairs.  It usually takes 4 or 5 days for your body to adjust.

2)      Drink lots of water or juice.  At this altitude you can get dehydrated without much warning.  Often a headache is a warning that your body needs more water.

 

Please feel free to contact either of the workshop's NCAR contacts:

            Joan Wilson                                Sudie Kelly

            (303) 497-8908               (303) 497-8951

            wilsonj@ucar.edu             kellys@ucar.edu