Aspen Car Rental

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Aspen is not only a bit off-center, it is in its own little world. Tucked away at the southeast end of the Roaring Fork Valley, surrounded by the towering Elk Mountains, Collegiate Peaks and White River National Forest, Aspen even feels faraway. Maybe that is why the characters that make up the population are so diverse and interesting. Or maybe it is because of a common love for snow sports that unites people. You can enter a coffee shop on Hopkins Avenue and hear "Hey, Dude" in just about every accent. Aspen is one of the few places where you can see dotcom millionaires on paper and hardcore snowboarders both decked out in the latest Sean John threads. Looking for a bite to eat? Aspen is where breakfast with the locals might mean miners and ranchers sitting down to a slab of meat, trust fund tree huggers pondering over vegan smoothies and brainiacs trying to break down the chemical compounds of a muffin. Feel like shopping? Then join the fur coat crowd at tony Gucci, or tag along with a cowboy while he picks out a new Stetson. Aspen is a town of anomalous diversity, lofty erudition and extreme sport.

Aspen is a unique town complete with changeable weather, winter driving conditions, unpredictable wildlife and lots of pedestrians. Please drive, walk and ride safely!

Winter Driving Tips

• Maintain Traction - Start and stop gradually, rive at steady speeds, avoiding sudden starts of stops. Accelerate slightly when approaching a hill, then maintain a steady speed going up. Gear down to avert wear on brakes and maintain control.
• Skids - To avoid skids, drive sensibly. Anticipate turns and lane changes. If the vehicle begins to skid, remove your foot from the gas or brake and steer in the direction of the skid. After you regain control of the vehicle, straighten and proceed.
• Braking - Use gentle braking pressure on slippery road conditions. To avoid locking the wheels, gently pump disc brakes, but use steady pressure on anti-lock brake systems. Drive through curves at a safe, steady speed and gear down for both uphill and downhill.
• Other - Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It gives you better traction and a better margin of error if you get stranded. Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or even candy bars. Don't go exploring without some local knowledge. The weather can change quickly and violently in the Rocky Mountains - whatever time of year. Be sure you have good tires; the Colorado State Patrol recommends at least a 1/8" tread.

Driving Regulations In Colorado
Tourists and visitors that are at least 16 years of age may drive a private, non commercial vehicle, including rental vehicles with a valid drivers licence.

A fastened seat belt must be worn in all motor vehicles that were factory equiped with seat belts, by the driver, any front passengers, and children between ages of 4 and 16 (or over 40 lbs). Children under 4 and under 40 lbs, must be in a federally approved child seat with a safety harness.

Parking in Downtown Aspen
If you must drive into town, the Rio Grande Parking Plaza located at 472 Rio Grande Place just off Mill Street, offers all day parking for $12.50/day. Short-term parking in downtown Aspen is available for up to four hours.

There are also pay stations that work like traditional parking meters, except that one pay station covers one side of an entire block. Look for pay stations mid-block in the commercial core. The pay stations accept coins, parking tokens, credit cards, and debit "smart" cards that are available at City Hall. Meter spaces in the commercial core are enforced from 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday. The pay station will print out a receipt showing the amount paid, the date and the expiration time. Display the receipt on the driver's side of your dashboard.

Commercial Core Pay Parking Fees

Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
First hour $1.00
Second hour $2.00
Third hour $2.00
Fourth hour $3.00
Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Free

Speed Limits in Colorado

Drinking And Driving Laws In Colorado
A blood alcohol level of .05 to .09 is considered 'driving while impaired', which can result in a loss of license for one year, a $100-500 fine, and up to 180 days in jail. A blood alcohol level of .10 or higher is considered 'diving while under the influence', which can result in one year loss of lisence, a $500-1500 fine, and up to 1 year in jail. Any level of alcohol if under 21 is a mandatory revocation of license for 1 year.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in Colorado.