Accommodations | Visa Information | Participant Travel | What to Bring
Boulder
Nestled against the face of the Rocky Mountains, twenty-five miles northwest of Denver, Boulder, Colorado is a unique community of 96,000 people whose name has become synonymous with excellence, thoughtful planning, concern for the environment and respect for the opinion of individual citizens.
Boulder is a mixture of historic, well-preserved buildings, including one of only three year-round Chautauquas in the country, vibrant retail and commercial businesses and numerous art galleries. The city has over 300 restaurants and entertainment establishments, walking/biking paths and unsurpassed beauty. Boulder's citizens are well educated, informed on local and world issues and "just plain friendly."
City of Boulder Visitor’s Page:
http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/visitors.html
Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/
Downtown Boulder, Inc.
http://www.boulderdowntown.com/
Colorado Shakespeare Festival, 2 July-23 August 2003
http://www.coloradoshakes.org/
University of Colorado at Boulder International Film Series
http://www.colorado.edu/visit/performances.html
Weather
Temperatures in Boulder in August are warm with daytime high temperatures around 30C (88F). In the evening the temperatures cool to near 15C (60F).
Transportation
Participants will be able to walk between the Residence Inn (below) and the NCAR facilities where a majority of the Institute will be held. This is approximately a 3-15 min. walk depending on which NCAR building visiting. NCAR operates a shuttle bus system that runs a circuit between the various NCAR facilities if it is needed.
Boulder has one of the most extensive systems of walking/biking trails in the United States and so it is easy to get to most locations. There is a good public transportation system, the RTD, which is available for minimal cost. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/].
Downtown Boulder, with its Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall along with numerous shops and restaurants, is a 10-min. taxi ride. (Less than $10USD fare.)
Altitude
Boulder’s altitude is 1634 meters (5363 feet). While its height is part of its unique charm, significant changes in altitude can cause some people to become quite sick with altitude sickness.
There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don't, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to high altitude before, it's important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized. Altitude sickness is caused by the change in barometric pressure as you ascend to higher altitudes. To properly oxygenate the body, your breathing rate increases. De-hydration is also often associated with altitude sickness. It usually takes 1-3 days for people to acclimatize the altitude.
The following steps are recommended to assist you in acclimatizing to the altitude. We highly recommend that you take these steps:
1) Drink plenty of fluids. Start hydrating 2-3 days before you travel, continue through your travels, and after you reach Boulder for another 2-3 days.
2) Limit strenuous exercise when you reach Boulder for a few days.
3) Avoid alcohol for several days.
All participants and faculty will be housed at the Marriott Residence Inn, Boulder, Colorado. Participants will share 2 bedroom/2 bath suites that include full kitchen facilities. Internet access is available in each room so that participants can check email in the evening.
The Inn has a pool, sport court, and laundry facility. A full breakfast buffet is served every morning and a cocktail hour held most evenings. The Inn is undergoing a complete remodel in early 2003 and the staff is very much looking forward to our group. You can visit the Inn website at: http://www.marriott.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=VBOCG
The Inn is address is:
3030 Center Green Drive
Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Phone: 1 303-449-5545
Fax: 1 303-449-2452
Important: Please direct any questions about the Inn through the START Secretariat. Please DO NOT contact the Inn directly.
Accommodations are provided only for Institute participants. Participants should not be accompanied by any family members, etc.
Gaining an entry visa to the United States has grown increasingly difficult in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. All participants are encouraged to begin the visa application process immediately after confirmation of attendance. Institute organizers have allowed several months and will assist you as much as possible in obtaining a visa but it is ultimately the responsibility of the participant to acquire a valid visa.
Participants to this Institute, if they do not already hold a valid US visa, should apply for a B-1 visa. This visa is valid for 90 days and is used for business purposes only.
Information on visa requirements is available from the United States State Department website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa;visitors.html.
Participants are encouraged to immediately contact the nearest United States Consulate/Embassy to confirm these instructions and to inform themselves of any local requirements. Please follow all instructions exactly. Any errors on any of the visa application materials will delay processing significantly.
It is possible that transit visas will be required for some countries along the itinerary. The participant should check this with their airline and/or travel professional.
Airfares
Round-trip, APEX fare tickets will be provided to the participants from the airport closest to their home and Denver. Additional segments will not be accommodated. Participants may choose to make their own travel arrangements and be reimbursed for the equivalent APEX fare at the end of the Institute. Alternatively, the START Secretariat will make travel arrangements and purchase tickets for the participants. Travel arrangements must be confirmed no later than May 13 to allow for visa application processing.
Ground Transportation
START will reimburse for ground transportation from the participant’s home to the nearest airport up to a maximum amount of $30 USD each way. These funds will be provided at the end of the Institute.
Transportation between the Denver International Airport and the Marriott Residence Inn Boulder is available through the Super Shuttle service. These vans pick up curbside, directly outside the baggage claim area. The Super Shuttle accepts online reservations and additional information is available from their website: http://www.yellowtrans.com/.
Clothing
Institute dress will be casual but there will be a closing dinner where more formal attire will be suitable. All facilities are air-conditioned so while it may be warm outside, it may be appropriate to bring a sweater for use inside. There is a pool and a small health center at the Inn.
Computers
Please DO NOT bring laptop computers with you!!!! Computer facilities have been arranged as part of the Institute. These facilities will be outfitted with all of the software programs, data, etc. that will be used as part of the Institute curriculum. If there are essential files, bring them on CD.
Money
Participants will be provided with a stipend at the beginning of the Institute. As the suites in the Inn have kitchen facilities, participants are expected to cook a majority of their meals. The stipend will be sufficient to cover groceries and modest entertainment expenses. We recommend that participants bring funds with them to cover their incidental expenses for which they will be responsible.