Travelers whose flights are diverted or cancelled during bad weather at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will now have a single online source for ‘real time’ information when thanks to the recently launched Travel Interruption Planning Site (TIPS). The TIPS site is the result of the collaborative efforts of airport officials, representatives of three airlines serving Aspen, Colorado Mountain Express airport shuttle service, the Aspen Skiing Company, Town of Snowmass Marketing, Stay Aspen Snowmass, and the Aspen Institute. The group initially convened last fall to work toward improving the travel experience during the worst of times, when bad weather combines with peak travel.
“The website is only the first of several initiatives we’re considering to help move travelers in and out of our airport when the forces of nature coincide with the busiest times at the airport including Christmas, President’s weekend, and Spring Break,” said Airport Director, John Kinney. “The perfect storm for ski conditions is a real challenge for the airport.”
During a snowstorm or other weather phenomenon that precipitates flight delays, diversions and cancellations, the website will offer real time information about ground transportation being arranged by the airlines to help travelers make their connections. It will also include information about rental cars and information about the drive to and from Denver for travelers who are unfamiliar with mountain driving. Should travelers opt to spend and extra night or two while waiting for a weather window, the site will offer information about last-minute lodging availability in Aspen and Snowmass.
“Our guests will benefit from having a single online source for information when we get those big storms that create great powder days on the slopes but creates problems at our airport,” said Stay Aspen Snowmass president, Bill Tomcich. “This is a great way for us to communicate to travelers, the local community, and resort and service industry representatives on their smart phones and laptops about travel alternatives that are being made available by the airlines,” Tomcich said.
The new website can be accessed at www.aspentraveltips.com.