PLEASE NOTE: WE REACHED CAPACITY, SO OUR WALK-UP REGISTRATION POLICY HAS CHANGED. YOU CAN REGISTER FOR $100, BUT WE CANNOT PROVIDE HOUSING AND MEALS FOR WALK-UP REGISTRANTS. SEE TEXT UNDER "WALK-UP REGISTRATION" BELOW.
THE VENUE
The entire ICMC US West program will be on the grounds of the YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park CO 80511.
TRANSPORTATION
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO ESTES PARK. ONCE IN ESTES PARK THERE IS NO TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN YMCA AND THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK.
Whether you are traveling by plane, train or automobile here is some helpful information:
PLANES:
If flying into DIA, it is about a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive/ride to Estes Park from the airport. We suggest making reservations with the Estes Park shuttle service, using code word HIGHER for a discounted rate.
There is not a need for a car during the conference. Parking is free.
ESTES PARK SHUTTLE:We have negotiated a group rate ($63.75 round trip per person) for the ICMC with Estes Park Shuttle that will transport participants from Denver International Airport (DIA) to the Estes Park YMCA and back to the airport. For reservations call (970) 586-5151 or visit www.estesparkshuttle.com.
WHEN BOOKING YOUR RESERVATION: Use the code word HIGHER (note: all caps) to receive the discounted price of $63.75 per person roundtrip. By phone, make sure to give the reservationist the code word HIGHER to get the discount.
| DEPARTURE TIMES FROM DIA (Thursday, 7/28/11) | DEPARTURE TIMES FROM YMCA (Sunday, 7/31/11) |
| 8:00 am | 5:00 am |
| 10:00 am | 7:00 am |
| 1:00 pm | 10:00 am |
| 4:00 pm | 1:00 pm |
| 7:00 pm | 4:00 pm |
| 10:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
ARRIVAL: Please allow 30 minutes after arrival time for your shuttle pick-up time. Meeting area will be on the East side of DIA at door 511. The driver will have a curb sign that says HIGHER so they will be easy to spot.
DEPARTURE: Please allow 3 1/2 hours from shuttle departure time to flight departure.
The shuttle times listed above are for Thursday and Sunday. Estes Park Shuttle will also shuttle ICMC participants on Wednesday and Monday for the same rate. Make sure to communicate your arrival times with the shuttle service and use the code.TRAINS:
Amtrak: www.amtrak.com.
Arrival/Departure Stations:Denver or Fort Morgan, you are still responsible for getting transportation from these stations to Estes Park.
AUTOMOBILES:
Depends on what part of the country you are driving from. Please map your route before coming. Make sure your vehicle has proper maintenance and in good working condition. The most important thing is your safety. Cell phone coverage is spotty in the mountains.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:From Denver/Colorado Springs:
I-25 NORTH toward Fort Collins
Exit at #243 toward Lyons/Longmont
Turn left on CO-66
Follow signs for 36 West (go through the towns of Longmont and Lyons)
Turn left on Elkhorn Ave.
Turn left on Moraine Ave.
Continue in the right hand lane around curve (by Big Slide and Doughnut Haus)
Drive straight through Marys Lake Rd. Intersection and stay in the left lane.
US-36 becomes CO-66
Look for signs - Estes Park Center entrance on your right hand side
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION HOURS OF OPERATIONS
Conference registration is held in the Assembly Hall Lobby, which is on the back side of the Walter G. Reusch Auditorium. Please look for the ICMC welcome sign. There is parking available while you register and then you will be instructed where to park. Please look for the ICMC Ushers in bright orange shirts.
| Wednesday, July 27th | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm** |
| Thursday, July 28th | 9:00 am | 10:00 pm |
| Friday, July 29th | 9:00 am | 11:00 am |
**Those arriving before registration opens on Wednesday can pick up their meal tickets at 5pm at the ICMC registration desk. The dining hall is open from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for dinner. Dinner is included for the night your registration begins. We cannot hand out any room keys until 6pm on Wednesday or 3pm on Thursday due to the turnover of the rooms of the group checking out.
There will be an on-call representative outside of these hours. If it looks like you will not be arriving within these hours please call ahead of time to our on call staff to let them know your anticipated arrival time and they will direct you for your arrival. Phil Salvador 509-869-9244, Amy Bickel 303-618-5934, Paul Jacobs 303-905-8370 and Kyle Kern 303-819-5312.
WALK-UP REGISTRATION - URGENT INFORMATION:
Due to the extraordinary response and interest in the ICMC US WEST, Registration, which has been open for the past 5 months, reached final capacity. We are unable to expand any further in size and still provide a safe, memorable experience for all the participants. We are grateful for everyone who did register in time and want you to know that we have a wonderful conference experience planned for you!
We understand that there are still students planning on coming to the conference and while not wanting to discourage any disciples from attending, we need to be clear as to what the walk-up registrants should anticipate.
- There will be a $100 walk-up registration fee. This fee will get you admission to the conference, welcome packet and name tag while supplies last.
- Walk-up registration will NOT provide you with either housing or meals under the conference plan. WALK-UP REGISTRANTS WILL BE COMPLETELY ON THEIR OWN RECOGNIZANCE TO FIND THEIR HOUSING AND MEALS FOR THE DURATION OF THE WEEKEND. YOU CAN LOOK IN THE NEARBY TOWN OF ESTES PARK FOR HOUSING AND YOU CAN PURCHASE MEALS AT THE CAFETERIA WHERE WE WILL ALL BE EATING. OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT ALL OF THE HOTELS IN AND AROUND ESTES PARK ARE ALREADY FULL.
- As the host committee, our energies are now focused on the registrants we are aware of and with our finite resources, we simply are not in a position to adequately meet the needs of the current registrants AND those whom we did not plan for.
We are very humbled and encouraged by your desire to participate. As such we feel it important to clearly communicate this situation and our position well in advance of your arrival to the conference. Please pass this information to any friends you know who are planning to come to Estes Park who are expecting to be able to register upon arrival.
SCHEDULE
Teachers for each of the classes are working hard and praying for their lessons to inspire your hearts. Please see the attached schedule.
ESTES PARK ALTITUDE AND WEATHER
Estes Park is located at 7,522 feet (2,293 m) above sea level. The biggest surprise for visitors to Colorado is the climate. Estes Park enjoys low relative humidity, making for beautiful, sun-filled days and cool, comfortable evenings. The average daily high in July is a mild 79 degrees with an average low of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Because Estes Park is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then becomes very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. IT IS BEST TO LAYER YOUR CLOTHING. Colorado is also extremely dry and with less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado.
However, there's 25 percent less protection from the sun, SO SUNSCREEN IS A MUST. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and lip balm for your general comfort.
GENERAL INFORMATION
LINENS: All linens are provided. To request additional linens please see lodge concierge in the foyer of each lodge between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm.
WHAT TO WEAR: We suggest casual wear during the conference. You will want to bring comfortable walking shoes. We also suggest jackets or sweaters for the cooler evenings and you might also find a travel-sized umbrella helpful in case of rain showers. The YMCA is closer to a teen camp atmosphere verses past conferences at hotels and in the city.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Both before your trip to Estes Park and during your stay. Drinking water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to our higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need to drink about twice the amount of water here as you would drink at home. The effects of exercise are more intense here as well. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try 6 miles in Colorado. Something to consider would be to eat foods high in potassium, such as; broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Don't let everything you hear about the mile-high altitude scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. There will be ice water located in each classroom.
FOOD: We will have our meals in the Aspen Dining Room. You will be given a paper meal ticket for the entire week based on your registration.
COMBAT THE DRYNESS: You'll find the air much drier in the mountains than at sea level. Take these along to stay comfortable:
SALINE NASAL SPRAY: Dry nasal membranes are not only uncomfortable, but they can also cause nose bleeds. A few spritzes of this over-the-counter remedy can help a lot.
EXTRA STENGTH MOISTURIZERS: Bring lots of your regular stuff, or get something extra-strength and don't forget your lips.
ARTIFICIAL TEARS: Tuck a few packets of artificial tears in your bag or pocket.
PROTECT AGAINST THE SUN:
HIGH SPF SUNSCREEN: The sun will be bright in the desert, and at higher elevations there's less air to absorb it. Whatever you normally use, bring something stronger.
HAT WITH A WIDE BRIM: A baseball cap will shade your face, but not your neck. You'll be better off in a hat with a brim all around so it protects your neck, too.
SUNGLASES: It's easy to leave them at home, especially if you leave at night, so find a way to remember them or pack a spare pair.
WIRELESS/CELL PHONE COVERAGE: Estes Park Center has free wireless internet access throughout the property. The signal is strongest in the Administration Building and lodges. Cell phone reception is dependent on the type of phone and service provider, but signals tend to be weak overall. There are public phones available for guest use.
Check our the ICMC US West Facebook page to connect and re-connect with old and new friends before you arrive in Estes Park. All the conference information is still available at hereamisendme.net, or email with any questions before you arrive.
Leading up to and through the conference we have provided you with short, inspirational quiet times from these Psalms. See you on the mountain top!