I‐70 User Study · Mammoth and T‐Rex) over three weekends (six total mornings) in late January and February. In addition, surveys were collected on two Friday afternoons. A total

Prepared for:

I‐70 Coalition

Prepared by:

RRC Associates 4770 Baseline Road, Ste. 360 Boulder, CO 80303 303/449‐6558 www.rrcassociates.com

I‐70UserStudyFinalResults

March2017

I-70 User Study—Final Results March 2017

RRC Associates Contents

Table of Contents

ANOVERVIEWOFKEYFINDINGS..........................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTIONANDMETHODOLOGY................................................................................................5

INTERCEPTSURVEYRESULTS................................................................................................................6

VEHICLECOUNTS.....................................................................................................................................18

THEFRONTRANGESNOWSPORTSENTHUSIASTSPANEL.........................................................22


RRC Associates 1

AN OVERVIEW OF KEY FINDINGS

The results from the 2017 I‐70 User Study Research Program are presented in the attached report.

This overview presents a summary of key findings from the study that are further documented in

the full report that follows. The full report provides a discussion of research results portrayed

using a series of graphs and charts. Further, notable comparisons to results from past studies are

highlighted.

The 2017 research was designed to allow comparisons to past research. Surveys were conducted

at the T‐Rex and Wooly Mammoth lots on dates in late January and early to mid‐February,

approximately the same weekends that were surveyed in 2014. Additionally, vehicle counters

were place at the Wooly Mammoth lot to measure traffic patterns across several weeks on a real‐

time basis which permits precise analysis of vehicles entering and exiting the lot by time of day.

The research also incorporates survey results from the RRC Front Range Snowsports Enthusiasts

Panel. The data provide input from a broad sample of Front Range winter visitors to mountain

resorts, and it included survey questions that allow comparisons to results from the 2014 Panel.

Notable findings from the intercept survey of T‐Rex and Wooly Mammoth lot users include:

The Dinosaur Lot users profile is predominantly male and young adult. The largest share of lot

users comes from the Denver ZIP Codes (31%), but Jefferson (23%), Boulder (12%) and

Arapahoe (11%) Counties are also strongly represented.

Overall, vehicle occupancy results are similar to prior years of the survey but data suggest

increased use of carpooling. The 2017 results point to a smaller share of drivers arriving at the

lot alone than in 2014 (56% in 2017 vs. 70% in 2014). This suggests that I‐70 travelers may be

starting the carpooling process even before getting to the lots.

Respondents cited an average of 3.0 different motivations for carpooling, highlighting that

there are multiple reasons why carpooling appeals to lot users. As in 2014 and 2012, the most

frequently identified motivation for carpooling was to “save on gas” (73%). Social/fun (55%),

reduce environmental impact (49%), and reduce traffic congestion (46%) were also of high

importance. The desire to reduce environmental impacts, reduce congestion, as well as saving

on resort parking all showed increases over 2014 results.

Respondents estimated using the Dinosaur Lots for roughly half of their winter mountain trips

(an average of 58% and a median of 50%). Meanwhile, just over a quarter of respondents use

the Dinosaur Lots for every single one of their trips to the mountains (27%). Respondents

estimated taking an average of 17.8 trips to the mountains this winter, up from 15.7 in 2014.


RRC Associates 2

Trip destinations are relatively spread out, with no one location attracting a majority of

respondents. Winter Park and Keystone were most cited (18% each), followed closely by

Copper Mountain (14%), Vail (13%), Arapahoe Basin (10%), and Breckenridge (9%).

Results indicate an increased propensity for overnight trips among Dinosaur Lot users. Two in

five respondents (39%) did not plan to return to the parking lot on the day they were surveyed,

up notably from 2014 (24%). Lot users staying in the mountains overnight planned to stay a

median of two nights. As might be expected, lot users arriving Friday stay in the mountains

longer, on average, than those who arrive on Saturdays or Sundays.

Nearly two‐thirds of lot users (64%) indicated that they use I‐70 traffic information sources.

However, certain groups were more likely to use traffic information sources than others. For

one, visitors to Steamboat, Vail, and Beaver Creek are more likely to use information sources

than visitors to other destinations, suggesting that those who are going to more distant

destinations are more likely to engage in trip planning behaviors. Additionally, respondents

who have made 21 or more trips to the mountains are about twice as likely to use traffic

information sources as those who have made five or fewer trips.

Sources of information used by parking lot users. Among users of I‐70 information sources, 51%

indicated they use CoTrip.org, 48% use the CDOT mobile app, and 28% use GoI70.com, with

progressively smaller shares of respondents using other sources. This year, notably more respondents

indicated using CoTrip.org and GoI70.com than in 2014.

Commercial bus and van service was up at the T‐Rex/Wooly Mammoth lots over 2014. While a

small part of overall use, these modes saw increases.

Later returns to the lots were evident in 2017. While planned time of return overall is similar to

2014, lot users were more likely to return later in the evening in 2017. A notably higher share

of respondents planned to return after 7:00 PM (21% in 2017 vs. 11% in 2014), an indication

that some of the efforts to encourage later stays may be yielding positive results. The

percentage of day visitors planning to return after 3:00 PM was 83%, identical to 2014.

Just under one‐third of respondents have ever used the I‐70 Mountain Express Lane (MEXL)

(30%). Those that use it did so an average of 5.0 times. This is generally consistent, albeit

slighter higher than reported usage among respondents to the Front Range Snowsports

Enthusiasts Panel, 25% of whom have ever used the MEXL with an average usage of 2.4 times.


RRC Associates 3

Traffic counts taken by RRC at the lots, as well as CDOT traffic counts at the Eisenhower Tunnel,

produced the following insights:

While the T‐Rex lot was observed to almost always be near or above its reported capacity, the

Wooly Mammoth lot had more variation but heavy use overall, and increases over 2014. The

Wooly Mammoth was at 100% of capacity on a Saturday morning and showed higher levels of

use throughout the study days than was observed in the past. Comparisons by day of week

and time‐periods indicate a consistent overall increase in the number of parked. Most notably,

the number of parked vehicles increased notably during the Friday 2:00‐4:00 PM time frame.

Traffic counters placed at the Wooly Mammoth entrances and exits reveal a consistent fill

pattern by day of week and hour of day. Saturday and Sunday inbound traffic both peak in the

6:00 AM hour, with Saturday having a larger overall volume of vehicles. On Saturdays,

outbound traffic peaks in the 2:00 PM hour, while on Sundays the outbound traffic volume is

slightly more spread out.

Traffic counters reveal a 6:15 – 6:30 AM outbound traffic peak from the Wooly Mammoth lot.

This is consistent with what CDOT’s traffic counters revealed in 2014; however, the peak is

even more pronounced and consistent in 2017.

CDOT Eisenhower Tunnel traffic counts and RRC Wooly Mammoth traffic counts align closely.

Morning westbound traffic peaks at the Eisenhower Tunnel are preceded by peaks at Wooly

Mammoth. However, the peaks are offset, typically by an hour or more. In the afternoon,

following an eastbound peak at the tunnel, Wooly Mammoth traffic spikes again.

The Front Range Snowsports Enthusiasts Panel generated even more insights around behaviors

and perceptions as they relate to I‐70 corridor travel:

A notable 69 percent of panel respondents reported that the frequency of their

skiing/snowboarding had been reduced because of I‐70 congestion. When asked to elaborate

on the specific ways in which their snowsports activity had been reduced, comments centered

around several major themes: avoidance of skiing/riding altogether, skiing/riding at locations

other than those along the I‐70 corridor, skiing/riding during the week instead of on the

weekends, skiing/riding fewer days, and taking overnight trips instead of day trips.

A vast majority of respondents make an effort to avoid the high congestion times on I‐70 (94

percent), up from 90 percent in 2014, and identical to 2012.

On average, panel respondents use a combination of three different strategies to avoid

congestion on I‐70. In 2017, the most common types of strategies involved avoiding weekend

travel (whether it be on Saturday or Sunday specifically, or weekends altogether). The next

most common strategy involved trying to beat peak travel periods by arriving or leaving early

or late.


RRC Associates 4

Respondents who own a pass or lift ticket pack behave differently than those without one. As

was the case in 2012 and 2014, product holders are much more likely to arrive early and leave

early, most likely because pass ownership enables one to enjoy just a few hours of skiing or

riding, whereas those who pay for a full day lift ticket ski/ride longer to get more value out of

their trip to the resort.

Just over one‐third of respondents (36 %) think the new I‐70 MEXL has made a difference in

congestion during peak times. When asked if signage and other information pertaining to the

travel lane is adequate and easily understood, about two‐thirds (67%) said it was.

The major obstacles to using the I‐70 MEXL include cost, perceived danger, doesn’t seem to

save time, and not being open. These were the major themes that emerged in the survey

when the 75% of panel respondents who have not used the MEXL were asked “What keeps

you from using the lane?”

One‐third of panel respondents have used the Dinosaur Lots for carpooling. When asked to

comment on their experience, they were generally quite positive, noting the convenience and

ease of the lots for carpooling. However, some critiques around safety did appear in the

comments as well.


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INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY

During mid‐winter 2017, the I‐70 Coalition commissioned a study to investigate parking patterns at

the three Dinosaur parking lots in Morrison, CO. The study follows up on studies conducted during

mid‐winter 2012 and 2014, respectively, and seeks to obtain a greater understanding of lot usage,

carpooling patterns, and related traffic issues. The data collected provide a variety of insights

regarding carpooling patterns and I‐70 user behavior. Study dates and methodology were

designed to closely mirror the 2012 and 2014 studies in order to identify changes and potential

trends over time.

Figure 1.

Map of Dinosaur Lots


RRC Associates 6

The research involved three primary sources of data collection:

1. On‐site intercept surveys, conducted with a random sampling of lot users to understand

carpooling motivations and behaviors. Surveyors interviewed users of the two lots (Wooly

Mammoth and T‐Rex) over three weekends (six total mornings) in late January and

February. In addition, surveys were collected on two Friday afternoons. A total of 519

interviews were completed, which has a percent confidence interval of approximately 4.3

percentage points calculated for questions at 50% response.

2. Traffic counters, placed by RRC at the entrances to the Wooly Mammoth lot for a period of

two weeks and covered two of the three study weekends. The data provide additional

insight regarding use of the lot at different times of the day and days of the week.

3. Online panel survey using the RRC Associates Colorado Snowsports Enthusiasts Panel.

Questions investigated the opinions and behaviors of Front Range skiers and riders as they

relate to I‐70 travel.

Each of these methods of data collection will be discussed in turn throughout the report.

INTERCEPT SURVEY RESULTS

The following discussion provides an overview of the Wooly Mammoth and T‐Rex survey results. It

addresses the following topics:

Demographics of lot users

Carpooling behaviors and motivations

Trip characteristics

Traffic information source awareness and usage

Ski/van bus and MEXL usage

Results from the intercept research are presented in overall summary form and in many cases are

also segmented by year, day of week, and/or travel destination (Keystone, Loveland, Copper

Mountain, etc.), particularly where notable differences exist.


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Demographic Profile

Overall, responses indicate that Dinosaur Lot users fit a predominantly male, young adult profile.

Specifically, males (70%) significantly outnumber females (30%), which is roughly the same

male:female ratio identified in 2014 and 2012. The bulk of respondents are between the ages of

25‐34 (48%), with an average age of 35.9 years. The largest share of lot users comes from the

Denver ZIP Codes (31%), but Jefferson (23%), Boulder (12%) and Arapahoe (11%) Counties are also

strongly represented and in roughly the same proportions as in 2014 and 2012.

Figure 2. Respondent Demographics


RRC Associates 8

Carpooling Behaviors and Motivations

Number of people per vehicle. Results suggest that a typical winter weekend morning at the lots

involves between two and three vehicles meeting, with one departing from the lots while the

remaining vehicle(s) stay parked. On average, there were 1.9 persons per vehicle on trips to the

lots, with more than half of respondents driving alone (56%) or with one other person (23%). In

contrast, there was an average of 2.8 persons per vehicle on trips leaving the lots, with 86% of

vehicles containing two or more people.

Figure 3.

Persons per Vehicle on Trips to the Lots vs. Trips Leaving the Lots

Overall, results are similar to prior years of the survey. However, 2017 results point to a smaller

share of drivers arriving at the lot alone than in 2014 (56% in 2017 vs. 70% in 2014). This suggests

that I‐70 travelers may be starting the carpooling process even before getting to the lots or

traveling to the lots in larger parties.


RRC Associates 9

There were also a few differences depending on where the respondent was traveling to that day,

the number of trips they have taken to the mountains this winter, and prior use of the MEXL:

When evaluated by where the respondent planned on visiting that day, results show that

there are a higher average number of people leaving the lot per vehicle for destinations

that are farther away (e.g., Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat).

The average number of people leaving the lot per vehicle is also higher among respondents

who have made more trips to the mountains this winter. This finding may suggest that

more avid mountain travelers have a consistent carpooling group.

Table 1.

People Per Vehicle Leaving the Lot by Number of Mountain Trips This Winter

Respondents who have used the MEXL also have a higher average number of people per

vehicle leaving the lot. Given that cost has been cited as a deterrent to using the MEXL

(see the section on the Front Range Snowsports Enthusiasts Panel later in this report), it

makes sense that those with more people in their vehicle would be more likely to use the

lane (to potentially split that cost).

5 or less 6-10 11-20 21+

1 21% 16% 9% 14%

2 36% 33% 29% 30%

3 33% 32% 37% 26%

4 8% 10% 16% 21%

5 1% 4% 7% 3%

6 0% 1% 1% 3%

7 1% 1% 0% 0%

8 or more 0% 1% 2% 4%

100% 100% 100% 100%

2.3 2.7 2.9 3.0

50 97 141 89

TOTAL

Average

n =

Number of trips to mountains this winter

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE CARPOOL VEHICLE LEAVING FROM THIS PARKING LOT TODAY?


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Motivations for carpooling. As in 2014 and 2012, the most frequently identified motivation for

carpooling was to “save on gas” (73%). Social/fun (55%), reduce environmental impact (49%), and

reduce traffic congestion (46%) were also of high importance. Respondents cited an average of

3.0 different motivations, highlighting that there are multiple reasons why carpooling appeals to

lot users. As compared to 2014, respondents were more likely to cite the desire to reduce

environmental impacts and congestion as reasons for carpooling, as well as saving on resort

parking.

Figure 4.

Carpooling Motivations (Select All That Apply)

While saving on gas is the primary motivation cited among all respondents, there were some

differences in motivations noted when results are assessed by destination. Visitors to

Breckenridge, Copper, and Vail were more likely to cite saving on resort parking as a reason for

carpooling than visitors to other mountain destinations. Meanwhile, visitors to Keystone,

Loveland, Copper, and Winter Park were more likely to cite “social/fun” as a reason for carpooling

than other visitors.


RRC Associates 11

Share of trips using the Dinosaur Lots. Respondents estimated the share of winter trips on which

they use the Dinosaur Lots for carpooling to the mountains. Results show that respondents use

the Dinosaur Lots for roughly half of their trips (an average of 58% and a median of 50%). This is

similar but slightly up from 2014, when respondents estimated that they use the Dinosaur Lots for

an average of 54% of their trips. Meanwhile, just over a quarter of respondents use the Dinosaur

Lots for every single one of their trips to the mountains (27%).

Figure 5.

On approximately what percent of winter trips do you use these Dinosaur Lots to carpool to the mountains?

Use of other carpool locations. One in five respondents (20%) use other Front Locations to carpool

to the mountains. This is down somewhat from 2014 (26%). Among respondents who indicated

using other locations, they use these other locations an average of 44% of the time and a median

of 50% of the time.


RRC Associates 12

Trip Characteristics

The trip characteristics of lot users were probed at the Dinosaur Lots. Respondents were asked to

provide a variety of information about their trip, including vehicle type, destination, and estimated

return time.

Vehicle type. A majority of respondents utilized cars/trucks for their transportation from the lots

(92%). The remaining 8% used commercial vehicles (buses or vans), up notably from 2014 (1%).

Of the three days of the week in which surveying took place, Saturday is the most common day for

commercial vehicle usage—particularly commercial buses. Commercial buses left exclusively from

the Wooly Mammoth Lot, while commercial vans split their departures between the T‐Rex and

Wooly Mammoth lots.

Table 2.

Vehicle Type Leaving from the Parking Lot Today

Friday Saturday Sunday T-Rex

Woolly

Mammoth

Car/truck 92% 99% 92% 87% 97% 97% 92%

Commercial

bus5% 0% 5% 9% 2% 0% 6%

Commercial

van3% 1% 3% 4% 1% 3% 3%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

n = 513 525 150 183 180 41 457

WILL THIS TRIP

BE IN A:

TOTAL

2017 2014

2017

Day Location


RRC Associates 13

Trip purpose. By far, skiing/snowboarding at a resort was cited as the most common purpose for

the trip (89%), similar to 2014 (85%). While skiing/snowboarding at a resort is still the

predominant use of the lots, others use the lot for other types of recreation trips (8%),

work/business, shopping, and “other” purposes (2% each).

Trip purpose varies slightly by day of the week. For example, a higher share of respondents using

the lots for work/business on Fridays than on Saturday or Sunday. “Other recreation” includes

backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and biking, among other activities.

Figure 6.

Purpose of Trip


RRC Associates 14

Trip destinations. Trip destinations are relatively spread out, with no single location attracting a

majority of respondents. Winter Park and Keystone were most cited (18% each), followed closely

by Copper Mountain (14%), Vail (13%), Arapahoe Basin (10%), and Breckenridge (9%). Results are

generally similar to 2014, with respondents slightly more likely to go to Keystone, Vail, Arapahoe

Basin, and Steamboat and less likely to go to Breckenridge or “other” destinations in 2017.

Table 3.

Type of Carpooling Group and Trip Destination

Friday Saturday Sunday

Winter Park 18% 17% 16% 21% 18%

Keystone 18% 16% 14% 14% 24%

Copper Mountain 14% 13% 10% 18% 13%

Vail 13% 7% 19% 13% 8%

Other 11% 14% 17% 9% 7%

Arapahoe Basin 10% 5% 5% 13% 12%

Breckenridge 9% 12% 10% 10% 9%

Loveland 7% 8% 4% 6% 11%

Steamboat 4% 1% 6% 3% 3%

Beaver Creek 3% 2% 5% 3% 2%

Backcountry forest/trailhead 3% 4% 1% 4% 3%

Central City/Black Hawk 1% 1% 1% 3% 0%

The Aspen resorts 1% 1% 2% 0% 1%

112% 100% 110% 116% 111%

n = 515 520 153 182 180

WHAT IS YOUR

DESTINATION

TODAY?

TOTAL

2017

2014

Day

2017


RRC Associates 15

Will you return to the parking lot today? Two in five respondents (39%) did not plan to return to

the parking lot on the day they were surveyed, up notably from 2014 (24%). Results indicate an

increased propensity for overnight trips among Dinosaur Lot users.

(If returning today) return time: Day visitors planned to return after 3:00 PM (83%, identical to

2014). While planned time of return is overall similar to 2014, lot users were more likely to return

later in the evening in 2017. A notably higher share of respondents planned to return after 7:00

PM (21% in 2017 vs. 11% in 2014), an indication that some of the efforts to encourage later stays

may be yielding positive results. Conversely, fewer respondents planned to return to the lots

between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM (31% in 2017 vs. 39% in 2014). These changes are consistent with

results from the Front Range Snowsports Enthusiast Panels findings (discussed later in this report),

which show that respondents are more likely to change their return times to avoid I‐70

congestion.

Interestingly, return times change depending on the day of travel. Saturday and Sunday users are

more likely to return in the early afternoon time frame, between 1 PM and 4 PM.

Figure 7.

Time of Return by Day of Week


RRC Associates 16

(If not returning today) date returning to lot. Overnight visitors planned to return anywhere from

the next day to a week later. Overnight visitors planned to stay a median of two nights in the

mountains. As might be expected, lot users arriving Friday stay in the mountains longer, on

average, than those who arrive on Saturdays or Sundays.

Estimated number of trips to the mountain this season. Overall, results show that Dinosaur Lot

users are frequent mountain travelers. Respondents estimated taking an average of 17.8 trips to

the mountains this winter. This is up from 15.7 in 2014. Results show that 25% of respondents

reported 6‐10 trips, 38% said 11‐20 trips, and 24% said 21‐50 trips.

Traffic Information Source Awareness and Usage

Use of traffic information sources. Overall, 64% of respondents indicated that they use I‐70 traffic

information sources, which is down slightly from the 67% that reported using I‐70 traffic

information sources in 2014, but identical to 2012.

Certain groups were more likely to use traffic information sources than others. For one, visitors to

Steamboat, Vail, and Beaver Creek are more likely to use information sources than visitors to other

destinations. This finding suggest that those who are going to destinations farther away are more

likely to engage in trip planning behaviors than those frequenting the resorts closer to the Denver

metro area.

Respondents who have made more winter trips to the mountains are also more likely to use traffic

information sources. Respondents who have made 21 or more trips to the mountains are about

twice as likely to use traffic information sources as those who have made five or fewer trips. Given

that this is a more active group of skiers/riders, it would make sense they are more engaged in the

available sources of information for traveling the I‐70 corridor.

Respondents who have used the MEXL are also more likely to use traffic information sources. It

stands to reason that these respondents are more likely to take advantage of the MEXL because of

the traffic information they are receiving.

Table 4. Use of I-70 Traffic Information Sources

Less than 75 mi.

Greater than 75 mi.

5 or less 6-10 11-20 21+ No Yes

No 36% 38% 15% 59% 37% 36% 18% 40% 26%

Yes 64% 62% 85% 41% 63% 64% 82% 60% 74%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

n = 395 299 79 52 97 148 92 276 117

Number of trips to mountains this winterHave used eastbound

I -70 eastbound express lane (MEXL) before

DO YOU USE ANY I-70 TRAFFIC INFO SOURCES?

OVERALL

Distance from Dinosaur Lots

TOTAL


RRC Associates 17

Sources used. Among users of I‐70 information sources, 51% indicated they use CoTrip.org, 48%

use the CDOT mobile app, and 28% use GoI70.com, with progressively smaller shares of

respondents using other sources. This year, notably more respondents indicated using CoTrip.org

and GoI70.com than in 2014. Conversely, they were less likely to report using the CDOT mobile

app or “other” information sources. Interestingly, respondents who have made at least 21 trips to

the mountains are twice as likely as other respondents to use GoI70.com and CDOT email alerts,

suggesting that the most active users of traffic information sources consider these sources the

most helpful.

Table 5.

I-70 Traffic Information Sources Used

Ski Van/Bus and MEXL Usage

Likelihood of taking a ski van/bus in the future. Respondents were asked to indicate their

likelihood of taking a ski van/bus in the future. Interest was moderate, with 19% “very likely” to

take a ski van/bus, 44% “somewhat likely,” and 37% “not at all likely.” Levels of interest this year

were very consistent with levels of interest in both 2014 and 2012.

Usage of the eastbound I‐70 MEXL. New to the survey this year, respondents indicated if they

have ever used the MEXL. Thirty percent of respondents indicated they had. Respondents who

have used the MEXL indicated having used it an average of 5.0 times. This is generally consistent,

albeit slightly higher than reported usage among respondents to the Front Range Snowsports

Enthusiasts Panel, 25% of whom have ever used the MEXL with an average usage of 2.4 times. It

CoTrip.org 51% 39%

CDOT Mobile App 48% 55%

GoI70.com 28% 4%

CDOT email alerts 12% 2%

(Prior to 2017) Other 10% 21%

CDOT text alerts 6% 2%

Dial 511 4% 4%

Cannot identify by name 1% 2%

(Prior to 2017) Electronic message signs

(Digital/Billboards)3%

161% 133%

n = 345 341

(IF USE

SOURCES)

WHICH I-70

TRAFFIC INFO

SOURCES DO

YOU USE?

TOTAL

2017 2014


RRC Associates 18

will be informative to use this year’s results as a baseline to understand usage and motivations

around using the lane over time.

VEHICLE COUNTS

Counts of parked vehicles on selected winter dates. In 2017 as in 2014, interviewers conducted

periodic counts of the Wooly Mammoth and T‐Rex lots. At its observed peak in 2014, the Wooly

Mammoth lot reached 96% of capacity on a Saturday at 9:30 AM. On Saturday the 11th at 9:20 it

was full this year. As in 2014, The T‐Rex lot was almost always near or above its reported capacity

of 156 spaces, with exceptions occurring on one Friday evening (February 10th).

Table 6.

Counts of Parked Vehicles in the T-Rex and Wooly Mammoth Lots


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Counts of parked vehicles: 2017 vs. 2014. Though 2017 lot counts may not be directly comparable

to 2014, as they were taken on different dates at slightly different times, comparisons by weekday

and time period indicate a consistent overall increase in the number of parked vehicles. Most

notably, Friday lot usage saw the biggest jump since 2014 at both lots. At the Wooly Mammoth

lot, the number of parked vehicles increased 83% in the Friday 2:00‐4:00 PM time frame. At the T‐

Rex lot, the number of parked vehicles increased 26%, but notably over the 156‐space capacity.

Figure 8.

Wooly Mammoth Lot Counts: 2017 vs. 2014

Figure 9. T-Rex Lot Counts: 2017 vs. 2014


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Traffic counters: by hour. To provide additional insight into lot usage, traffic counters were placed

at both Wooly Mammoth entrances and exits. The traffic counters reveal a consistent fill pattern

by day of week and hour of day. Figure 10 below shows inbound, outbound, and overall vehicles

by hour of day. As shown, Saturday and Sunday inbound traffic both peak in the 6:00 AM hour,

with Saturday having a larger overall volume of vehicles. On Saturdays, outbound traffic peaks in

the 2:00 PM hour, while on Sundays the outbound traffic volume is slightly more spread out.

Although not the focus of this study, during the week a similar pattern is apparent, but with a

smaller volume of vehicles overall. On all days, inbound traffic is peaking around 6:00 AM, and

vehicles are mostly departing between 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Figure 10.

Wooly Mammoth Inbound vs. Outbound Vehicle Counts

Vehicle counter data provided under separate cover. A variety of other analyses were performed

using the counter data. This included graphs of vehicle counts by time of day, day of week, and

some corresponding data from the Johnson/Eisenhower Tunnels for purposes of comparison. This

information is available upon request.


RRC Associates 21

Traffic counters: by 5‐minute increment. The graph below compares results from Saturday and

Sunday with counts portrayed in five minute intervals. On Saturdays, outbound traffic spikes from

6:15 to 6:25 AM. On the President’s Day Saturday (February 18) the peak was less pronounced but

still evident. Sundays show less volume and slightly more variation in departure time, but the

peak still occurs at the same time.

Figure 11.

Wooly Mammoth Outbound Vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays: 5:00 – 11:00 AM in 5 minute Increments


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THE FRONT RANGE SNOWSPORTS ENTHUSIASTS PANEL

Study Background

As a part of the 2017 I‐70 User Study, a series of customized questions was posed to a random

sampling of Front Range skiers/riders via the Front Range Snowsports Enthusiasts Panel. For the

past 16 seasons, RRC Associates has tracked Front Range resident (i.e., individuals residing in one

of the counties listed in the Figure below) generated visitation. This panel is made up of

individuals who have opted to participate in ongoing snowsports‐related research projects

throughout the 2016/17 season. As a part of the 2016/17 season panel survey effort, Front Range

skiers and snowboarders were asked a series of questions about traffic‐related topics on I‐70. This

survey was fielded during the first half of February 2017. Results, which are based on 1,088

completed surveys, were analyzed by age, income, household composition, area of residence

within the Front Range, pass or pack ownership, and year (where available). Segmented results

are shared throughout this section of the report in cases where they had a bearing on response

patterns.

Figure 12. Map of Front Range Geographic Area Included in the Panel


RRC Associates 23

Demographic Profile

Members of the Front Range Snowsports Enthusiasts Panel are generally representative of skiers

and snowboarders in the Front Range as a whole. Sixty percent of panel survey respondents are

male, which resembles the typical 60:40 male to female ratio observed across snowsports. Forty‐

four percent of panel members are from households with children living at home and the average

age of panel members is 38 years. Panel members also mirror the generally higher affluence of

skiers and riders in the Front Range, with 43 percent of respondents reporting annual household

incomes of $75,000‐149,999 and 35 percent reporting an income greater than $150,000. The

demographics of the 2017 panel are very similar to the demographics of the 2014 panel, though

incomes have risen among panel respondents in the last three years.

Figure 13.

Respondent Demographic Profile


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Panel members are broadly distributed across the Front Range; however, Denver Metro Counties

(Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas) collectively account for roughly half of panel

membership (52 percent). El Paso County (the Colorado Springs area) and Boulder County each

account for about 14 percent of responses. Throughout this section of the report, results are

often segmented by Northern (29 percent), Central (46 percent), or Southern (25 percent) Front

Range residence.

Figure 14. County of Residence


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Impact of Congestion on Skiing/Snowboarding

A new question asked respondents if the frequency of their skiing/snowboarding has been

reduced because of I‐70 congestion. A notable 69 percent of all respondents reported “yes,” it

had. Respondents who don’t own a season pass were more likely to be deterred from

skiing/snowboarding (71 percent) than their pass‐holding counterparts (67 percent). Furthermore,

respondents who live in the Central Front Range were more likely to reduce the frequency of their

snowsports activity (76 percent) than those in the Northern (69 percent) or Southern Front Range

(55 percent), presumably because of access to ski areas not located along the I‐70 corridor.

Figure 15. Has the frequency of your skiing/snowboarding been reduced as a function of I-70 congestion this season?

Overall and by Pass Ownership and Front Range Location


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QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS

All comments are provided under separate cover and should be evaluated for the breadth and depth of respondent opinions. However, some key insights garnered from the robust set of open‐ended comments will be presented throughout this section of the report. Respondents were asked, “In what specific ways has the frequency of your skiing/snowboarding been reduced?” Several themes emerged from the comments, including:

Avoid skiing/riding altogether o “Have decided to avoid skiing all together. I ski too few days to justify a lift

pass, the individual day pass prices are outrageous and I REFUSE to sit in heavy traffic to get to a resort.”

o “I had a season pass for 16 straight years. The I‐70 corridor ruined the fun. Plain and simple, I will not drive I‐70!”

o “Avoiding it altogether. Too expensive, too much traffic. Just too much hassle in general.”

Skiing/riding at locations other than those along the I‐70 corridor o “We no longer go to the main Front Range resorts on weekends; we ski

Eldora instead.” o “More time in Steamboat, probably won't go back to Copper because the

tunnel to Georgetown traffic is terrible. Winterpark is a little better” o “I avoid I‐70 altogether. I ski at Crested Butte more than other resorts now

despite it being further away.”

Skiing/riding during the week instead of on the weekends o “I avoid weekends. I even changed jobs partially to ski during week.” o “I try to do more backcountry in non‐I70 areas, like Indian Peaks. If I do

take I70, it’s on a weekday” o “Avoiding the weekends, which is difficult with a typical weekday work

schedule.”

Skiing/riding fewer days o “Fewer trips. Depart earlier and return earlier.” o “Fewer days. Going twice in the same weekend is just too much with all the

traffic. Sundays going home in particular can be rough.” o “Fewer days; Would ski 2‐3 weekends per month if drive were a reliable 2

hours each way.”

Taking overnight trips instead of days trips o “Avoid I‐70 trips unless I have free lodging.” o “Avoiding day trips if we are unable to stay overnight due to busy schedule.

Unpredictable travel time makes it too hard to do a day trip.” o “Fewer days on the mountain and avoiding I‐70 on the weekends. Overnight

trips only.”


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Another new question on the 2017 survey asked respondents to indicate if they are taking more

overnight skiing/snowboarding trips because of the I‐70 congestion. Fully, a little more than one‐

third of respondents (37 percent) reported that they were taking more overnight trips. In

particular, season pass holders (42 percent) and couples without children (45 percent) were more

likely to increase their number of overnight trips.

Figure 16. Are you taking more overnight skiing/snowboarding trips as a function of I-70 congestion?

Overall and by Pass Ownership, Front Range Location , and Household Composition


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A vast majority of respondents make an effort to avoid the high congestion times on I‐70 (94

percent), up from 90 percent in 2014, and identical to 2012. While the majority of all respondents

make an effort to avoid periods of congestion, there was some variation noted among certain

groups of respondents. Northern Front Range respondents are more willing to accept delays as

part of their trip (11 percent), than those from the Central (5 percent) or Southern (1 percent)

Front Range. Furthermore, respondents who are single and without children are notably more

likely to accept congestion (16 percent) than couples, households with children, or empty nesters

(1 to 3 percent).

Figure 17. Approach to Congestion Avoidance: Overall and by Front Range Location and Household Composition


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Strategies for Congestion Avoidance

Most respondents indicate they use some mix of strategies in order to avoid congestion on I‐70.

On average, respondents use a combination of three different approaches. In 2017, the most

common strategies include arriving early at the resort and leaving early (51 percent), avoiding

skiing/snowboarding on Saturdays (38 percent), and avoiding skiing/snowboarding on Sundays (36

percent). Respondents were more likely to adopt each of these tactics this year as compared to

2014—particularly, the avoidance of weekend skiing/snowboarding. This year, respondents were

notably less likely to stay overnight, check CDOT for real‐time information, or arrive at the resort

later and stay later.

Figure 18. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Year


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Assessed another way, the efforts adopted to avoid I‐70 congestion may be grouped into key

strategies. In 2017, the most common types of strategies involved avoiding weekend travel

(whether it be on Saturday or Sunday specifically, or weekends altogether). The next most

common strategy involved trying to beat peak travel periods by arriving or leaving early or late.

While arriving early and leaving early appears to be the most popular of these strategies, a notable

share of respondents will also arrive early and leave later. Diverting or modifying travel, staying

overnight, and using CDOT real time information are also relatively used approaches, but not as

frequently used as avoiding weekend travel or altering travel times.

Figure 19. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Year


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Strategies also differ when evaluated by Front Range area of residence. While all groups are most

likely to arrive early and leave early, this is a particularly popular strategy among residents of the

Central Front Range (60 percent). Central Front Range residents are also more likely to avoid

skiing/snowboarding on weekend days, stay overnight, and divert to the frontage road system. In

fact, Central Front Range respondents were more likely to select a number of strategies (3.4 on

average), as compared to Northern (2.4) and Southern (2.3) Front Range residents. These results

suggest that Central Front Range residents are particularly impacted by congestion on I‐70.

Respondents who modify their travel patterns to take other roads were asked to identify these

alternate routes: Northern Front Range respondents reported that they will use Highway 6 and

frontage roads; Central Front Range respondents will often take 285 or a combination of 40 and 6;

Southern Front Range respondents will often rely on Highway 24.

Figure 20.

Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Front Range Location


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Analyzing strategies for congestion avoidance by age provides additional insight into tactics

adopted by key demographic groups. Older respondents are more likely to arrive later and stay

later at the resort and equally likely to avoid weekend travel as their younger counterparts.

Meanwhile, younger respondents are more likely to try each of the other methods more so than

older respondents. They are particularly more likely to arrive early and stay later, arrive early and

leave early, and to stay overnight near the resort.

Figure 21. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Age


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Respondents who own a pass or pack behave differently than those without one. As was the case

in 2012 and 2014, product holders are much more likely to arrive early and leave early, most likely

because pass ownership enables one to enjoy just a few hours of skiing or riding, whereas though

who pay for a full day lift ticket want to get more value out of their trip to the resort. Ultimately

pack and pass holders were much more likely to adopt each of the strategies for congestion

avoidance.

Figure 22. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by 2016/17 Pass or Pack Ownership


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Strategies for congestion avoidance also varied by the income of respondents. As in prior years,

higher income households are more likely to stay overnight, although the use of this strategy is

down by all respondents overall. Lower income respondents are more likely to arrive early and

leave early, arrive early and leave later, arrive later and leave later, and avoid skiing/snowboarding

on Saturdays. Respondents within the $75,000 to $149,999 income category are more likely than

respondents from the other income brackets to avoid skiing/snowboarding on Sundays, avoid

weekend travel, check CDOT, divert to the frontage road, and modify their travel patterns to take

other roads.

Figure 23. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Annual Household Income


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As might be expected, life stage impacts the strategies used to avoid congestion on I‐70. Singles

are much more likely to arrive early at the resort and stay later. Couples without children (as well

as households with children) are most likely to arrive early and leave early. Couples without

children are also more likely than the other segments to avoid skiing/snowboarding on Saturdays

and Sundays, stay overnight, check CDOT, and use the frontage road. Households with children

are more likely than the other groups to modify their travel patterns. Finally, empty nesters are

least likely to engage in each these strategies, except for being relatively likely to avoid weekend

travel, instead opting to ski/board on the weekdays. Given that there are a higher share of

retirees in this group, this strategy is likely more available to them than to respondents in the

other household categories.

Figure 24. Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Household Composition


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Given that respondents will behave differently depending on household composition, it’s worth

taking a closer look at these strategies by household group. In the graph below, couples without

children and empty nesters are grouped together, as they behave most similarly. While all groups

are most likely to arrive early at the resort and leave early, their other top strategies differ slightly.

Singles (28 percent of all respondents) are more likely to arrive early and stay later or stay

overnight. Couples without children (28 percent of all respondents, including couples without kids

or empty nesters) are slightly more likely to avoid skiing on one weekend day. Households with

children comprise 44 percent of the sample, and are much more likely to arrive early and leave

early. They are less likely to employ other strategies, but are slightly more likely to avoid

skiing/snowboarding on a Saturday than a Sunday.

Figure 25. Top Three Strategies for Congestion Avoidance by Household Group


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I‐70 MEXL Usage and Perceptions

About one‐quarter of all respondents have ever used the eastbound I‐70 MEXL. These

respondents have used the MEXL 2.4 times, on average. Usage of the MEXL is higher among those

who don’t own a season pass (although season pass holders have used it more times on average –

likely because they have an overall higher frequency of travel on I‐70). Higher income households

and respondents who live in the Southern Front Range are also more likely to have used the MEXL.

Figure 26.

Have you ever used the eastbound I-70 MEXL? Overall and by Pass Ownership, Household Income, and Front Range Location


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Just over one‐third of respondents (36 percent) think the new lane has made a difference in

congestion during peak times. When asked if signage and other information pertaining to the

travel lane is adequate and easily understood, about two‐thirds (67 percent) said it was.

Figure 27. Do you think the new lane has made a difference in congestion at peak times?

Figure 28. Do you think the signage and other information about the travel lane is adequate and easily understood?


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While only 13 percent of respondents noted that they are more likely to travel I‐70 more

frequently at peak times because of the MEXL, this still represents a large share of I‐70 travelers

overall. It will be important to use these results as a baseline moving forward in order to

understand the ways in which the new express lane impacts I‐70 travel patterns over time.

Furthermore, certain groups indicate they are more likely to travel I‐70 more frequently during

peak times as a result of MEXL. As shown below, respondents who make between $75,000 and

$149,999 per year indicate they are more likely to travel I‐70 more frequently (20 percent), as are

households with children (17 percent) , and those who reside in the Southern Front Range (slightly

more likely).

Figure 29. Has it caused you to travel I-70 more frequently at peak times than you would have without the lane?

Overall and by Household Income, Household Composition, and Front Range Location


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QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS Respondents who have not used the MEXL were asked, “What keeps you from using the lane?” The major obstacles reported include:

Cost o “It's already expensive to ski and park.”

Not perceived to save much time o “It is overpriced for such a short distance. Essentially it has little impact on

total travel time”

Seems dangerous o “It seems dangerous. There's no shoulder to navigate wrecks or for wrecks

to get off the I‐70.”

Not open o “There were a couple of times I wanted to used it, but it was closed (red X)

due to accidents.” Respondents were asked if they had any other comments on the MEXL. A variety of responses were provided, but there were some recurring themes:

Doesn’t appear to help congestion o “Doesn't seem to have improved travel times.”

Interest in a westbound lane o “Make another one for westbound travelers.”

Interest in the lane being open more often o “Please open it 7 days a week!!! Why did you build it if you weren't going

to have it open???”

Lack of understanding around how the lane works (e.g., cost, when open) o “Don't understand why it's only open at certain times. There have been

times of heavy traffic heading towards Denver and the lane is close. So frustrating!”

Lane should be less expensive, especially for HOVs o “Make it cheaper or free for HOV 3+”

Notice misuse of the lane o “People are consistently going over the solid white lines and no patrol is

there to stop them. We avoid the express lane as we're nervous someone is going to hit us coming over.”

Positive impact on congestion avoidance o “I took it last weekend and felt that it did actually save me some time. I

took it because I had a whole car load of people and moving really helps the mood in the car. If I was by myself I would probably not have spent the $5.”


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Dinosaur/Morrison Parking Lots Usage

A notable one‐third of respondents have used the Dinosaur/Morrison parking lots for carpooling

either this season or last season. Respondents who own a season pass or pack are more than

twice as likely to have used the lots as those without a pass or pack. Furthermore, those within

lower income brackets, younger respondents, singles and couples without children, and those who

live in the Northern and Central Front Range are more likely to have used the lots.

Figure 30. Have you used the Dinosaur/Morrison Parking Lots for carpooling this season or last?


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QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS Respondents who have used the Dinosaur/Morrison Parking Lots for carpooling were asked, “Do you have any comments on your experience using these lots?” Responses were generally quite positive:

o “Access is very easy and convenient” o “Convenient location. Always plenty of spaces available” o “Love these lots!! Crucial for carpooling.”

However, there were several critiques/suggestions offered:

o “Entry into various lots is confusing the first time, and verifying that you are in the correct section to meet your friends.”

o “Great opportunity. More lighting would be nice, my girlfriend's car got broken into. A porta potty would be good, people just go anywhere in the lot.”

o “Lots of litter and broken glass from car break‐ins.” o “Surprised lot was nearly full Saturday morning at 5:30am”


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Carpooling

While there was a small dip in the share of respondents aware of resort carpooling incentives (22

percent in 2017 vs. 26 percent in 2014), those who are aware are more likely to take advantage of

these incentives (53 vs. 46 percent).

Figure 31. Awareness of Carpooling Incentives


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Traveling During Off‐Peak Periods

Similarly, there were fewer respondents aware that I‐70 corridor businesses offer incentives to

travel at off‐peak times in 2017 than in 2014 (9 vs 16 percent). However, among those who are

aware, they are more likely to check out these deals on I‐70 (32 vs. 29 percent). However, they

are less likely to actually take advantage of peak time deals –only 1 percent of respondents say

they have, which may indicate that these deals are not considered as attractive among those

familiar with them.

Figure 32.

Awareness of Peak Time Deals


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Ideas for Improving Traffic Flow Along the I‐70 Corridor

QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS A final question to the survey asked respondents, “What idea do you think has the most potential to improve traffic flow along the I‐70 corridor?” Again, a wide variety of ideas were proposed and should be read in full. However, the most common suggestions include:

Add more lanes o “Widen road in more areas to add lanes”

Enhance promotion/marking around incentives and options o “Promote the carpooling incentives! I did not know about them.”

Offer public transportation options o “A ski train to Summit County at least. Maybe all the way to Vail/ Beaver

Creek. Everyone I know would take it. More driving lanes are just a bandaid. We need a long term solution.”

Restrict commercial vehicles o “Limit semi trucks during peak times!”

Documents

I‐70 User Study · Mammoth and T‐Rex) over three weekends (six total mornings) in late January and February. In addition, surveys were collected on two Friday afternoons. A total