Guide to Living at the Station

This page addresses practical questions about staying at the MRS.   It also tries to convey something of the feel of the place.   Please let us know if your questions are not answered here.  To help us become better acquainted with you please fill out the Application for Housing Form and notify us of any changes to your arrival/departure dates as soon as possible.  

All residents and visitors must check-in at the John W. Marr Alpine Laboratory upon arrival and departure.  Please plan to arrive during open business hours,Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, to receive housing assignments.  If you plan to arrive after hours please make necessary arrangements and look for housing assignments on the front door of the Marr Alpine Laboratory.

Housing and Daily Living Logistics

MRS residents live in the cabins or in the Moores-Collins Lodge.  The rustic cabins provide the basic necessities and are served by the shower and toilet facilities of the Bathhouse.  All cabins have electricity, a wood burning stove, and furniture (desk/chair, bed (s), storage).  The Station provides wood for the stoves, found at various woodpiles around camp.  For security reasons, you may wish to obtain a padlock for your cabin door.  All residents are responsible for keeping their own accommodations clean. Restrooms and the laundry room may not be used to store clothing and/or personal items.

Life is informal at the MRS and clothing should be chosen for comfort and with changing weather in mind.  Bring clothes that you can layer, it can be 40 degrees in the morning, sunny and 80 degrees by early afternoon.  

What to Bring (will vary depending on the nature of your visit)

• Backpack                                                      
• Alarm clock
• Jeans/shorts
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Sweaters/fleece
• Towels & washcloths
• Soap & toiletries
• Water bottle/mug
• Bedding/pillows                                                                                                                                      
• Cap or hat for sunprotection
• Knit hat or tuque & gloves
• Sleeping bag or blanket and linens
• Rain coat/pants
• Insulated coat
• hiking boots/shoes
• shower shoes
• Laundry bag
• Phone cards

Quiet Hours and Noise

Due to the close community lifestyle and demanding work schedules - quiet hours are from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am.  Any activities during this period must be quiet and not disruptive.  Please be considerate of your neighbors.  Noise and music should not be audible outside your cabin or the Megaron. 

Pets

Because of the close community living style and surrounding natural habitats, pets are not permitted at the Mountain Research Station.  Year round residents/employees may keep inconspicuous pets, but only with permission of the Director.  Kindly be sure your guests are aware of the “no pets” policy.

Laundry Facilities

Coin operated washers and dryers are located on the north end of the Bathhouse.  Laundry soap is not supplied. 

Guests

Your guests are welcome to visit you at the Station, but should check-in with the office and plan to leave before 10 pm.  Overnight guest accommodations may be available for a nominal fee. 

Your guests are invited to join you in the Dining Hall for a per-meal charge.  Meal tickets may be purchased in advance at the Marr Alpine office, or, can be paid upon entering the Dining Hall by check or cash. 

Please advise your quests of camp rules and policies; residents are responsible for the behavior of your guests.  Unregistered visitors will pay guest fees accordingly.

Mail

U.S. mail is delivered daily, Mon-Sat. and can be picked up in the Marr Alpine Laboratory.  The USPS does not deliver parcels or boxes to the MRS; residents must make their own arrangements for pick-up in Nederland.  Both UPS and FedEx deliver parcels and boxes directly to the MRS; for your convenience we suggest using one of these carries for all incoming/outgoing shipments larger than a letter. Residents are responsible for payment of all outgoing shipments. 

                                                Your mailing address while at the MRS will be:

(Your Name)

Mountain Research Station

818 County Road 116

Nederland, CO  80466

Absence

For safety and emergency purposes, if you are going to be absent from camp overnight, please inform Kelly Matheson via email or by checking in at the Marr Lab. 

Phones

Cell phone coverage at the MRS is spotty.  Currently the best cellular reception is with AT&T, other major carriers have little or no coverage.  There is a courtesy phone available in the Marr Lab, this phone is free for local calls, or can be used for long distance calls with a phone card.  The number is posted near the phone.  Office phones are for business use and emergencies only.

Dining

Meals

The Dining Hall serves two meals per day every day of the week except Friday when dinner is not served. For purposes of planning, it is important that you sign up for weekend meals no later than the Friday morning before, the Dining Hall staff is not responsible for failure to do so.  Residents are responsible for meal costs for their guests. 

Lunch is provided in the Dining Hall during the breakfast hour by making your own brown bag lunch.  Provisions are made for each person to have two sandwiches, fruit, cookies, chips and condiments.  Please do not use more than your share so that there will be enough for everyone.  If you would like to reduce the use of throwaway products, you may bring your own plastic lunchbox/bag and reusable containers. 

Health & S​afety

Smoking

By state law and with respect for the environment and other residents, smoking is not permitted in MRS buildings. 

Alcohol & Drug Policies

Illegal behaviors involving alcohol (e.g. underage drinking, drinking and driving) are prohibited.  Alcohol is not to be present or consumed in public areas or events (labs, classrooms, vehicles).  Legal consumption is allowed within residence cabins. 

The University of Colorado is a “drug free workplace.”  Possession, sale and/or use of illicit drugs are not acceptable.

Recreation & Activities

The Colorado Front Range offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities:  cycling, hiking, climbing, fishing, camping,  etc….  The MRS is located adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and approximately 20 miles to the north is Rocky Mountain National Park; both areas offer a nice network of trails and opportunities to explore the front range.  There are a number of trail guides, maps and internet resources to help navigate through the area.   Please do not hesitate to inquire about specific areas with MRS staff or researchers.   

Camping

Open fires, grills, cookouts and camping are not permitted on MRS property.  Public campgrounds are located nearby.  

Equipment, Resources & Maintenance

Motor Pool

The MRS maintains vehicles for course and administrative use only.  Vehicles may be available for research or other programs on a rental basis.  Vehicles are never available for personal use. 

Computers

There are computers available to all MRS residents in the Library of the Marr Lab.  If you choose to bring your own personal computer, it may be kept in your own cabin, or, in research space assigned to you.  We do recommend a power surge protector.  WiFi is available in a few locations at the Station: the Marr Alpine Lab, the Kiowa Lab, outside of the Moores-Collins Lodge, and a few additional locations. Although we have no history of theft, the MRS cannot assume responsibility for the security of your belongings.

Maintenance

Requests for cabin repairs, firewood, restroom supplies, etc. should be made via email to Kelly Matheson.  

Equipment & Supplies

Equipment and supplies for students and researchers may be checked out from the Marr Alpine Lab, please inquire with Steve Seibold and/or Kelly Matheson.