Frequently asked questions
Q:
Will I have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend this event?
A:
No. We are currently not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering or the Saturday night Sounds of Steel Handpan concert. However, this policy may change in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations or to best serve our community. There may still be travel requirements set by the state, federal government, or your travel provider so make sure to be aware of these before booking your tickets, especially if you are traveling internationally.
You can read our full COVID-19 event policies here.
Q:
Will I have to pass a COVID-19 test to attend this event?
A:
No. We are currently not requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test to attend Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering or the Saturday night Sounds of Steel Handpan concert. However, this policy may change in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations or to best serve our community. There may still be travel requirements set by the state, federal government, or your travel provider so make sure to be aware of these before booking your tickets, especially if you are traveling internationally.
You can read our full COVID-19 event policies here.
Q:
What happens if I contract COVID-19 at the event? Will I be asked to leave?
A:
If you begin to feel unwell at Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering we will have COVID-19 rapid test kits for anyone who needs one. Additionally, our on-site nurse will be able to care for any basic medical needs you may have. In the unlikely chance you test positive for COVID-19 at the event site we will have quarantine lodging that is isolated from the rest of the event space ready for you. We will not ask you to leave Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering if you test positive, however, for the safety of our community you will be asked not to congregate with the rest of the Steel Mountain attendees for the rest of the event. Meals will be brought to you in the quarantine cabin. We will not be able to offer refunds in the event this occurs.
Q:
I’m new to the handpan, is Steel Mountain good for beginners?
A:
Absolutely! Steel Mountain is good for anyone interested in the handpan, from beginners to seasoned professionals. There will be workshops for all ability levels, and most will be appropriate for beginners. There will be handpans to play, buy, and maybe even some to win! Steel Mountain is a great place to rub elbows with the handpan community including players of all skill levels, builders, teachers, and others new to the handpan. Come and join the community!
Q:
I don’t own a handpan. Will there be any to play while I’m there?
A:
While Colorado Handpan Productions does not formally provide instruments for attendees to play, the community is very generous in sharing. We actively encourage the sharing of instruments, and generally, it is one of the things that people enjoy most about handpan gatherings. You can expect many instruments to be available for you to explore and use for workshops or jams.
Q:
Will there be any instruments available for purchase?
A:
We typically have several handpan builders in attendance, and most bring instruments available for sale. There are also usually several attendees looking to sell and/or trade their own handpans. Keep an eye on our Artists page as well as our Facebook group for attending builder announcements!
Q:
I’m not able to attend for the whole weekend, are day passes available?
A:
Currently, no. However, we may open up day pass slots closer to the event.
Q:
What is the pet, emotional support animal, and service animal policy?
A:
The YMCA of the Rockies does not allow pets or emotional support animals in any of the public buildings including our retreat cabin, lodges, workshop, and concert spaces. Additionally, Colorado Handpan Productions independently does not allow Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering attendees to bring their pets to Steel Mountain regardless of where they are lodging. Please honor these policies and do not bring your pet or emotional support animal. As required by law, ADA-protected service animals are welcome.
Q:
What airport should I fly in to?
A:
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the best choice and is about a 90-minute drive to the venue.
Q:
Is transportation provided?
A:
Colorado Handpan Productions/Steel Mountain will not be providing or organizing transportation to/from the venue. You can coordinate a carpool with other attendees via our Facebook group or contact the YMCA (ymcarockies.org) for transportation options. Once on-site, we will coordinate a volunteer shuttle to help folks get back and forth from the main gathering cabin and workshop/concert space. (It is about a 10-15 minute walk between the two buildings, or a few minute drive)
Q:
What elevation is the YMCA at? Will I have problems breathing?
A:
YMCA of the Rockies is at about 8,000 feet above sea level. The air is thin up here, but most people have no problems walking around and going about their normal routines. However, some people do have trouble and may develop varying degrees of altitude sickness (Learn more here). If you are suffering from altitude sickness our on-site nurse will be available to help you!
Q:
Do I need to book my own lodging?
A:
No! We have reserved our own cabin space for the weekend so please do not book lodging independently!
Q:
I want to be in the same room as my friends can I request specific roommates?
A:
You may request to be in the same room as other attendees, however, we can not guarantee that we will be able accommodate all requests! If you want to guarantee you will be placed with your friends we recommend booking a private room ticket so we may guarantee you will be in the same room.
Q:
Are there private rooms available?
A:
Yes, we have private rooms available in the YMCA Lodges. We do not have any private rooms available in the Main Cabin. Private rooms are priced for the total number of members staying in your room. Please make sure to fill out the full registration information for each member of your group when purchasing a private room ticket.
Q:
I would like to book a private room but I would like my room to be in the main cabin, is this possible?
A:
No. The majority of the private rooms will be booked in the YMCA lodges (which are a short walk or drive from the main cabin). Private rooms are only placed in the main cabin in the event of consolidation or overflow so we can not guarantee that your private room will be located in the main cabin.
Q:
Is there a camping option?
A:
Unfortunately, due to county land-use code, the YMCA does not offer a camping option on their campus.
Q:
What are the differences between the main cabin and the lodge rooms?
A:
The Main Cabin, formally known as the Pattie Hyde Barclay reunion cabin, is a two-story 17 room cabin with large common area, dining area, kitchen, wrap-around decks, and campfire ring. It is our main gathering space where all meals will be served and most of the gathering action will be held, except for most workshops and concerts. The upper floor has 8 rooms, each with two queen beds, a floor mattress, and private bathroom with shower. The ground floor has all the common areas, one bunk room with 4 bunk sets and two bathrooms with showers, and 8 rooms with one queen, one bunk set, a floor mattress, and a private bathroom with shower. There is not an elevator to access the upper floor, so if you are unable to utilize stairs we will assign you a ground-floor room. (Please mention this in your registration!) The Main Cabin will have only Steel Mountain attendees (plus one YMCA employee) staying in it.
The Lodges are where all private rooms will be located. They are large buildings with many rooms, each with either two queen beds, or a queen bed and two bunk sets, and a private bathroom with shower. Steel Mountain will reserve rooms as needed, but will not reserve the entire building; there will be other YMCA guests in these buildings. Most of the Lodges are located in the central part of the YMCA campus, between our Main (Barclay) Cabin and the Hemple Auditorium where our workshops and concerts will be held. It is an easy and fairly close walk to Hemple (about 5 minutes), but a longer and "off-road" walk to the Main Cabin (about 10 minutes). It is also an easy drive between buildings. Please check out the YMCA property map for visual reference (link here).
Q:
May I drink alcohol at Steel Mountain?
A:
You may bring and drink your own alcohol in and around the main gathering cabin and in lodge rooms, however, we ask that if you choose to drink you do so smartly, respectfully, and in a way that will not disturb your fellow attendees. Please be aware that the YMCA prohibits alcohol consumption in public areas on their campus. Also, rooms do not have refrigerators. If you want your drinks to be cold please bring your own cooler and ice (kitchen refrigerators will not be available for personal items).
Q:
May I smoke marijuana or do other drugs at Steel Mountain?
A:
Though legal in Colorado, private property owners may create their own policies around marijuana use. The YMCA of the Rockies does not allow marijuana on its property. However, if you choose to use marijuana off the YMCA property you are free to do so and only ask that you are discreet and respectful to the other Steel Mountain attendees.
Illegal drug use of any kind is not allowed at Steel Mountain Handpan Gathering. We ask that you do not use any illegal substances at Steel Mountain or bring any illegal substances to the event.
Q:
I am vegetarian / vegan / gluten free, will there be food for me?
A:
Yes! We have a very talented team of caterers who are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Make sure to specify any dietary needs in your online registration.
Q:
May I use the kitchen to prepare my own food?
A:
The kitchen is a very busy place throughout the gathering, and the refrigerators are full. Kitchen access will not be available for you to prepare your own meals. If you have a medical need, please contact us and we will coordinate with the kitchen staff to accommodate.
Q:
What is your refund policy?
A:
Your registration is fully transferable, however, no refunds will be provided. If you are unable to join us after purchasing a ticket, you are welcome to sell or give away your ticket (and let us know!). You may also contact us to see if we have a waiting list of people you can sell your ticket to.
In the unlikely event that Steel Mountain is canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 or other circumstances outside of your personal control, ticket holders will be offered future tickets or a full ticket refund (This does not include the non-refundable payment processing fee.)
Q:
Can I swap out my ticket for a lower priced ticket after purchasing?
A:
Yes. However, we are unable to provide you with a refund for the difference in ticket prices if you choose to do this.
Q:
Are linens provided? Will I need to bring a towel or a sleeping bag?
A:
Yes, all linens, towels, and other basic amenities will be provided for you. (Think hotel room style amenities) The facilities in our lodging space are quite modern and well-equipped so there is almost nothing you need to bring aside from the basic necessities.
Q:
Is the YMCA wheelchair accessible?
A:
Yes! The YMCA is fully wheelchair accessible and all of the Steel Mountain areas are equipped with wheelchair ramps!
Q:
I have a hard time with stairs and would like a room on the first floor, can I request this?
A:
Yes! Just mention this in your registration and we will make sure to place you in a first floor room.