Transporting fine art to mountain homes presents unique challenges that most art shippers never encounter. At 7,000+ feet elevation, temperature swings, humidity changes, and winding mountain passes all conspire against your precious pieces.
Understanding Altitude's Impact on Art
The drive from Denver to Steamboat Springs gains over 3,000 feet of elevation. This pressure change affects everything from stretched canvases (which can warp) to varnishes (which may crack). Our climate-controlled trucks make the ascent gradually, allowing materials to acclimate.
Museum-Grade Crating Specifications
For pieces valued over $15,000, we recommend full wooden crating with:
- 3/4" Baltic birch plywood construction
- Foam-lined interior with corner padding
- Climate-control vents for pressure equalization
- Shock indicators on exterior
- Custom brackets to prevent movement
Insurance Requirements
Standard moving insurance (60 cents per pound) is woefully inadequate for fine art. A 10-pound painting worth $50,000 would only be covered for $6. We work with specialized art insurers to provide full declared-value coverage with no deductible.
Request a Fine Art Quote
Tell us about your piece and we'll provide a custom quote with the right handling, crating, and insurance options.
Fine Art Moving Request
Tell us about your piece and we'll provide a custom quote.
Mountain Road Considerations
Rabbit Ears Pass features 17 miles of winding road with grades up to 7%. Our drivers know every curve and adjust speed to minimize vibration. We use air-ride suspension trucks and secure all crates with ratchet straps rated for three times the load weight.
Delivery and Installation
Upon arrival, we allow crated pieces to acclimate for 24-48 hours before unpacking. This prevents condensation from forming on cold surfaces. Our team includes trained art handlers who can position and hang pieces according to your specifications.
