Liftliner Party Bus Launches in Vail Valley

“Andy and I were working the drive at The Hythe Vail as valets and bellman and we were noticing party buses coming all the way from Denver. That, combined with the Turtle Bus no longer operating here, led us to realize that there was an obvious need for a locally owned and operated reliable party bus business in the Vail Valley,” Ryan Klemme said.

The absence of that familiar, rumbling presence left a gap in the valley’s nightlife infrastructure, a void Klemme and his business partner, Andy Zenor, were all too happy to fill. Their solution is Liftliner Party Bus, a service that has traded the dusty, high-mileage vehicles of distant operators for two freshly renovated 40-foot Thomas Freightliners. These are not mere shuttles; they are rolling lounges, painted in a sleek black matte with bright Liftliner logos emblazoned across their sides, now making regular appearances in Vail.

The transformation of these vehicles was meticulous. Klemme and Zenor acquired the buses from a Denver school district, recognizing the sturdy chassis of early 2000s models. They gutted the interiors, installing plush seating along both sides to accommodate 25 passengers with room for others to stand. Safety was the non-negotiable priority, requiring all-new tires and minor mechanical repairs before the aesthetic overhaul. The result is a space that feels less like a commute and more like an extension of the party itself. LED light strips run above the windows and under the seats, casting a warm glow that shifts with the mood of the ride. A premium sound system allows guests to connect their own playlists via Bluetooth, while a ceiling-mounted DJ light offers the option to go full club mode.

But what truly sets Liftliner apart, Vail Daily reported, is the inclusion of a professional bartender on every trip. This isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the experience of the journey itself. Whether you are heading to a concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater for Hot Summer Nights, celebrating a wedding, or taking a day trip to the hot springs in Glenwood Springs, the service is designed to be as engaging as the destination.

Klemme and Zenor have even given their vehicles personalities, naming them Gin Diesel and Patrón Maholmes to keep the party theme consistent. Based out of Eagle, Liftliner primarily services the Vail Valley but is willing to travel beyond if the occasion demands it. For locals and visitors alike, this means a safe, affordable alternative to driving home after a big night out, with the flexibility to customize decorations like balloons and banners.

There’s a certain relief in knowing that reliable transportation is no longer something you have to book months in advance or rely on drivers who might be coming from three counties over. Liftliner is here, it’s local, and it’s ready to roll. As the sun sets over the mountains, the black matte buses glide through town, carrying laughter and conversation, their LED lights pulsing softly against the twilight.