Colorado Winter Driving Tips

Mountain Driving Reality

What visitors need to know

Colorado mountain roads in winter are different from anything most visitors have experienced. Elevation changes of 3,000+ feet, temperatures that swing 30 degrees in an hour, and sun-melted snow that refreezes into black ice—these conditions require respect and preparation.

The good news: with the right vehicle, equipment, and knowledge, winter driving to ski resorts is manageable. Many locals do it every weekend. But underestimating conditions leads to accidents, road closures, and ruined trips.

Colorado Traction Law

Legal requirements you need to know

Code 15 - Traction Law

Most common during storms. Requires one of the following:

AWD or 4WD with adequate tread depth (3/16")
Mud/Snow (M+S) rated tires with adequate tread
Winter tires with mountain/snowflake symbol
Chains or approved traction devices

Fine for non-compliance: $130+ (more if you block traffic)

Code 16 - Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

Severe conditions. ALL vehicles must have chains, including AWD/4WD. Usually temporary during heavy storms.

When Laws Apply

I-70 from Morrison to Vail
US-40 over Berthoud Pass
US-6 over Loveland Pass
Highway 9 to Breckenridge
Highway 82 to Aspen

Check cotrip.org or call 511 before traveling. Signs along the highway indicate when laws are in effect.

What Counts as AWD/4WD?

Your vehicle must have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive engaged. Front-wheel drive does NOT qualify. Rental car? Know what you're renting and verify AWD is functional.

Essential Equipment

What to have in your vehicle

Required Gear

Chains or traction devices: Even if you have AWD, chain law (Code 16) can require them. Practice installing before you need them.
Ice scraper and brush: For clearing snow and ice from all windows
Windshield washer fluid: Cold-weather formula (-20°F or lower)

Highly Recommended

Jumper cables or jump pack: Cold weather kills batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Blankets and warm layers: If stranded, heat is critical
Snacks and water: Traffic delays can last hours
Phone charger: Keep your phone powered
Small shovel: For digging out

Chain-Up Stations

CDOT maintains chain-up areas along mountain corridors:

I-70: Morrison, Idaho Springs (exit 241), Silverthorne (exit 205), Vail (exit 180)
US-40: Empire Junction, base of Berthoud Pass
Highway 9: Frisco

Pull over safely before roads get bad. Don't wait until you're stuck.

Driving Techniques

How to drive in mountain winter conditions

Speed Management

Slow down: The single most important tip. Reduce speed by 50% or more in snow.
Avoid cruise control: You need direct control of acceleration
Match conditions, not speed limits: Limit signs are for dry pavement

Braking and Acceleration

Brake gently and early: Sudden braking causes skids
Accelerate slowly: Spinning wheels = no traction
If you start to slide: Take your foot off gas, steer in direction you want to go
Downhill: Use lower gears to control speed, brake sparingly

Following Distance

Triple normal following distance: 6-8 seconds instead of 2-3
Watch brake lights ahead: Anticipate slowdowns early
Leave room to stop: Hills and curves change stopping distance dramatically

Visibility

Clear ALL snow from car: Roof, hood, lights, all windows
Turn on headlights: Even during day for visibility to others
Defrost fully before driving: Don't peek through a small cleared spot

Mountain-Specific Tips

Uphill: Maintain steady momentum, don't stop on grades if avoidable
Downhill: Shift to lower gear before descent, tap brakes lightly
Curves: Slow before the curve, not during
Tunnels: Can be icy at both ends where snow melts and refreezes

Hazard Awareness

What to watch for

Black Ice

Invisible ice that forms when moisture refreezes. Most common:

Bridges and overpasses (freeze first)
Shaded areas (stay frozen longer)
Early morning after clear nights
Where water runs across roads

If road looks wet but it's below freezing, assume it's ice.

Whiteout Conditions

Heavy snow or blowing snow that reduces visibility to near zero.

Slow down significantly
Turn on hazard lights
Follow vehicle ahead at safe distance
If visibility is truly zero, pull off road completely

Sun Glare

Bright sun on snow can be blinding. Keep sunglasses handy and use sun visor. Especially problematic heading east in morning and west in afternoon.

Changing Conditions

Colorado weather changes fast. A sunny morning can become a blizzard by afternoon. Check forecasts throughout the day. Don't assume conditions will stay the same.

If Things Go Wrong

What to do in emergencies

If You Get Stuck

Don't spin wheels—you'll dig in deeper
Clear snow from around tires
Rock gently between forward and reverse
Use traction aids (sand, cat litter, floor mats under tires)
Call for help if needed (AAA, tow service)

If You Slide Off Road

Stay calm, stay in vehicle if safe
Turn on hazard lights
Call 911 if injured or in dangerous position
Set out flares or triangles if you have them
Wait for help—don't walk on highway

If Stranded in Snow

Stay with vehicle—easier to find than a person
Run engine 10-15 minutes per hour for heat
Crack window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
Keep tailpipe clear of snow
Move around periodically to maintain circulation

Emergency Numbers

911: Emergencies
*CSP or 277: Colorado State Patrol non-emergency
511: Road conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter driving

Do I really need AWD or chains to drive to ski resorts?

When traction law is in effect, yes—it's legally required. On dry days, 2WD can work, but conditions change fast. AWD provides insurance against getting stuck or causing accidents. Rental car companies often have AWD options.

What are the best tires for Colorado mountain driving?

True winter tires (with mountain/snowflake symbol) are best. All-season tires with M+S rating are acceptable under traction law but less effective. Summer tires or worn all-seasons are dangerous and may not comply with the law.

Should I rent a car or take a shuttle?

If you're not comfortable driving in winter conditions, take a shuttle. Shuttle drivers know the roads, have proper vehicles, and let you relax. No shame in acknowledging your limits—it's the smart choice for many visitors.

How do I know if roads are safe to drive?

Check cotrip.org for conditions, closures, and chain law status. Look at CDOT cameras for visual confirmation. When in doubt, delay your trip or take alternative transportation. Locals regularly postpone trips when conditions are bad.

What if I've never driven in snow before?

Practice in an empty parking lot first—learn how your car handles braking and turning on slick surfaces. Start with short trips and build experience. Consider taking a shuttle for your first mountain trip and driving in less demanding conditions.