Winter in Colorado is straight out of the Hallmark movies, with snow-covered mountains and bustling ski towns attracting tourists from all over the country. But for us, residents (and seasoned travelers,) the reality of it is that driving during a Colorado winter is anything but dreamy. Snowstorms, icy conditions, and VERY unpredictable weather are challenging enough without adding any chaos brought by unprepared tourists.
Colorado’s weather is famously erratic. You could be leaving Denver in sunny, 50-degree weather only to face whiteout conditions by Idaho Springs. Snow can blanket the roads in minutes, creating treacherous conditions. Black ice, the silent killer. It lurks around shady curves and overpasses. For us locals, this means constant attention and a need for winter-ready vehicles that have chains.
Enter the tourists (or as we call them, the terrorists.) Every winter, visitors flock to our ski resorts, many coming from states that receive little to no snow, meaning no snow-driving experience. These bright-eyed, bushy-tailed adventures often arrive with optimism, all-season tires, and a huge lack of understanding about winter road safety.
On highways like I-70, which serves as our main artery to our ski areas, out-of-state drivers are notorious for creating hazards. Some of them drive FAR too cautiously, creeping along at 20 mph speeds (when they shouldn’t) causing crazy backups. Others are too confident and have a 4-wheel drive RENTAL car, speeding recklessly, unaware that their 4WD isn’t going to help on ice. Both sides of the spectrum lead to accidents which adds to the already huge task of navigating snowy roads.
And then, we come to the next issue, the Traction Law. This requires vehicles to have snow tires, chains, or good tread when winter weather hits. But enforcement can be tricky. And some tourists don’t even realize that the law exists until they’re stranded on the side of the road OR causing a pileup. Us locals often joke that rental car agencies should provide mandatory snow-driving lessons alongside their Subarus and SUVs.
For us, patience is key. Sharing the road with tourists means being prepared for unpredictable driving habits. Staying aware and maintaining a safe following distance can help minimize risks. It’s also wise to plan travel times carefully, avoiding peak hours on I-70 when the masses of skiers and snowboarders are traveling to or from the slopes.
Despite the challenges, winter driving in Colorado truly can be beautiful. There’s a strange sense of solidarity that forms between drivers braving a snowstorm, whether it’s sharing a knowing nod at a gas station in Silverthorn, or pushing a stranger’s stuck car. And when the roads are clear, the sight of our infamous mountains shimmering with fresh powder almost makes the whole thing worth it. The drive may not be for the faint of heart, (or those without proper tires, we’re looking at you California) but with preparation, patience, and a bit of luck, it’s possible to navigate the season safely, I promise. Just keep an eye out for the flatlanders who think their Texas and California driving skills are going to work in a blizzard.
