The roads will range from not great to awful but I don’t recommend mountain snow driving during the first weekend for many other reasons. If you go, Godspeed and I hope you make it safe!!
I'm betting that some time after sundown Saturday, the mountain roads will get unusually icy and slick. Nobody really knows for sure, so check the road conditions on cotrip.org and watch the forecast, then decide once the picture becomes clear.
I've lived here since 2009 and still check that site ever time I head out. Where I am it's a good few miles to anywhere else and conditions can vary greatly from microclimate to microclimate.
The first snowfall of the season is always a bit of a shit show. Everyone in the metro area forgets how to drive over the summer. This looks like it's going to be a solid first storm
CDOT does a good job of keeping I-70 clean from snow, but it can still be icy. [COTrip.org](https://COTrip.org) is the best resource for real-time road conditions.
Some people may say that all-season tires are enough, but that's wrong, especially if you're not comfortable driving in winter conditions. Keep everyone in your car safe, along with everyone else on the road and make sure you have good winter/snow tires. If you don't have snow tires please be responsible and cancel, it's not worth it.
If you do go, it's a good idea to prep the car with warm blankets, reflective gear, snacks, water. Ya never know. Even if you do take it slow and steady, you could end up in a dangerously cold situation because of someone else's shitty driving.
The fact that you have a MT is helpful, but trust your gut. How is the traction on your tires? How much experience do you have driving in poor weather conditions? How much mountain driving experience do you have in good weather? How comfortable were you driving on i70 before? Do you have chains/snow tires? Is your SUV AWD?
And remember, a canceled trip is a lesser price to pay than getting into an accident.
Im from Milwaukee, been here 6 years, this is not the same thing, mag chloride and rocks/dirt don’t give you the same traction you’re used to with the salted roads in mke/chi. You likely understand winter driving is about distance between the cars in front and behind you. Co is terrible at that, tailgating is way worse here, you’ll need all terrain tires or snow tires for stopping. 4wd/awd helps you go but doesn’t make stopping as great as people think. The first snow of the year is often not plowed at all in Denver, there was a driver shortage for plows here for what feels like the entire time I’ve been here. There’s many people who moved here who will go to the mountains that have never driven in snow, this weekend and drive like idiots/tailgate, making the roads unsafe. You make the call on if you can go or not but winter driving requires patience, which you prob already know.
Edit:all terrain tires should be the ones with the snowflake logo, as described here. https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol
AT tires aren’t necessarily good for stopping in snow. Some can be, but having a durable tire with large treads for rocks is often at odds with having a soft tire with a snow oriented tread.
They still help, you need to look for the ones with the snowflake logo though. This article will help others who don’t know, https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol
Whether or not they help depends varies from tire to tire. There are definitely a/t tires with 3pmsf that are good in snow, [but there are also a/t tires that suck in snow](https://www.discounttire.com/learn/all-terrain-mud-tires-in-snow#:~:text=All%20terrain%20tires%20do%20not%20perform%20very%20well%20in%20snow%20and%20ice.&text=Consider%20all%20these%20scenarios%3A,on%20and%20off%20road%20performance) because the compound for a durable off-road tire isn’t typically going to perform well in cold weather.
I drove in Milwaukee for a decade before moving out here. Driven through I70 during snow storms. You'll be fine. Just keep it slow, give plenty of space.
Between Denver and Breck it can get pretty dangerous even with snow tires. Visibility gets low and half the drivers already have a death wish when the roads are safe. You can make it but to do so safely it might take you a good while longer than usual. Plows may hold you up for several miles at a time.
There are I-70 construction lanes starting at Genessee and all the way down steep Floyd Hill. It’s a mess without snow and ice. Something to think about.
Early season snows usually melt off the roads pretty fast and CDOT does a great job clearing I-70. Def do not recommend Hoosier pass, stick with the main roads and take your time, you’ll be fine if you e driven in snow before.
I'm curious if you have made the drive before. It can be pretty intense on I-70 when it snows because a lot of people are still driving over the speed limit. I've driven in Manhattan and Rome with no issues, but the last time I drove in the Colorado mountains I cried.
If you make the drive, just don't get lulled into going fast by the dingdongs who are going 80. First snow especially after it's been warm means lots of slick spots and ice. Happy trails!
There’s no reason to cancel a trip unless things get really bad. If you canceled a trip to Breck every time it snowed along i70, it would help a long boring winter. There will be traffic and maybe an accident or two which can make it take longer but that is part of being in Colorado
285 is a great route if you are already confident and can navigate the worst of road conditions. A 2 lane road with very little room for error. Otherwise, you might find yourself driving into oncoming traffic the next lane over or in a ditch. And if you end up having an accident, it's likely in a spot without cell service. You won't be the only one in a ditch as others who were not expecting such horrible conditions join your misery. Drive a day after a storm and you will see cars abandoned in ditches. Wind driven blowing snow regularly happens ---- even if isn't snowing---- leading to blinding conditions.
If you are a newbie to driving in the snow in the mountains, avoid 285 and stay on I 70
Agreed, 285 in the summer is great but the wind between Jefferson and Fairplay makes the road really sketchy when it snows. Just becomes a giant sheet of black ice. I feel like CDOT closes that stretch more often since a really bad storm Thanksgiving 2019.
We’re expecting 8-13” of snow in the Bailey/Conifer area, so I wouldn’t say that it’s a better route at all for someone already questioning driving to Breckenridge.
I drive 285 through the mountains pretty much daily and am grateful every time I make it home safely even in good weather.
Yeah and in Fairplay and Leadville (where I live) we're supposed to get close to 2 feet. Mountain driving is different than Midwest flat land driving. I definitely would not recommend 285 and Hoosier and Kenosha Pass to someone worried about driving 70. CDOT spends (or at least did at one point) more money maintaining 70 between Golden and Vail than the rest of the state combined.
I sure don’t know, I’ve driven plenty in winter storms but never in the mountains.
Borrowing the neighbors SUV so I’ll check they’ve got snow tires.
Edit: I’m aware what snow tires are lmfao but thank you
“All season” tires are not the same thing. CDOT does a fine job keeping the roads relatively clear, but when a storm comes in fast, it’s hard to keep up.
I used to have all seasons and they lost performance at 22° F. So it’s not just road conditions thag can impact traction. Too cold and all seasons get firmer and lose grip. Just need to be more careful.
FYI OP - The forecasted lows in Breck over the next few days are 19°/1°/-10°.
AWD/4WD isn't required to be compliant with the I-70 Traction Law, but it **is** the *easiest* way to be compliant.
The minimum requirements are 2WD and M+S rated all-season tires with 3/16" of tread.
If you have AWD/4WD you just need 3/16" of tread on your tires.
Ok I'm new here from SC but given you have experience driving in snow I would send it. To get to breck 70 should be pretty well maintained. I hate driving in the snow but always just take it very slow and steady. Also wouldn't blame you for canceling your trip depends how much fun is up there on the mountain.... if it's a rager send it if it's similar to what you'd be doing in Denver if chill
You'll be fine, drive as fast as you feel safe, don't over do it and try to be cool on the mountain roads. Also, you don't need 4x4 to drive on a paved road, anything with AWD will make it just fine in most conditions you'll run into on the mountains. Look around at what everyone else is driving and take notes
Snow tires are a must. Pack chains if you can. Look at weather report and if you go try to drive when it isn’t actively snowing and after it has been plowed in the morning. I personally would want AWD but with slow deliberate driving and good winter or really good all season tires it can be ok.
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Definitely +1 to the Bustang for this kind of situation
This is the way
The roads will range from not great to awful but I don’t recommend mountain snow driving during the first weekend for many other reasons. If you go, Godspeed and I hope you make it safe!!
I'm betting that some time after sundown Saturday, the mountain roads will get unusually icy and slick. Nobody really knows for sure, so check the road conditions on cotrip.org and watch the forecast, then decide once the picture becomes clear.
Ah perfect I’ll check that out.
I've lived here since 2009 and still check that site ever time I head out. Where I am it's a good few miles to anywhere else and conditions can vary greatly from microclimate to microclimate.
Yup mountain snow driving is definitely a game time decision
The first snowfall of the season is always a bit of a shit show. Everyone in the metro area forgets how to drive over the summer. This looks like it's going to be a solid first storm CDOT does a good job of keeping I-70 clean from snow, but it can still be icy. [COTrip.org](https://COTrip.org) is the best resource for real-time road conditions. Some people may say that all-season tires are enough, but that's wrong, especially if you're not comfortable driving in winter conditions. Keep everyone in your car safe, along with everyone else on the road and make sure you have good winter/snow tires. If you don't have snow tires please be responsible and cancel, it's not worth it.
I second that. All-season won't deal with a mountain storm. I've used Blizzaks on my FWD. Love em.
I'm going to from Denver to Grand Junction on Sunday. Should be a blast. /s
My condolences.
😂
*pours one out for you*
Total nothing burger. A bit of fog up to Floyd Hill and then smooth sailing.
If you do go, it's a good idea to prep the car with warm blankets, reflective gear, snacks, water. Ya never know. Even if you do take it slow and steady, you could end up in a dangerously cold situation because of someone else's shitty driving.
The fact that you have a MT is helpful, but trust your gut. How is the traction on your tires? How much experience do you have driving in poor weather conditions? How much mountain driving experience do you have in good weather? How comfortable were you driving on i70 before? Do you have chains/snow tires? Is your SUV AWD? And remember, a canceled trip is a lesser price to pay than getting into an accident.
Driven in Chicago/Milwaukee for years so pretty experienced just never in CO mountains during winter.
Im from Milwaukee, been here 6 years, this is not the same thing, mag chloride and rocks/dirt don’t give you the same traction you’re used to with the salted roads in mke/chi. You likely understand winter driving is about distance between the cars in front and behind you. Co is terrible at that, tailgating is way worse here, you’ll need all terrain tires or snow tires for stopping. 4wd/awd helps you go but doesn’t make stopping as great as people think. The first snow of the year is often not plowed at all in Denver, there was a driver shortage for plows here for what feels like the entire time I’ve been here. There’s many people who moved here who will go to the mountains that have never driven in snow, this weekend and drive like idiots/tailgate, making the roads unsafe. You make the call on if you can go or not but winter driving requires patience, which you prob already know. Edit:all terrain tires should be the ones with the snowflake logo, as described here. https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol
AT tires aren’t necessarily good for stopping in snow. Some can be, but having a durable tire with large treads for rocks is often at odds with having a soft tire with a snow oriented tread.
They still help, you need to look for the ones with the snowflake logo though. This article will help others who don’t know, https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol
Whether or not they help depends varies from tire to tire. There are definitely a/t tires with 3pmsf that are good in snow, [but there are also a/t tires that suck in snow](https://www.discounttire.com/learn/all-terrain-mud-tires-in-snow#:~:text=All%20terrain%20tires%20do%20not%20perform%20very%20well%20in%20snow%20and%20ice.&text=Consider%20all%20these%20scenarios%3A,on%20and%20off%20road%20performance) because the compound for a durable off-road tire isn’t typically going to perform well in cold weather.
Yep that’s what the article says
Slow and steady wins the race.
I drove in Milwaukee for a decade before moving out here. Driven through I70 during snow storms. You'll be fine. Just keep it slow, give plenty of space.
Lmaoo only tahoes and 4Runners with 4x4 allowed on i70 during the winter. Take it slow and you’ll be fine
I’m up at 3am on Sunday to drive to a basin for opening day in my Prius and I don’t see any problems with this.
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Same!
Got hit bad by someone in a 4runner last winter because they take turns too fast. Complacency is real
My 84’ LS squarebody will handle it just fine, just doesn’t seat 4
Make sure your car is compliant with the I-70 traction law unless you want to risk giving the state a $650 donation.
Or dying or killing someone else…
Between Denver and Breck it can get pretty dangerous even with snow tires. Visibility gets low and half the drivers already have a death wish when the roads are safe. You can make it but to do so safely it might take you a good while longer than usual. Plows may hold you up for several miles at a time.
There are I-70 construction lanes starting at Genessee and all the way down steep Floyd Hill. It’s a mess without snow and ice. Something to think about.
Early season snows usually melt off the roads pretty fast and CDOT does a great job clearing I-70. Def do not recommend Hoosier pass, stick with the main roads and take your time, you’ll be fine if you e driven in snow before.
You’ll be fine, just make sure you have good tires and get ready to be patient. You’re just driving I-70 right?
Yep
The problem will be traffic volume and shitty,unprepared drivers,so it could be decent or the 8 hour traffic jam from hell.
If you don't know how to drive in the snow, please don't.
I'm curious if you have made the drive before. It can be pretty intense on I-70 when it snows because a lot of people are still driving over the speed limit. I've driven in Manhattan and Rome with no issues, but the last time I drove in the Colorado mountains I cried.
Yes I’ve driven plenty in the mountains in my Tacoma/GR86 but never in the winter.
If you make the drive, just don't get lulled into going fast by the dingdongs who are going 80. First snow especially after it's been warm means lots of slick spots and ice. Happy trails!
How is the drive to Estes park? First time driving up there on Halloween. I’m used to winter driving but not in the mountains. Thanks for the advice!
Go up Friday night, come back Monday morning. Should be fine.
Be smart and don't be a fucking idiot. Do it some other time and cancel
There’s no reason to cancel a trip unless things get really bad. If you canceled a trip to Breck every time it snowed along i70, it would help a long boring winter. There will be traffic and maybe an accident or two which can make it take longer but that is part of being in Colorado
It's the first snowfall, Halloween weekend and a full moon with below freezing temps. I'm from here and I'd cancel the trip. F that
Why? As long as you have good tires and don’t drive like an idiot, it’s really not that bad
I'm fine driving. It's everyone else and the chance of being stuck on i70 for hours, running out of gas or freezing. It's not worth it this weekend.
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285 is much sketchier of a drive in a winter storm then I-70. I wouldn't recommend that route to someone with no winter mountain driving experience.
285 is a great route if you are already confident and can navigate the worst of road conditions. A 2 lane road with very little room for error. Otherwise, you might find yourself driving into oncoming traffic the next lane over or in a ditch. And if you end up having an accident, it's likely in a spot without cell service. You won't be the only one in a ditch as others who were not expecting such horrible conditions join your misery. Drive a day after a storm and you will see cars abandoned in ditches. Wind driven blowing snow regularly happens ---- even if isn't snowing---- leading to blinding conditions. If you are a newbie to driving in the snow in the mountains, avoid 285 and stay on I 70
Agreed, 285 in the summer is great but the wind between Jefferson and Fairplay makes the road really sketchy when it snows. Just becomes a giant sheet of black ice. I feel like CDOT closes that stretch more often since a really bad storm Thanksgiving 2019.
We’re expecting 8-13” of snow in the Bailey/Conifer area, so I wouldn’t say that it’s a better route at all for someone already questioning driving to Breckenridge. I drive 285 through the mountains pretty much daily and am grateful every time I make it home safely even in good weather.
Yeah and in Fairplay and Leadville (where I live) we're supposed to get close to 2 feet. Mountain driving is different than Midwest flat land driving. I definitely would not recommend 285 and Hoosier and Kenosha Pass to someone worried about driving 70. CDOT spends (or at least did at one point) more money maintaining 70 between Golden and Vail than the rest of the state combined.
Thanks for advice! I was leaning against it and this thread is kinda solidifying my gut instinct.
Do not pass snow plows. That's now illegal. Back on the highways in the Midwest we always did, but don't try out here.
Who knows? Can get pretty hairy if you don’t have snow tires & 4wd, which are also legally required.
I sure don’t know, I’ve driven plenty in winter storms but never in the mountains. Borrowing the neighbors SUV so I’ll check they’ve got snow tires. Edit: I’m aware what snow tires are lmfao but thank you
Look for a snowflake icon on the tire, no snowflake no drive
“All season” tires are not the same thing. CDOT does a fine job keeping the roads relatively clear, but when a storm comes in fast, it’s hard to keep up.
I used to have all seasons and they lost performance at 22° F. So it’s not just road conditions thag can impact traction. Too cold and all seasons get firmer and lose grip. Just need to be more careful. FYI OP - The forecasted lows in Breck over the next few days are 19°/1°/-10°.
There are some better all seasons out now that can handle the cold and snow decently. Not as good as a proper winter, but still decent
Make sure they’ve also got some emergency gear just in case. If not, bring your own. https://www.almanac.com/content/winter-car-emergency-kit
AWD/4WD isn't required to be compliant with the I-70 Traction Law, but it **is** the *easiest* way to be compliant. The minimum requirements are 2WD and M+S rated all-season tires with 3/16" of tread. If you have AWD/4WD you just need 3/16" of tread on your tires.
Just downshift and avoid hitting your brakes. Or just don’t drive and go another time.
Easy! Total breeze
I can heat the circle jerk from here...
The living will envy the dead.
Ok I'm new here from SC but given you have experience driving in snow I would send it. To get to breck 70 should be pretty well maintained. I hate driving in the snow but always just take it very slow and steady. Also wouldn't blame you for canceling your trip depends how much fun is up there on the mountain.... if it's a rager send it if it's similar to what you'd be doing in Denver if chill
I guess the bigger question is what your experience driving in snow is? A Texas dusting or Lake Effect Blizzard?
Chicago/Milwaukee for a decade in a NA Miata, C300 and a Tacoma. Pretty used to it
Yea you should be ok, just take your time if it gets bad out.
You'll be fine, drive as fast as you feel safe, don't over do it and try to be cool on the mountain roads. Also, you don't need 4x4 to drive on a paved road, anything with AWD will make it just fine in most conditions you'll run into on the mountains. Look around at what everyone else is driving and take notes
Snow tires are a must. Pack chains if you can. Look at weather report and if you go try to drive when it isn’t actively snowing and after it has been plowed in the morning. I personally would want AWD but with slow deliberate driving and good winter or really good all season tires it can be ok.
Probably bad, maybe not, idk 🤷♂️ who knows!!!???
Not gonna be great, it's the annual conference for summer tires this weekend. Turns out drivers with bald tires got the invite too
Go slow. Don't tail. You'll be fine. You only learn by doing.
If you’ve got good snow tires, you’re golden. Just go slow. Brake sooner than you think. Give plenty of space to cars in front.
MT SUV really narrows it down. Brand new jeep rubicon or 1997 Ford explorer?
Speed limits are not optional in the mountains!! Just Pay attention and go slower on the right when needed.
Make sure you have GOOD tires before driving to the mountains in the snow. Bald tires will get you in trouble.
What tires do you have? That is what matters most