Aspen & Snowmass, Colorado Travel Tips
View Information For Winter Travel Tips for Aspen, Colorado.

Driving In Aspen
In most cases, driving to Aspen, Colorado should be easy and fun. However, with the abundant snowfall in Aspen, Colorado, the roads around Aspen can get slick and tricky. Here are some tips for your winter driving in Aspen, Colorado.

• Know before you go - View the road reports for Aspen, Colorado

• Keep up to date - Current weather for Aspen, Colorado.

• Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.

• If you are stuck in a serious storm do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.

• Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or even candy bars for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock de-icer.

• Remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions.

• Be sure of your route. Don't go exploring in the back-country without some local knowledge, especially during a storm or when one is bearing down anywhere near your location. The weather can change quickly and violently in the Rocky Mountains and not necessarily only in the heart of winter.

• Be sure you have good tires. The Colorado State Patrol recommends at least 1/8 of an inch tread depth. All season radials on a front-wheel-drive passenger vehicle are adequate for most situations. Snow tires on most rear wheel drive vehicles are usually adequate. Chain restrictions in Colorado are most often put into effect for commercial vehicles (semi-trailer trucks) and do not usually affect passenger vehicles.

• In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents. Remember you can't see around mountain curves and corners either.

• All these tips will help in keeping you safe and comfortable for your trip to Aspen, Colorado. Be responsible when driving in Colorado's mountains. Enjoy your Aspen vacation!