BLIZZARD DRIVING TIPS for those new to our Mountain!

First Blizzard drive here? May I share with you a few tips? UPSLOPE, HIGH WIND, RAIN FIRST!
These terms were used and they mean that the commute Monday and Tuesday are going to be downright dangerous. If you can stay home, STAY HOME! There is a possibility of road closures so throw a toothbrush and a credit card in your car. I even bring change of clothes and PJs in case of getting stuck below. Make sure you have back up plan concerning kids and pets. Charge up devices and bring contact numbers. TOP OFF GAS TANK and fluids. Leave EARLY for work and use the bathroom. Desperate drivers become dangerous. The left lane is for passing regardless of sun and snow so pass who you need to and then go back into right lane not to clog up 285 which causes more problems. If you do not own a great snow car with great tread, carry chains. You may be called to stop, start, pass, back and go around stalled cars. If you MUST leave your vehicle, watch out! Drivers watch out for people outside their vehicles. Check traffic conditions before leaving or coming home. Use your low gears, slow down and leave space between cars. Be patient ! It is going to be a slow drive and it has taken me more then 5 hours. Don't forget your emergency kit. I carry food, water, flashlights, glow sticks, sleeping bag, warm socks and shoes etc. know alternate routes and drive them on sunny days so you know them. Know hotels down below. I want EVERYONE to get home to their loved ones and mean no offense to anyone. Please feel free to add the tips that have gotten you home safe. Take care all!

per CDOT:


285 S
US 285 Southbound / Northbound Hwy 8 to Park County Line (Milemarker 250-228)
Passenger vehicles are required to have snow or mud/snow tires, use chains/alternative traction devices, or a 4WD/AWD vehicle. Restriction began January 30th, 2016 at 8:33pm.

The semi in Bailey had chains, right??

If not, they should be getting a ticket.

Here's one. Tailgating is one of my pet peeves, and has grown exponentially worse with the influx of those from other states who are flocking to the Denver utopia. And it only gets worse when the weather turns.

That person in front of you is important to someone. They're a grandmother, father, caregiver, son, daughter ... take your pick. As drivers, we have NO RIGHT to tailgate someone. It amounts to menacing and intimidation. Treat other drivers with respect and back off. If you're a poor planner and running late, it's your own fault.

On a happier note ... hooray, no cyclists on the roads!

p.s. The emergency tips are top notch. There are plenty of folks who weren't here for the big storms, such as Christmas '87 and spring '03. We were stuck in CO Springs for that first one, since I-25 was closed down. The next day it looked like a used car lot, with dozens and dozens of cars buried in snow on the sides of the highway. In '03, it took six days for the first plow and front loader to get up our canyon. It really does happen.

Make sure you have more than enough time to get where you need to go. If you don't need to go stay home. Shiny side up, rubber side down. Don't drive any faster than you can see. If you're scared by the time you get down to the end of your driveway then stay home.

NWS_Boulder: What do you do in a blizzard? Avoid travel if at all possible (starting Wednesday afternoon). If you must travel, be prepared by taking a winter survival kit, having a full tank of gas, and notify someone where you're going.