Every winter, ski and snowboard enthusiasts flock to their local mountains hoping to shred some fresh powder with friends and family. You'll have tons of fun once you're on the slopes, but getting there could be another story. Consider these driving tips the next time you drive to your favorite ski resort, or you won't have any shot at catching the first chair.
Hazards You'll Face Driving to the Slopes in Winter
The most dangerous thing you'll have to worry about when driving to the slopes this winter is the weather conditions. Peak winter travel can bring whiteouts of snow, dangerous black ice, and freezing temperatures. Around 24% of weather-related crashes each year happen on icy, slushy, or snowy pavement. Considering mountains (where ski resorts are usually located) get way more snow than lower elevations, they're a prime location for getting in a wreck.
Any time you encounter any of these conditions, the best things you can do are slow down, increase your following distance, and don't slam on the breaks. It never hurts to have a roadside safety kit with winter tools as well.
Tips for Staying Safe on Your Way to Ski
Double Check Your Roof Rack
Most people take off their roof racks in the spring after they're done skiing for the year, so perform an inspection when you're hooking it back up in the fall.
Make sure the cross members are stable on the roof rack itself. If they're the screw-in type, test each screw to make sure they're completely tightened. If they lock in, give them a good tug to make sure they're still solid.
Check the hardware that mounts your rack to your cross members to make sure they're also tight.
Check the locking mechanism that holds your skis or boards in the rack.
For some extra peace of mind, ratchet strap your skis down as well before you hit the road.
Consider Winter Tires or Chains
Winter tires are designed with softer rubber to better grip the road in cold conditions. The tread pattern is deeper and wider as well to provide better traction in snowy conditions. Consider getting a set if you live in an area that sees snowfall all winter long.
If you're traveling across a mountain pass or up a steep road to get to your ski resort, you might need a set of tire chains. These chains give you the extra grip you need to make the long, slow journey up the mountain. There are certain mountain passes — like the I-70 mountain corridor in Colorado — that won't even allow you to cross without having chains on when the weather is treacherous. Make sure you know how to put them, or you may have to pay a roadside assistant to do it for you.
Book Your Trip in the Shoulder Season
If you don't want to worry about having to drive in the worst that winter can throw at you, consider booking a trip in the shoulder season. Typically shoulder season runs from mid-October til early December and March through May, depending on where you're looking. Not only will rates and crowds be smaller, but the roads should be clear as well.
Print Out Your Directions
Nowadays, you can't find many places without good cell service, but the mountains are one of those last realms. If you aren't familiar with where you're going skiing, consider printing out directions just in case you come across a dead zone and lose your GPS directions.
Ensuring a Safe Journey to the Ski Slope
No matter if you're going on a trip to your local slopes or a ski vacation in Colorado, you still have to get there safely. One way you can learn additional tips and tricks to drive safely in any season is by taking a driver's ed course at DriversEd.com. We design our driver's ed courses to keep you entertained while learning the rules of the road, all entirely online.
Updated 2/20/24