Winter Tire and Driving Tips for the Rockies: Stay Safe on Snowy Mountain Roads
Winter driving anywhere in the Rockies can be challenging. With high elevations, unpredictable snowfall, ice-covered roads, and the ever-present possibility of an avalanche, it’s important that you have the right winter tires and traction devices, including tire chains and tire socks. We’ve put together some tips for safe winter driving in the Rockies, how to find the right winter tires, and what you should have with you on any cold-weather driving adventure.
Understanding Winter Road Conditions in the Rockies
The states where the Rocky Mountains dominate the landscape have some diverse winter weather conditions. Those states include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. In some of those states, mountain ranges, elevation, and prevailing winds, play a part in winter storms that can blanket whole regions in hours. Additionally, lake-effect snow can intensify storm systems. But there are also the portions of the Rockies that see much-less snowfall.
In Colorado, for example, areas from Grand Junction to Denver can seem like an insurmountable obstacle — especially when they’re covered in snow and ice. But over on the east side of the state, places like Lamar experience plains-like winters, with milder weather and less snowfall, but plenty of wind and whiteouts.
During winter months, drive with caution wherever you drive in and around the Rockies. Up to a foot of snow can quickly accumulate on mountain passes and city highways.
Common Road Hazards in the Rockies
Heavy snowfall, ice, black ice, as well as the possibility of avalanches in some areas can make driving challenging in the winter. Be aware that the following highways can be especially treacherous. Check road conditions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming before your next road trip.
- Interstate 70: One of the main routes through the Rockies, this highway gets a lot of snowfall and ice. Avalanches are also common.
- Interstate 80: As this roadway winds through Parleys Canyon and Echo Canyon, drivers can experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions all winter long.
- Interstate 84: Major winter storms can make driving difficult.
- Interstate 90: Running through western Montana, the interstate can see a lot of snowfall and heavy winds.
- U.S. Highway 2: Winter storms can blanket the region and roadways. This is especially true in the Glacier National Park area.
- U.S. Highway 6 and Loveland Pass: This pass can be especially difficult to drive during heavy snowstorms.
- U.S. Highway 12: Western portions of the highway, particularly in the Bitterroot Valley, can see heavy snowfall.
- U.S. Highway 16: Winter conditions may require extra time and preparation.
- U.S. Highway 20: Challenging winter conditions in the Sawtooth Range are common.
- U.S. Highway 40 and Berthoud Pass: Steep grades and winding roads make this mountain pass challenging during winter months. Crews do what they can to plow and treat the roads, but traction devices are often required.
- U.S. Highway 50 and Monarch Pass: Steep grades and heavy snowfall make this a legendary roadway for winter travel.
- U.S. Highway 75: This highway can be affected by snow and ice, especially in the Panhandle region of Idaho.
- U.S. Highway 87: Heavy snowfall and ice can make travel dangerous in the winter.
- U.S. Highway 93: Winter storms can affect travel in Idaho’s Panhandle region.
- U.S. Highway 191: Including the Wind River Range in Wyoming, this highway can get heavy snowfall at any time during the winter months.
Choosing the Right Tires for Winter Driving in the Rockies
Safe winter driving anywhere among the Rockies starts with the right tires and traction devices. The professionals at Les Schwab can help you choose the best snow tires for your needs. That includes studded and studless winter tires, all-weather tires for milder winter regions, as well as tire chains and tire socks for the deep stuff. Stop by Les Schwab today.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter in the Rockies
Having the right snow tires for your vehicle is essential. But there are a handful of other items to check, and winterization tips to complete, before you head out on snow-covered interstates.
- Check your battery. A good battery can help you avoid getting stranded somewhere in the Rockies. Les Schwab offers free battery checks.
- Get new wiper blades. Change your wiper blades just before winter to maintain as much visibility as possible.
- Update your wiper fluid. You’re risking a frozen windshield and wiper system repair bills if you drive in sub-freezing weather without windshield wiper fluid designed for low temperatures.
- Check your car’s fluids. Triple-check that your antifreeze is formulated for below-freezing conditions.
- Carry emergency essentials. Bring water, food, blankets, as well as extra jackets and boots on any winter road trips. See our article about winter driving essentials for more.
- Get a free pre-trip safety check. The professionals at Les Schwab will perform a visual inspection of your vehicle’s tires, battery, brakes, alignment, and more. We’ll even check the air in your tires.
Navigating Winter Hazards in the Rockies
When driving on snow and ice anywhere in and around the Rockies, follow these driving tips.
- Watch for avalanche alerts. Be aware that avalanches happen in the Rockies and can affect travel. If possible, avoid areas with recent avalanche activity or roads that see a lot of issues.
- Drive with caution (with or without four-wheel drive). Just because you have a four-wheel drive vehicle doesn’t mean you can stop or steer any better on ice or snow than a two-wheel drive. Check out these tips for driving in the snow.
- Avoid passing other vehicles. When snow and ice cover the roads, stay behind the vehicle in front of you. Slow progress will help you get there without incident.
- Ease up on the gas and the brakes. Slow down when driving on snow and ice, and always ease on the brakes to avoid losing control. Check out these tips for driving on ice.
- Give plenty of room between you and other vehicles. When traveling at 35 MPH, it can take 600 feet or more to come to a complete stop on snow- and ice-covered roads. Check out these tips for driving in winter conditions.
- Look for black ice. Black ice can form on shaded roads, bridges and overpasses, and anywhere that experiences sub-freezing temperatures.
- Don’t use cruise control or lane assist. These can cause oversteer and send your car out of control. Instead, rely on your driver’s expertise to navigate winter roads safely.
- Download a winter driving guide. This one from Car and Driver has plenty of advice.
Tire Chain Laws and Winter Driving Regulations in the Rockies
Tire chain laws, as well as studded tire restrictions, vary by state and region. Here’s when it’s legal to use chains and studded tires in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Get your next set of tire chains and tire socks at Les Schwab. They can be smart and often legally required items to have with you anywhere you go in and around the Rockies. Best of all, if you don’t use them this winter, you can return them in the spring for a full refund. Need help putting them on? Check out these tips, including our how-to video.
Arizona Laws
Arizona allows studded tires on highways that experience winter conditions from October 1 to May 1. Tire chains are allowed as needed or when required. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Colorado Laws
The Colorado Department of Transportation has some specific laws and requirements for the use of tire chains, traction devices, and studded tires. Failure to follow the overall guidelines can result in heavy fines. The fine can be especially high if you end up blocking the roadway due to inadequate equipment. Simply put, carry a set of chains or tire socks for two or more of your tires from September 1 to May 31. It is legal to drive on studded tires from October 1 to April 30. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Idaho Laws
Drivers are allowed to use studded tires from October 1 to April 30, but the Idaho Department of Transportation urges drivers to use them only when needed. Tire chains are allowed when necessary. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Montana Laws
Studded tires are allowed on Montana highways and roads from October 1 to May 31 of each year. Snow chains are allowed as needed or when required. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
New Mexico Laws
The New Mexico Department of Transportation does not have any set dates for the use of studded tires. Officials urge drivers to use snow tires, including studded tires and chains, when needed for safety on winter roads. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Utah Laws
Depending on where you live or where you’re driving, Utah allows studded tires from November 1 to March 31. Additionally, snow tires and tire chains are recommended anywhere that sees significant snowfall. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Wyoming Laws
There are no date restrictions on when drivers can use studded tires or chains in Wyoming. However, failure to have snow tires or tire chains can result in heavy fines. Please note: studded tire dates may be extended due to weather conditions. Find more information here.
Essential Vehicle Preparation for Winter in the Rockies
The Rockies can be unforgiving in the colder months. Be sure you have the basic essentials you need when driving in the winter. To help you get safely to where you’re going, our professionals have advice on how to drive in the snow and how to drive on the ice.
Long-Distance Winter Travel Tips in the Rockies
Every long-distance winter adventure should start with a quick check of weather and road conditions. You can find that information and more for Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Some basic winter road trip tips include:
- Warm up the engine or cab (for EV owners). This is a good time to brush any snow off the roof and hood of your vehicle, and scrape any ice off the windows and mirrors.
- Give your vehicle a quick safety check. Make sure your snow or winter tires have enough tread, that you have the proper traction devices ready to go, that the air pressure is topped off, fluid levels are all okay, and there is an emergency kit in your car.
- Be a cautious driver. Slow down on snow- and ice-covered roads, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and those around you, watch for black ice and avalanche danger, and steer slowly (no sudden movements).
- Plan your route and notify others. Bring along a paper map in addition to your phone’s mapping app. Additionally, notify others when you plan to leave, where you are going to travel, and when you plan to arrive.
Safe Winter Driving in the Rockies
Winters among Rocky Mountain states can be challenging when navigating snow- and ice-covered roads. Les Schwab is here to help. The professionals at your local store are happy to offer free pre-trip safety checks, local winter driving tips, and help you choose the right snow tires and tire chains to meet legal requirements and face nearby winter roads with confidence.