Colorado winters in the mountains have many joys whether you’re a sightseer, a skier or snowboarder, or prefer sipping a warm beverage by the fire. Whatever thrill you seek, navigating the winter roads can be difficult, calling for extra caution and confidence on your way to winter fun. To help you and your loved ones make the most of Colorado’s winter activities, here are some essential tips for safely navigating the season’s driving conditions.
Public Transportation Options
If you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the driving, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang services offer a variety of safe, eco-friendly transit options along I-70 and U.S. 40. Here’s how each service gets you where you need to go:
- Bustang West Line connects Denver to Grand Junction, with convenient stops along the way.
- Outrider travels up and down I-70 and U.S. 40, making stops in Craig, Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, and more.
- Pegasus is a van shuttle with Express Lane access, connecting Denver Union Station to Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, and Avon.
- Snowstang partners with A-Basin, Loveland, Breckenridge, and Copper to offer seamless ski trips with easy weekend resort access.
Each service comes with free WiFi and charging ports, so you can work, browse, or scroll through traffic. Reclining and comfortable seats make sleep an option to pass the time as well. Additionally, Bustang, Outrider, and Snowstang buses are equipped with a restroom, eliminating any need for an unexpected stop!
Thanks to recent service improvements, the West Line schedule now includes more frequent trips, reducing wait times and enhancing travel flexibility just in time for the busy winter season. Service throughout the day typically leaves every 45 minutes—check the schedule for more information. As Colorado’s eco-friendly transit option, Bustang supports sustainable travel, reducing the number of cars on the road and helping travelers make a positive impact on the environment.
Mountain town transit is abundant and often free, so make sure you are taking advantage of their infrastructure. Bonus—many options listed here are free to ride! Some examples along I-70 include Summit Stage, Free Ride Breck, Clear Creek County Roundabout Transit, Vail Transit, and Core Transit. Learn more from GoI70.
So, next time you plan a trip along I-70, consider Bustang to enjoy a safer, greener, and more relaxing way to see Colorado. Learn more about Bustang, Pegasus, Snowstang and Outrider routes and schedules at RideBustang.com.
Traction Laws for Personal Vehicle Travel
It’s no secret that Interstate 70 through Colorado’s Rocky Mountain corridor can be a dangerous place. Winter months bring heavy traffic, inclement weather, and poor road conditions, a combination that leads to a myriad of accidents on I-70. In order to decrease the number of incidents on the road, a set of traction laws have been passed.
What are traction laws? Let’s jump in.
From September 1 to May 31, the traction law is in effect regardless of weather conditions. Drivers must meet one of the following specifications:
- AWD/4WD vehicle AND required minimum tread depth of 3/16
- 2WD vehicle AND M+S (mud and snow) designated tires OR Winter designated tires OR All-Weather designated tires AND required minimum tread depth of 3/16"
- 2WD vehicle (without M+S/Winter/All-Weather tires) AND alternative traction devices like chains or another approved traction device
If you're a visual learner, look at the photo below provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation. (CDOT)
Stay safe out there I-70 Things Community!
Thanks for reading!