How to Safely Drive on Snowy Mountain Roads for the First Time

There are few things more breathtaking than driving through a mountain range draped in a fresh blanket of snow. These roads are not easy to navigate, however. 

Take Monarch Pass in Colorado, for instance. It ranks at the top among the most feared roads in Colorado for driving in winter. This mountain pass experiences heavy snowfall as well as strong winds. Plus, there are plenty of avalanche areas. 

Having driving lessons in Colorado is just a start. You need much more to get comfortable with winter conditions before heading into the high country. 

Polishing up on your driving lessons is important before you head out. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Snowy mountain roads demand slower speeds, smoother moves, and extra awareness. 

Here, we’ll share a few tips that will help you safely navigate even the most intimidating mountain passes. 

#1 Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

Snow and ice dramatically reduce your tires’ grip on the road. This means it takes much longer to stop—up to 10 times longer on an icy surface than on dry pavement. 

Speed is the enemy of traction. The faster you go, the less control you have. The posted speed limit you see on road signs is for ideal, dry conditions. When the road is covered in snow or ice, that speed is dangerously fast. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends cutting your speed by half or more on snow-packed roads. So, if the speed limit is 50 mph, you should drive at 25 mph or less.

Just as important as reducing speed is increasing the following distance. This creates a safety bubble of time and space around the vehicle, providing the buffer needed to react to hazards and stop smoothly. 

That '3-second rule' you use on dry roads isn't enough for winter weather. Instead, you must maintain a minimum following distance of 8 to 10 seconds. This extra space gives you the time and room to react safely to anything that happens ahead. 

#2 Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control is a convenience designed for long, predictable drives on dry roads. But you must never use it in winter conditions. 

When you're cruising along on autopilot, your car will automatically accelerate to maintain your set speed if it starts to slow down. 

On snow and ice, this sudden acceleration can cause your wheels to spin. This can instantly initiate or worsen a skid, often before a driver can react and manually disengage the system. This is why cruise control must be completely off. 

Gentle, gradual pressure on the gas pedal helps your tires maintain their grip on the slippery surface. If you hit a patch of ice or loose snow, you want to be able to immediately back off the accelerator. That is something you can't do quickly enough when cruise control is engaged.

Mountain driving also involves constant elevation changes, which means your engine is working harder or getting assistance from gravity. Cruise control can't anticipate these changes the way your experienced foot can.

#3 Know How to Handle a Skid

Even for the most careful driver, a skid can happen. The queasy feeling of your car starting to slide can be scary, but if you know what to do, you can handle it. The key is to know how to respond calmly and correctly. 

Don’t slam on the brakes. Hitting the brakes hard is often the worst thing you can do, as it can lock up your wheels and make the skid worse. Yanking the steering wheel can further worsen the situation. 

The American Driving Academy advises gently turning your steering wheel in the same direction you want your car to go. This is especially important if the rear of your car is fishtailing, also known as oversteering. 

It further suggests applying steady pressure to the brake pedal if your car has an anti-braking lock system. ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up while still allowing you to steer.

Practice these techniques in an empty parking lot before you head to the mountains. Find a safe space with some snow and intentionally cause small skids at low speeds. This hands-on experience will help you react properly when it happens for real on a mountain road.

Before You Go

Before you drive into the mountains, make sure your car is ready for the journey. Winter tires or at least all-season ones in great condition, are a must. Keep your gas tank at least half full in case you get stuck or delayed. Carry a snow brush, an ice scraper, and maybe even a small shovel.

And most importantly, stay calm. Driving on snowy mountain roads isn’t something you need to master all at once. Take your time, follow these tips, and focus on staying steady, not fast. You’ll get better with every mile.