Winter driving tips

For winter mountain travel, we strongly recommend an AWD or 4WD SUV or truck. Request one when you book online at dollar.com or thrifty.com, or ask the counter staff at pickup. All-wheel drive gives you significantly better traction on snowy and icy roads, especially on mountain passes like Vail Pass (I-70) and Teton Pass (WY-22).

Check road conditions before every drive. Passes can close with little warning due to avalanche control, accidents, or whiteout conditions. Colorado: cotrip.org or call 511. Wyoming: wyoroad.info or call 511. CDOT and WYDOT post real-time closures, chain laws, and travel advisories.

Keep in your vehicle: a phone charger, warm layers, gloves, a flashlight, water, snacks, and a small snow brush or scraper. If you get stuck or a pass closes, you may wait in your car for an extended period. Mountain cell service can be spotty, so plan ahead.

Speed limits are set for dry conditions. On snow or ice, reduce speed by at least a third. Black ice — invisible and extremely slippery — is common on bridges, shaded curves, and overpasses, especially at dawn and dusk.

Leave at least 6 seconds of following distance on snowy or icy roads (double the dry-road guideline). At highway speeds, that means several car lengths. Braking distances on packed snow can be 3–5 times longer than on dry pavement.

Vail Pass (I-70, 10,662 ft): The primary route between Denver and the Vail Valley. Frequent chain laws, closures, and wind gusts. Use the right lane if you are uncomfortable — locals and truckers will pass on the left. Eastbound descent is steep; use low gear.

Teton Pass (WY-22, 8,431 ft): The main route between Jackson and Idaho. Very steep (10% grade), tight switchbacks, and avalanche zones. Closures are common. WYDOT plows regularly but conditions change fast. Carry chains if you do not have AWD/4WD.

Independence Pass (CO-82): Closed in winter (typically Nov–May). If you are driving between Aspen and Leadville, you must use I-70.

Colorado traction law: When activated on I-70 (Code 15/16), your vehicle must have adequate tread depth (3/16") plus either snow tires, chains, or AWD/4WD. Vehicles without adequate traction equipment can be fined and turned back. Our rental vehicles are maintained to meet traction law requirements — ask the counter if you have questions about your specific vehicle.

Wyoming: Chain laws are less common but can be enacted on Teton Pass and other routes during severe storms.

If you feel the vehicle start to slide, take your foot off the gas (do not brake hard), and steer gently in the direction you want to go. ABS will pulse the brakes automatically — do not pump them. If you have AWD, it helps with acceleration but does not help you stop faster on ice.

Before driving, clear all snow and ice from the roof, hood, windows, mirrors, and headlights. Snow flying off your roof at highway speed is dangerous to other drivers and can result in a citation.

Turn on headlights any time it is snowing, foggy, or visibility is reduced. Colorado law requires headlights when wipers are in use.

At EGE, the rental car lot is adjacent to the terminal — brush off your vehicle before returning. At JAC, return to our off-airport location and call for a shuttle ride to the terminal.