Would you recommend a driver who has never driven in the snow to drive from Denver International Airport to Gunnison Colorado in March?

Answer 1

Depends on what the weather forecasts are predicting. Generally, I would not recommend it. If it is snowing, that'll be a tough route even for someone with experience in the snow.

Answer

Colorado highways, especially mountain roads such as US50, are generally well maintained by the Colorado highway maintenance team. However, remnants of past snows, black ice, and even fresh snow could have an adverse impact upon even the most adept driver.

A greater concern can often be for visitors who are not acclimated to the altitude of Denver - The "Mile-High City," 5,280 feet, (1,609m), and points west where the elevation can climb to as high as 11,990 feet (3,655m), Loveland Pass. Arriving from other destinations, visitors are often not immediately aware of the impact the altitude can have on their ability to function.

At least 75 percent of people will experience mild symptoms during the altitude acclimatization process. Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and only begin to decrease in severity from about the third day. For some, however, the symptoms can increase. Called Altitude Mountain Sickness, (AMS), symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, extreme sleepiness, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise.

A driver inexperienced with mountain driving, especially during conditions of ice and snow, could increase their risk if they're not acclimatised to the altitude. And in the event an individual has consumed any alcohol at all, symptoms can become severely exacerbated. It is a fact that having one beer at 5,280 feet is the same as having three at sea level.

The Colorado weather during March can be quite unpredictable. Provided you are adept at navigating the hairpin turns, high altitude, and understand the procedures for car break-protection when driving on steep declines such as US50 to Gunnison, and are fully acclimated to the altitude, the drive should hopefully be both beautiful and uneventful.

The state of Colorado has strict seasonal laws regarding the mandatory possession and use of snow tyres and snow chains. A hire car hired in Denver will have conformed to these requirements. However, if you're bringing a vehicle from out of state, be sure to have the appropriate tyres and chains. Failure to adhere to these laws can dramatically impact the pleasure of your holiday and possibly incur severe penalties. Unfortunately, "I didn't know" does not serve as a valid defence with Highway Patrol officers.

A final note; the short journey on US285 from Littleton (Denver) to Evergreen is a beautiful, but severely twisting road uphill. If your driver determines they are feeling rather intimidated by this part of the journey, it may be wise to stop at the local 7-11 and ask for directions to I-70 to take you back to Denver via the Interstate. That short, twisting, and sometimes eye-watering uphill drive is just a hint of things to come, which will be both uphill and downhill !