Driving to Beaver Creek/Vail Colorado from TX first time

I have a 2019 4 runner. Does anyone have advice on which roads are safer or less dangerous. Going skiing. Never driving in the mountains myself but have been many times as passenger. I need all the tips and advice for this road trip. It will be on the 28 and 29th so just a few days away. The forecast doesn't look bad now.

 

Sounds like a fun trip. If you go down steep hills that cause you to have to consistently hit your breaks to slow dow, then you should drop your gears and do more engine braking. If you don’t you may overheat your brakes and cause a horrible accident. Be safe, watch out for ice on the road also have fun!!!

 

Welcome to the forum. Texas is kind of large and you didn’t say where in Texas you are departing from. But, generally, in our experience, using the Interstate highways has been our preferred mountain routes in Winter. Better traveled, more services, etc. So, from Amarillo go to Raton, NM and get on Interstate 25 to Denver. In Denver, catch Interstate 70 Westbound toward Vail. Hope that helps. Safe travels.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Lived in Summit county, CO for several years in the I-70 corridor (Breck/Copper). Keep provisions in your car like blankets, extra food and water in case you get stuck on I-70 during blizzards/avalanches etc. It’s a beautiful area, enjoy and be safe.

 

Doug this was 3 months ago. But I guess it is good for future references

 

Make sure your tires are up to the task!

 

Just got back from a week in Copper Mtn/ Silverthorne CO. They really know how to clear snow off the roads out there. ATL gets shut down with an inch of snow. About 95% of the 5th gen 4Runners we saw (and we saw a lot!) were stock height with stock sized street tires or ATs. Strangely rare to see one lifted with 285s or bigger. You’ll be just fine. Have fun!

 

I figured, I wanted to post it still because it’s vital info in the winter months. I hope you enjoyed it, it’s a beautiful place.

They sure do, I always found it impressive how they handled it. Growing up in the Philly area, it was always mayhem days after a storm. They barely miss school days in summit county and get 10x the snow lol.

 

Luck you! Come to WA too.

 

Colorado trails are dry and nice, but Washington trails are wet and muddy

 

@The last breed you finally got a 4Runner? You need to update your status if you did. I must have missed the message where you said you got one.

 

This is his old one as far as I can remember. He is going big this time with a 2022 Black TRD Pro. Waiting for delivery soon..

 

I doubt you are checking the correct forecast. Today we probably get about a feet of snow around Vail.
Again Sunday night to Tuesday morning there's a chance of snow too. So be careful.

 

Colorado's weather patterns are so interesting. Just when you think it's over.. here's more snow! lol

Here's a pic of what I tackled the roads and snow in when I lived out there. My '07 STi Limited I sold to a close friend prior to my move to Vegas. Photo is from Loveland pass after a waist deep powder day on my board.

 

Old pictures. Waiting for dealer to get me one another one

 

Hopefully soon

 

I will give a virtual party here when I get my TRD Pro