Spring break is just around the corner, and that means many travelers will be heading west on I-70 to enjoy late-season skiing and snowboarding in Colorado’s high country. With schools and families taking advantage of the break, motorists should plan for heavier traffic, especially on weekends.
Travelers heading to popular destinations like Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Aspen and Winter Park may experience longer travel times along the I-70 Mountain Corridor. Leaving early, checking conditions before you go and building extra time into your trip can help reduce stress and keep your travel plans on track.
Expect heavier weekend traffic
Spring break travel patterns often mirror peak ski-season traffic. Drivers can typically expect:
- Westbound I-70 congestion: Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings
- Eastbound I-70 congestion: Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons
Your best bet is to check the weekly travel forecast that is posted every Thursday morning on GoI70.com, or check COTrip.org for real-time travel information including traffic impacts and to view traffic cameras. Construction projects and weather can influence travel times, so planning ahead is key for a smoother trip.
Check the forecast before heading to the mountains
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, especially during spring storms. Checking a reliable forecast before leaving home can help you prepare for snow, wind or changing road conditions.
The mobile app OpenSnow is a popular resource for skiers and mountain travelers. The app provides detailed mountain forecasts and tools to help users track upcoming storms and conditions.
Some of the key features include:
- 15-day forecasts: Detailed long-range forecasts from the PEAKS weather model for ski resorts and mountain locations
- Local “Daily Snow” experts: Short, easy-to-read insights from professional forecasters covering major ski regions
- 3D and offline maps: View precipitation, snowfall and snow depth forecasts, with downloadable maps for offline use
- Custom alerts: Notifications for snow reports, forecasts and severe weather
- Super-resolution radar: High-resolution radar updates across the continental United States
- Multi-model comparison: Side-by-side weather model comparisons to help understand forecast confidence
Using tools like OpenSnow can help you better understand upcoming conditions and choose the best travel window.
Tips for easy spring break travel
If you are planning a trip to the mountains during spring break, consider these tips:
- Plan extra travel time, especially on weekends
- Check weather and road conditions before leaving
- Travel during off-peak hours when possible
- Make sure your vehicle is winter ready, including proper tires and emergency supplies
- Stay alert for changing weather conditions at higher elevations
Spring break is a great time to enjoy Colorado’s mountains, but planning ahead can make the journey safer and more enjoyable for everyone traveling along the I-70 Mountain Corridor.