When I first moved to the mountains the winter of 2005 I did not leave the 3 miles radius of the Town of Vail and my main mode of transportation was the town bus. Green to the scene and Red to bed (IYKYK) was all I needed to know about mountain driving and based on my experience or lack there of in driving in snowy mountain conditions I was quite content with not driving.

Once I settled in to mountain life, moved out of the bus route of Vail and grew tired of walking to and from bus stops I figured it may be time to get my Colorado driver’s license. This in itself was an experience, going through the process of getting to the DMV several towns away, taking a written and practical test and finding a mountain road worth vehicle in my price range, which was about $1000. Needless to say it wasn’t easy but it had to be done. Winters and summers following I remember nervously driving 15 miles an hour in a snow storm remember to “tap, tap, tap” my breaks to avoid sliding off the road and the video game like simulation of driving over a mountain pass during a blizzard clutching the steering wheel just hoping a deer doesn’t jump out in front of you, or a run away truck behind you.

Mountain driving is not for the faint of heart and although challenging for most it is an imperative skill that will make or break you experience living on mountain time. To help you with this process here are some of my personal tips on how to be prepared for taking on the rocky roads of mountain driving:

• Tires – its all about the tires. Get winter/snow tires for the winter season. Spend the extra money.
• Choose your vehicle wisely. Forego the bells and whistles for safety and comfort in varying weather and terrain.
• AWD or All Wheel Drive is a great middle option if you can’t go 4WD
• Practice, practice, practice! Go to an open parking lot and learn what it feels like to slide on ice.
• Get the windshield insurance…. you’ll need it. Likely every 2 years if not every year. Trust me on this one, just happened to me again today eek
• Take it slow and enjoy the ride, mountain driving although sometimes intense presents you with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world