A Guide for Travel Routes and Safe, Winter Driving to The Springs Resort

The Springs Resort is a magical winter destination, but unless you’re flying into Stevens-Pagosa Springs Airport (PSO) in Pagosa Springs, you’ll need to take some time to understand the driving routes and plan for your travel. This is especially important if you’re visiting during snowy weather. In this guide, you’ll learn travel tips to get to The Springs Resort from nearby airports and how to prepare for winter driving.

Nearest Airports

Chain & Traction Laws Per the Colorado Department of Transportation:

• Commercial Vehicle Chain Law: Commercial vehicles and trucks must have chains. Vehicles without chains can often lose traction, causing traffic delays and sometimes road closures. For the safety of the traveling public, it’s critical to use chains to be in compliance with Colorado’s chain law.
• Passenger Vehicle Traction Law: All motorists are required to either have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or (for two-wheel drive vehicles) snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. Tread depth on all tires must be at least 3/16″ regardless of vehicle type. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must carry chain devices or alternative traction devices. The law focuses on passenger vehicles, as commercial vehicles have their own restrictions. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required traction equipment. Violators will be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.

• Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: All passenger vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must have tire chains or alternate traction devices (ATD) installed on two or more drive tires. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required chain/ATD equipment installed. Violators will be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.

Winter Driving Factors to Keep in Mind…

Before you hit the road, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Weather forecasts.

Weather can vary from region to region. While it may be a clear day on the front range, that might not be the case for Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass. Not to mention, major weather websites are often inaccurate when predicting the conditions in Pagosa Springs. For the most accurate weather coverage in Pagosa Springs, our amazing local weather team is dedicated to providing the best regional coverage on a regular basis.

Bookmark their page on your phone before your trip: Pagosa Weather

Current Road Conditions.

CDOT provides a wide variety of cameras stationed throughout Colorado’s highway system. View them here: COtrip Traveler Information.

We also feature a live webcam on the property to give you a heads-up on current conditions at the resort: Hot Springs Live Webcam

Speed and Winter Speed Limits.

Slow down—give yourself plenty of time to react. Colorado is very mountainous and many major roadways have sharp curves and steep cliffsides. Also, keep in mind that the speed limits can change depending on the weather. You may notice that speed signs along Highway 160 through Pagosa include winter driving speeds.

Common Icy Areas.

Be mindful of bridges and overpasses that tend to ice up faster than other areas and make sure you know how to properly use your brakes in icy conditions.

Visibility.

Visibility can be greatly reduced in snow and rain, so make sure your headlights and taillights are in working condition.

Additional Tips for Winter Driving:

• Winter Driving Tips at AAA’s Winter Driving Tips
• CDOT Winter Driving Resources