Vail Pass, a high-altitude section of Interstate 70 located between Vail and Copper Mountain, is a critical route for travelers crossing Colorado’s Rockies. Due to its elevation and mountainous terrain, Vail Pass often faces challenging driving conditions, including heavy snowfall, ice, and reduced visibility. As a result, it’s not uncommon for travelers to wonder, “Is Vail Pass closed?” or to seek information about recent accidents that could delay their trip.

At Western Slope Law, we understand that staying informed about road conditions is vital for both safety and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll cover how to check the status of Vail Pass, what to do if you encounter closures or accidents, and where to get reliable, up-to-the-minute updates.

How to Check if Vail Pass is Closed

• Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT): CDOT offers real-time road condition updates, webcams, and travel alerts. On the CDOT website, you can view live feeds of Vail Pass and the surrounding areas to determine if the highway is open or closed.

• 511 Travel Information Hotline: Dialing 511 within Colorado provides updated reports on road conditions, closures, and travel alerts across the state, including Vail Pass. This service is free and available 24/7.

• Local and Statewide News Outlets: Local news platforms like the Vail Daily often report on closures, accidents, and weather warnings affecting Vail Pass.

• CDOT Travel Center & Cameras: In addition to maps and alerts, CDOT offers live traffic cameras focused on key points along I-70. By checking these cameras, you can visually assess current weather conditions and traffic levels before you depart.

• National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS provides up-to-date weather forecasts specific to Vail Pass. Monitoring the weather forecast helps you anticipate possible closures and make safer travel decisions.

Why Does Vail Pass Close?

Vail Pass closures typically occur due to severe weather, hazardous driving conditions, accidents, or planned maintenance. Heavy snowstorms, blowing winds, and icy roads can make the pass treacherous. When conditions become too dangerous, authorities may close I-70 temporarily to prevent crashes, allow emergency responders to clear accidents, or enable road crews to plow, salt, and sand the roadway.

Severe Winter Weather:
Vail Pass sits at a high elevation, making it highly susceptible to sudden and intense winter storms. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and whiteout conditions can quickly reduce visibility and cause slippery roads. When the weather becomes too dangerous, authorities close the pass to keep drivers safe.

Ice and Black Ice Hazards:
Even after a storm passes, lingering moisture can freeze on the road surface. Black ice—thin, transparent ice that’s difficult to see—poses a major hazard. Road crews may request closures so they can treat the roads with salt and sand, ensuring safer conditions when traffic resumes.

Strong Winds and Blowing Snow:
High winds frequently whip across the summit, often carrying loose snow onto the roadway and creating drifting conditions. When wind gusts get extreme, they can affect vehicle stability and visibility, prompting officials to shut down the pass until conditions improve.

Accidents and Emergencies:
Collisions, jackknifed trucks, or multi-car pile ups can happen when drivers lose control in poor conditions. After a serious accident, law enforcement or emergency responders may need to close Vail Pass to clear the scene, treat any injured parties, and remove damaged vehicles.

Avalanche Mitigation and Control Work:
During heavy snowfall winters, the risk of avalanches near Vail Pass increases. Authorities occasionally close the pass to conduct avalanche mitigation—controlled explosions or plowing efforts—to ensure slopes are stable before allowing motorists back on the road.

Maintenance and Infrastructure Repairs:
Vail Pass closures also occur for scheduled maintenance, like repairing guardrails, patching potholes, or conducting routine inspections. While these closures are often announced in advance, they’re still important for maintaining long-term safety and road quality.

What to Do if There’s an Accident

If you’re involved in or delayed by an accident on Vail Pass:

• Stay Informed: Use your smartphone to check for official closures and see if authorities have issued guidance for alternate routes.

• Follow Official Instructions: If law enforcement or CDOT directs traffic, follow their instructions. Often, detours will route drivers through nearby towns or across other highways.

• Contact Legal Assistance If Needed: If you or someone you know is involved in a serious accident that results in injury, seeking legal help from a qualified lawyer can ensure you understand your rights and options.

More to Consider

1. Can I check road conditions on my phone?

Yes. Using CDOT’s mobile-friendly site or third-party traffic apps like Waze and Google Maps is a convenient way to see current conditions. Some apps even offer crowd-sourced updates from fellow drivers.

2. Are there alternate routes if Vail Pass is closed?

Yes, but alternate routes often take significantly longer, involve less-maintained roads, or require navigating through smaller towns. Before choosing an alternate route, verify it’s open and safe. CDOT and local officials sometimes suggest detours in the event of long-term closures.

3. How can I prepare for winter driving on Vail Pass?

Equip your vehicle with proper winter tires, carry chains if required, pack emergency supplies (blankets, snacks, water), and always check the forecast before departure.

4. Does Vail Pass have chain laws or traction laws?

Yes. Colorado enforces traction and chain laws during winter storms. These laws require certain vehicles, especially commercial trucks, to have chains or adequate tire tread.

5. Is there a best time to travel over Vail Pass?

Non-peak hours and periods of stable weather are ideal. Traveling mid-week, early in the day, or after snowplows have cleared the roadway can reduce your risk.

6. How often is Vail Pass closed?

While closures occur during the winter season, the frequency varies. Some winters are milder, resulting in fewer closures, while others are stormy, leading to more frequent closures.