To Vail or not to Vail...

I'd go 80 to 15 then down. Vail can be tricky this time of year and can be closed for a day while they clear out the snow. I lived in Denver for a few years. At least once per year Denver roads gets shut down for up to 3 days because of a snowstorm. 40k doesn't help when the roads are closed because it takes the snow removal crews up to 3 days to clear everything out.

 

The difference in mileage is about 80 longer going across Wyoming and down.

The deciding factors for me, other than weather, is where will my logbook day end? A lot less places to stay on 70, and even fewer places for repairs if that is a possibility. What time of day would you hit Denver vs. going around Salt Lake. Denver traffic is usually worse, but construction on 15 is now a factor somewhat. Just don't ever go 70 on a weekend in either direction during the day or afternoon, the traffic makes it much worse. I never haul much weight so the hills/time isn't a factor, but with 40K on, I'd wonder about fuel and time.

 

Oh I thought you were going skiing. Was going to say their black diamonds are killer. But haven't been there since I was a kid. Good luck on the roads.

 

I so no mention of 44/40 thru OKC. Not sure of the added distance but out of Chicago, I don't think it's more that a 80-100 miles additional. and fewer grades to deal with, less snow concern, probably fewer "problem scales".

 

It's suppose to be 60's-70's this week. This past weekend it was 45-55 thru the pass very nice. I'm in junction working for my company and the weather gonna be 70. Rain for sat but 60's.

 

I only prefer 70 because I hate wind blowing up against my trailer regardless of weight and because the "technical" aspect of driving through the 70 keeps me up.
As for places to stop, I always felt there were adequate places along the 70 that met my needs.

Personal preference anyway.

 

The chains are required on I-80 over Donner right now.....3/13, 1300 hrs local....and the storm is headed East of course....which means WY and UT will be ugly by the time you get there.

L.A. weather is predicting winds and rain by Fri nite, Sat morning....another issue.

You can't just look at the immediate route...look farther ahead....

With this info....I would be getting south ASAP....look at the 40 route!