How does winter driving on I-70 work for Vail shuttles?
Eagle Mountain Express drivers monitor CDOT continuously for I-70 conditions and chain laws. All vehicles run dedicated winter tires meeting Colorado Code 15 (passenger vehicle traction) requirements, and every vehicle carries chains for active Code 16 conditions. EGE-to-Vail drives stay west of Vail Pass (the highest-risk segment), so most winter weather adds 15-30 minutes rather than canceling trips.
01Code 15 — passenger vehicle traction law
CDOT activates Code 15 on I-70 during snow conditions. It requires all passenger vehicles to have dedicated snow tires (M+S rated, 3/16" minimum tread) OR all-wheel drive with all-season tires. Eagle Mountain Express's fleet exceeds Code 15 requirements year-round during winter season — we run dedicated winter tires from November through April.
02Code 16 — chain law
Code 16 is more severe — chains required even on AWD vehicles. Activated 5-10 times per year on Vail Pass during heavy storms. Every Eagle Mountain Express vehicle carries chains; our chauffeurs are trained on installation and stop in safe pull-offs to mount them when CDOT activates the law. The EGE-to-Vail route mostly avoids Code 16 because it stays west of Vail Pass.
03What this means for your transfer
We absorb winter delays automatically. If your transfer runs longer due to weather, you don't pay extra. We rebook same-day if conditions force a closure of I-70 between EGE and Vail (rare — happens 1-2 times per year). Free cancellation 24 hours ahead applies year-round.