City Snow Crews Get Ready for Winter

Well before it snows, the city begins to prepare for snow season. Preparations include training new team members, ensuring equipment is in working order and helping the community prepare for snow.

During winter storms, the city prioritizes clearing key emergency routes, major streets, access to hospitals, schools, transit and critical infrastructure, as well as neighborhood streets with steep slopes and the city’s multi-use path system for walking and bicycling. Like other Front Range communities, the city does not typically clear side and residential streets since most snow melts within a few days and because it would significantly increase costs, impacting other services.

"Our first priority is safety. When our streets and paths are impacted by snow and ice, our teams work around the clock to keep the city's transportation system safe and accessible," said Transportation Maintenance Manager Scott Schlecht. "At the same time, it's important to recognize that winter storms do impact travel, and we ask community members be aware that typical travel conditions cannot always be maintained during the snow season.

• Those who must travel during winter weather are encouraged to visit the city’s website to view live video of current road conditions at key intersections throughout the city.
• Like most front range communities, city property owners are required to keep sidewalks, curb ramps and curb extensions next to their property clear of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall stops.
• Property owners are responsible for disposing of branches and other debris that falls on their property after storms.
• Community members who want to help their neighbors can volunteer for the city’s Shovel-a-Stop Program, which fosters a community approach to clearing snow and ice from bus stops.
• Cold air can impact a home’s pipes and plumbing. Learn more about how to winterize your home.
• When it snows, visit the snow and ice webpage and follow the city on X for regular updates.
• The city's popular snowplow naming contest is back this year! Learn how to enter the contest.

The city is conducting a review of its current Snow and Ice Response Program, including upcoming community engagement opportunities to help inform future program recommendations.

Over 600 community members offered feedback during the first round of engagement earlier this year. The first round focused on learning about community members’ winter travel experience. More information can be found on the city’s website.

For more information about how the city approaches clearing snow and ice, visit the city’s website. For more information about winter travel, visit COtrip Traveler Information.