10 tips for town: Staying safe in ice and snow

Editor’s note: A version of this story was featured inside Winter in Aspen & Snowmass 2025-26, an annual magazine published by The Aspen Times. Find it on newsstands now or read the e-edition here.

Although winter has taken some time to get started this year, that doesn’t mean locals and visitors don’t need to be cautious when out and about town or up on one of our four mountains. Here are our top 10 tips on how to stay safe while enjoying all that winter in Aspen has to offer.

Walk Like You Mean It: (But Be Careful) Icy sidewalks sneak up fast in the morning and after dark. Take small, steady steps, keep your hands out of your pockets, and wear boots with real tread, not just après-ski chic soles. Even if everything looks clear, small patches in shady areas can catch you off guard.

Dress in Smart Layers: Locals know: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulation, then top it off with something wind- and waterproof. Cotton kills the cozy. Bonus points for a pop of color or faux fur; it’s Aspen, after all.

Check the Weather, Then Check It Again: A blue-sky morning can turn into a full-on snow globe by lunchtime. Mountain weather changes fast, so pack an extra layer, and don’t trust the forecast past noon. 

Spring Skiing: Spring days can start cold (and have hard-pack, icy runs from the thaw-freeze cycle), so wait an hour or two before you hit the slopes — but beware of thick super-slush that can occur at the end of a warm, sunny day.

Watch for Roof Avalanches: When the sun hits, snow and ice can slide off rooftops like mini avalanches. Don’t linger under eaves, and keep an eye out when walking near downtown buildings or decks.

Keep Your Ride Ready: Snow tires are non-negotiable here. Keep an ice scraper, gloves, and extra windshield fluid in your car, and brush off the roof before you drive — your fellow drivers will thank you.

Take It Slow: Whether you’re on foot or behind the wheel, give yourself extra time and space. Ice hides under that slushy top layer. Likewise, one slick patch of black ice can send you sliding.

Hydrate Like It’s the Desert: Cold air and high elevation are sneaky dehydrators, as are alcohol and coffee. Keep a water bottle handy. Your skin, your energy, and your après game will thank you.

Sunscreen Isn’t Seasonal: Ultraviolet rays bounce off the snow, so sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. The same goes for shades or goggles; snow glare is no joke.

Know Who to Call: Save local non-emergency numbers for police, fire, and road conditions in your phone. Storm days get tricky sometimes, and having numbers and websites on hand keeps small problems from turning into big ones.