14 Items To Keep In Your Car Before Winter Arrives in Colorado

If you drive the Grand Mesa or Glade Park in late October, you may encounter a little snow. By Halloween, conditions on the Western Slope allow for winter precipitation, and some years bring more than others.

It's time to start packing a few things in the car that can really help if you run into trouble traveling this winter. Below, we will show you 14 items to keep in your car during the winter months.

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When is the First Day of Winter in 2026?

The first day of winter will arrive on Monday, December 21st. We all know winter driving conditions are possible before this date. If your corner of Colorado has already seen the first snowfall, it's time to get your kit in place.

Know Before You Go This Winter in Colorado

Knowing the travel conditions before you hit the road this winter can save you the trouble of driving during a winter storm. The Colorado Department of Transportation website provides road conditions, traffic cameras, alerts, and notes about restrictions throughout Colorado. Call 511 from your cell phone for statewide conditions. CDOT's safety patrol program offers assistance during morning and afternoon commutes throughout Colorado.

9 Essentials and 5 Items that are Good to Have

We have 9 essential items and 5 more that are good to have in a pinch. The 14 items are in the photo gallery below. What else would you recommend we add to the essential Colorado winter driving kit? Tell us with the chat button on our station app.

14 Items To Keep In Your Car Before Winter Arrives in Western Colorado

Winter is right around the corner in western Colorado and now is the time to start thinking about your car's winter checklist. We have 14 items you'll be so glad you put in the truck of your car before winter arrived. 9 of these items are considered essential and the other 5 are things you'll be really glad you have with you this winter.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

MORE: How Much Snow Falls in Western Colorado During November?

Winter is right around the corner in western Colorado but how much snow should we expect in November? We're taking a look at average November snowfall totals for cities on the western slope. Find out how many snowy days each city can expect in November, and how much snow usually falls.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams