Fresh powder, X Games, and more: Expect traffic jams on I-70 this weekend

A combination of fresh snow in the forecast and three of Colorado’s most popular winter competitions spells doom for drive times on Interstate 70 this weekend.

Between the X Games in Aspen, Breckenridge’s annual International Snow Sculpture Championships, Vail’s Freestyle Competition and regular weekend skiers looking to play in the fresh snow, heavy traffic and lengthy delays are expected along the I-70 Mountain Corridor, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Although the wave of light snow in metro Denver is expected to wind down this morning, snow in the mountains will likely continue through the evening, laying down a fresh layer of powder for winter sport enthusiasts on Saturday.

In a Thursday news release, CDOT asked motorists to consider alternate modes of transportation, such as using CDOT’s bus services: Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus.

For the first time, CDOT and Gov. Jared Polis announced a partnership between X Games and the department’s Bustang to give fans a sustainable and low-cost travel option during the competition weekend, according to Thursday’s release.

The Bustang West Line travels from Denver’s Union Station to Glenwood Springs between 7 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. Those looking to travel to X Games in Aspen will need to transfer in Glenwood Springs to the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.

Additionally, CDOT’s Snowstang can transport weekend travelers to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area and Steamboat Springs. CDOT’s Pegasus shuttle service can take passengers from Denver’s Union Station to Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon.