Driveways & Winter Access
“Will I get snowed in?”
It’s the question I hear more than any other. The honest answer: it depends on the house, and on how prepared you are.
A driveway that’s gorgeous in August can be a different animal in February. So I look at every driveway with you, on every showing, before you write an offer.
Who plows what
- County road: the county plows it.
- Private road: the homeowners on it share the job. In real life, there’s almost always one neighbor who loves plowing and does it for everyone, or the neighbors hire a service together.
- Your driveway: always yours.
Tip: homes on or near a school bus route are usually the first roads plowed.
The best-kept secret up here
Southern exposure.
A south-facing driveway gets the sun, and the sun does your snow removal for you. Faster melt, less ice, easier in and out during storms. A north-facing driveway can stay icy for days.
If you won’t be here full-time, this one detail can change how much you love the place.
Gravel vs. paved
Most mountain driveways are gravel. It’s better for traction, and it needs new gravel and a re-grade every couple of years. Paved driveways look nice, but depending on the slope and the sun, they can turn into an ice rink.
Getting to Denver
- Idaho Springs, Dumont, Empire, Georgetown, St. Mary’s: I-70. Easy on a weekday morning. A Sunday ski afternoon is a different story, and you learn to plan around it.
- Black Hawk, Central City, Gilpin County: Highway 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, Golden Gate Canyon or Coal Creek Canyon. You’re not stuck depending on I-70.
- Evergreen: Highway 74 to I-70, or 285.
- Nederland: Boulder Canyon, with the Peak to Peak or Coal Creek as backups.
My advice: before you commit to a town, drive the commute you’d actually make, at the time you’d actually make it. I’m happy to ride along.
Winter, honestly
Your home will get snow. Your driveway will need plowing. Your car will need good tires. You’ll love it anyway.
Who I call
| Who | What they do | Contact | Where they work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Excavating LLC | Driveway grading, gravel and snow removal | (303) 601-4216 | Based in Black Hawk |