A Girl’s Guide to Mountain Driving

Allow me to start by saying that I am not a mousy little girl who drives like I’m afraid of my own shadow. I am however a girl whose totaled her car on winter roads in 1998. Although I was not too injured physically, I was left with constant migraines and occasional panic attacks.  You see, after my accident I couldn’t work for 2 months. Part of that was due to some back and neck issues and part was due to sudden panic attacks whenever I would get behind the wheel of a car. 12 years later, I’m a lot better. But when the roads are icy, or it’s dark, foggy and snowing, I tense up.  These are all challenges that I faced this past weekend as I traveled through the Rocky Mountains. It was during my drive home that I thought of writing this post.

• Weather can be a tricky thing when driving through the mountains. Believe me, I know. If you’re planning on driving during the winter months it’s a good idea to check road conditions. You don’t want to be stuck on a mountain in the middle of winter.
• Semi Trucks can be either good or bad. In great weather there is nothing worse than being stuck behind a semi driving 30 kms/hr up a mountain. It’s worse than death! But, in bad weather they can be heaven! When it’s dark, foggy and snowy on a mountain road seeing is a huge challenge. Semi trucks are big, very well lit, and they drive slow, following a semi is a great way to gage where you are on the road and a great way to know where the turns are.
• Camera- this is vital on any trip, especially when traveling through the mountains. You never know when you’ll be close to wildlife like Moose, Bear, Elk etc. or when you’ll see a breathtaking vista. Always have a camera ready to go!
• Relax while driving. You’re in the mountains surrounded by nature. Tense mountain driving is horrible. I know because I still tense up when I get nervous. But when I relax I’m able to make better choices, enjoy the view and capture some wonderful sights through the lens of my camera.
• Locals are a great resource. When you stop for gas, ask what the weather is like up ahead or if there is anything you should stop to see along the way.
• Warm clothes are a good idea. During winter months I always have a spare heavy jacket, warm socks and pants in my car. You never know when you’ll need them. Hopefully you never will!
• Car Kits are essential. It’s funny, I always have a first aid kit in my backpack when I travel, along with little bits and bobs that I may need. But I rarely have anything like that in my car.  So what if I was stuck on a mountain? Well, I’d be screwed!  Here’s what you should (I now have these) have in your car/trunk.
  • Candle sticks and waterproof matches. This is a good way to stay warm.
  • Emergency blanket
  • Food & Water -I have about 4 litres of water and carry energy bars or crackers.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Paper towel & Windex when you desperately need to clean windows or headlights in order to see!
  • Window washer fluid
  • Car Jack- every girl should know how to change a flat tire.

Being prepared is not wimping out. It’s smart. You’re not being less rustic. Mountains are tricky and unstable. Depending on the time of year snow or mudslides can be an issue. It’s good to have some back-up just in case. Believe me, it’ll make your drive a lot better knowing you’re prepared.  I recently traveled from Vancouver to Lethbridge with my ‘Check Engine Soon’ light on the whole way. I was nervous of being stuck. I had warm clothing and water, but not a first aid kit or candles.

I’ve driven most of the mountain roads in Alberta over the last few years, and I’ve been lucky. Trans Canada Hwy 1 is beautiful, but the towns can be far apart. Hwy 3 is windy and a pain in the ass to drive in winter, but there are lots of towns along the way. Roads to Jasper or Radium Hot Springs are breathtaking, but sparse, so be prepared if traveling during the winter months.