Best bet between October and May is to travel I-80 or I-40. If traveling to Grand Junction, take US 50 from I-25. Even when there’s no weather you can get mudslides, rockslides, lingering snow, and road-crippling accidents due to blowing winds, icy conditions, and heavy ski traffic.
sounds like you know the area. My mother grew up in Oak Creek, which is on the way to Steamboat via Rt 131 (exit 157) from I-70...the route which is mentioned for the detour. Mom sure remembers the winters up in Oak Creek. Travel was rare...and it was long before I-70! :)