SNOW BALL; With the right car, a midwinter road trip in the Rockies can be a blast.(Revs)

Byline: Don Klein

As anyone who has ever driven the Colorado Grand rally (www.coloradogrand.org) can tell you, the Rocky Mountains offer some of the most spectacular roads-and views-in the United States. But there's a reason that annual event takes place in early September. It's called snow.

Some might argue that it's because the aspen trees are in their prime in early fall, but even at 14,000 feet, the foliage season easily can extend well into October. And while veteran Granders can boast of cresting Independence Pass in a blitz of preseason flurries, the organizers know that past mid-September, you begin taunting the snow gods in earnest. And only a madman would attempt negotiating twisty, guardrail-less mountain roads in a high-powered sports car in a zero-visibility whiteout.

But since sanity isn't a prerequisite for being a journalist, a reconnaissance run was arranged in a 420-hp Audi R8 clad with 19-inch Pirelli M&S rubber. The first part of our route led from Denver to Durango in what turned out to be the first substantial snowstorm of the season. From Durango, we traced the Grand's route to Telluride and Crested Butte before heading back down through Monarch Pass and the relative security of 5000 feet. With the exception of an ice-covered, speed-bump-induced death wiggle incurred while passing a semi truck loaded with lumber somewhere near Placerville, we accomplished our winter tour without incident.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) does an admirable job of keeping the roads clear, and even on the worst days, both rear- and front-wheel-drive cars merrily, however slowly, make their way along these tight, twisty roads. Of course, they wouldn't have been able to plow through the 10 inches of fresh powder that the quattro-equipped R8 gobbled up on an unplowed side street in Crested Butte, but the point is, you don't need a monster SUV to make this magnificent winter drive. You do need common sense. And a good heater.

IF YOU GO . . .

Make sure your car is properly winterized, starting with a strong battery and adequate antifreeze. Snow tires are a must (duh), and if you've got a 2wd vehicle, it's a good idea to pack a set of chains. You'll also need an ice scraper and a snow brush and a "just in case'' kit, including gloves, a blanket, flares, some energy bars and extra water. Cell-phone reception ranges from spotty to excellent, so do bring your phone, and don't forget the charger.