To say it is cold and snowy in Colorado in the winter is equivalent to claiming Santa Claus is slightly overworked at Christmas. Sometimes, things are just too obvious to ignore. As the saying goes, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it must be a duck.

As a Canadian, I am more than comfortable driving in the winter. When I was growing up, the snow was so high…, oh never mind.

Stepping outside into the clean, crisp air of the Colorado Rockies', the chances were excellent I would be experiencing extreme weather conditions over the next few days. It's a good thing then, the 2008 Subaru Outback is well equipped to handle any road surface.

The purpose for this westerly road trip was to drive from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Vail. Over the course of three days I planned to enjoy many of the sights this mogul-Mecca is famous for. When discussing premier winter destinations, Colorado has few rivals.

Significant time would be spent in pursuit of snow, with a planned uneventful return to Steamboat Springs no matter how tough the road conditions. Given my less than expert talents on the slopes, driving was certain to be the easy part.

The Subaru Outback is a versatile sport-utility wagon of renown. Featuring rally-proven, Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD system and the equally famous Subaru boxer engine, I was equipped for almost anything Old Man Winter could throw my way.

The Outback of my choosing was equipped with a 2.5L SOHC, 16-valve, horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder engine. Developing 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm, it demonstrated promising power. Passing large delivery trucks with snow cascading down from the top of the trailer caused no concern even on Colorado's busy two-lane highways.

The chosen route towards Vail started on slippery backroads leading away from Steamboat Springs Airport. Surprised at the lack of guard rails blocking any unscheduled ride down the mountain, the Subaru Outback proved to be both confidence inspiring and fun.

Tight corners and icy conditions were no match for the AWD equipped Outback. Yes folks, it is possible to have a lot of snow on the ground and still enjoy driving your car.

With four-channel, four-sensor, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, plus four-wheel fully independent suspension and front/rear stabilizer bars, the Outback is in many ways better on snow and ice than a dog sled. It was exciting to control the car through each turn, sliding ever so slightly sideways just prior to the AWD system gaining control and promptly straightening things out before the next turn. Five hours later I was on a casual cruise of the mountains near Vail.

The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, a RockResort, is famous as a one-of-a-kind destination deep within Vail Valley. Located in a gated community, it requires a reservation and willing security guard to allow access to the front lobby. Once in, you are sure to be pampered in a manner befitting royalty.

Featuring 55 tastefully decorated rooms of elegant proportions, all are designed to complement the chateau-style surroundings of the lodge. A Triple-A, 4-diamond award winning resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Cordillera houses four unique restaurants, each one confident to satisfy even the most selective palette.

A RockResort Spa provides the perfect respite from the many available activities nearby. In winter, world-class venues for skiing and all manner of cold weather sports are within easy driving distance.

In spring, summer and fall, golf reigns supreme, with access to six championship courses located in close proximity. Nicklaus, Fazio, Norman and Hale Irwin are just some of the famous names to place their stamp on the Colorado landscape.

My three days in Vail were filled not only with winter fun, but every opportunity was spent driving the backroads to flex the muscle of the Subaru Outback.

Driving back to Steamboat Springs, the deep snow on Highway #131 consisted of mostly packed powder with numerous compressed areas due to high traffic. The Subaru Outback demonstrated amazing agility, never once did I feel out of my element. Even black ice was no match for symmetrical full-time AWD when driven carefully.

While the weather outside may be unseasonably frightful, driving the Subaru Outback makes it fun, if not delightful. Now if I could just figure out how to handle myself on a pair of skis, winter would be even more tolerable. Then again, I should probably stick to driving. It is probably much safer.