How Denver’s airport is preparing for winter snowstorms [Video]

DENVER — Fall hasn’t officially started yet, but at Denver International Airport, crews are already preparing for winter.

Senior Vice President of Maintenance Kyle Lester and DEN maintenance unveiled 48 new pieces of snowplowing equipment Tuesday, promising even quicker turnarounds for snow removal this winter.

“I tell all the teams, as soon as it hits July 1st, we’ve crossed into winter operations,” Lester said. “That’s not a popular statement, but I’ve got to start focusing on planning efforts and getting ready for snow.”

Unlike typical road plowing, Lester said airplane runways have to be completely dry for planes to take off and land.

The new multi-function units can plow, sweep, and blow snow off a runway, allowing for full clearings in less than 15 minutes. Lester said Federal Aviation Administration requirements are for 30-minute clearings.

“They’re …