Is there really that much snow the first week of December? I'm looking at data for Vail from 2014, they had 1 inch of snow on Dec 1, 2014 and nothing again until Dec 14. Copper Mountain had 1 inch on the 2nd, and 5 more inches on the 14th. With the severe drought continuing, plus a strong El Nino this year... Well, I can't say it won't happen, but I'll be prepared.
Looks like I have to be an hour or more outside Denver Metro for overnight parking to be legal, so I'll plan to stop somewhere on 76 before getting too close to the metro area. When I leave in the morning, that distance should let the morning rush clear (if any depending on the day), and I'll be able to see all the sights as I start my climb into the mountains.