As Foothills residents prepare to travel for Christmas, RCMP are advising drivers to be careful on area highways as more snow continues to fall this week.

Staff Sergeant Robin Alexander says a fresh dusting of snow today has caused a whole lot of problems.

"Today is a bit of a nightmare out on the highways," said Alexander. "We have got a little fresh snow out there that is really getting things slick."

They had several vehicles in the ditch from Calgary all the way south of Nanton.

Snow plows were out on the highways trying to keep up.

"It is catching people a little bit off guard because the roads were actually in better shape yesterday after they were cleaned from the big snow."

He says residents should slow down to ensure no one gets hurt travelling to see family during the holidays.

"The whole thing is speed. And that is what tends to get people in trouble. Whether or not you have snow tires on your vehicle. You absolutely have to reduce speed in these conditions because you vehicle isn't going to respond the way it normally would."

He advises leave lots of space between your car and others, keep your attention on the road at all times both ahead and behind.

"Southern Alberta is a great place to live but we have such a variety in weather we often have to adapt to winter driving conditions more than once a year."