Winter in Colorado is beautiful, with its snow-covered mountains and crisp mountain air. Whether you've lived here for years, or a newcomer to the Centennial State, navigating the winter months requires some preparation. I've lived in Colorado for 2 winters now, these are my tips for surviving the cold and enjoying the winter!
Tip #1: Layers are your bff!
Colorado's winter weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings and a warmer afternoons. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulation like a sweater for warmth, and top it off with a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer. And don't forget some snow-friendly boots, and accessories! Below are my favorite warm items that I can't live without in winter!
The color I'm wearing is "Burnt Cedar" in the Aritzia Babaton Coat (main photo at top of post). It's definitely a splurge but I know I'll have it for years and it's so warm! I got it on sale last year. I would definitely keep your eye out because it will go on sale at some point!
Also, not pictured but check out 32 Degrees base layers - I love this brand! Super affordable and warm! Here's a link to the Amazon site and they are also at Costco.
And you also can't go wrong with a cute (and warm) hat - I wore this hat all around Aspen and got so many compliments! And no one knew it was from Amazon! I got the color "camel" but there are tons of color options!
Tip #2: SPF and Moisturize!
Colorado's high-altitude and dry climate can take a toll on your skin and body. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier in your home, if possible. And you can't forget to moisturize your skin and add SPF to combat the effects of the dry air, keeping it healthy throughout the winter.
My favorite SPFs and moisturizers are below
I'm currently using the middle one - but these are all great options!
I bring this literally everywhere and I love finding new stickers to add to it! Most people in CO have water bottles like this or similar. We gotta stay hydrated!
Tip #3: Stay safe in snowy weather conditions:
If you don't want to just hibernate with a warm fire going and a comfy blanket like I do most of the time, navigating icy and snowy roads is a part of life in Colorado during winter. If you do want to get outside in the snow, equip your vehicle with snow tires, check your brakes, and keep an emergency kit in your car.
Emergency Car Kit - https://amzn.to/3RDKJG7
Or, get yourself a Subaru like we did!
It's no wonder why there are so many in Colorado - they are the perfect car for the snow! And always check weather and road conditions before driving anywhere. There is a comical (yet helpful) instagram account that shows the conditions of the i-70 freeway that goes West into all the mountain towns. The account is @i70things.
Tip #4: Head to the mountains!
Speaking of, I haven't been to too many mountain towns (yet) but there are so many and they have a variety of activities based on what you are looking for. Check out my guide to Aspen here which I think has been my favorite town we've visited so far!
If you ski or snowboard, my husband Sean loves going to Eldora Mountain, Copper Mountain and A-Basin since they are all pretty close to Denver. He has the Ikon Ski/Snowboard Pass so those mountains he can go to as part of his pass. The other pass is called the Epic Pass. And that includes places like Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone (all in CO), and Park City, UT. If you go skiing or snowboarding multiple times in a year, the passes are definitely worth it!
If you are not a skiier/snowboarder like myself, there are other fun things to do while in the mountains. I always check out the spas because I like to splurge every once in awhile and treat myself to a relazing facial or massage! We went to Breckenridge in 2022 and I treated myself to a spa facial treatment at the Peak 7 Resort. There is a free gondola from downtown that takes you up to the ski resorts. While I was there I sat in the lounge area that looked out to the mountain and just people watched after my spa experience.
I did feel a little sick from the altitude (it was my first time at almost 10k feet since moving to Colorado) and lucky for me, they have a few Oxygen bars around most mountain towns. The one I went to in Breck is https://www.theo2lounge.com/ and it was also a coffee shop. After 30 minutes with the oxygen treatment, I felt so much better and had more energy to enjoy the town.
I also love walking around town and window shopping, as well as checking out a cute cafe to read a book and sip on a hot beverage! Breckenridge is great for that!
I've also heard great things about Idaho Springs, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO and they are both on our list to check out!
Tip #5: Enjoy the beauty of a Colorado Winter!
Living in Colorado during the winter can be a magical experience with the right preparations. I hope these tips will help you navigate the season! Embrace the winter wonderland, and you'll discover why Colorado is great, even in the coldest months!
Hope you liked this post! If there is anything I missed, let me know!
-Lex
If you use any of my links, I may make a tiny commision off of it. And I would be very grateful if you did!
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