When most people imagine winter in Colorado, I think they picture weather cold enough to wear cute coats and drink hot chocolate, but warm enough to spend an entire weekend outside enjoying nature. This is usually true in November and December, but Coloradans know that it’s just a mild preview of what’s to come. Our real winter weather begins in January and usually lasts until mid-April. In fact, Denver’s snowiest month is March, often welcoming spring with 11-plus inches of snow.
While January–March in Colorado are prime months for skiing, building snowmen, and trying snow ice cream recipes, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with Colorado’s cold weather. Below are five tips for staying safe and warm this season.
1. Layers, Layers, Layers!
Colorado is known for being somewhat temperamental when it comes to its weather. You could wake up in the morning to a foot of snow, but by noon it might be 65 degrees and you’re suddenly sweating in your heavy coat. No matter the season, dressing in layers is necessary in Colorado so that you can easily adjust to the current temperature.
2. Invest in Proper Winter Gear
Those stylish gloves you’ve had forever might be cute, but are they actually warm enough for a winter outing? Invest in items that are made for cold weather rather than just fashion. Check that your winter coats, socks, hats, and gloves are warm, comfortable, and moisture-wicking. Make sure your boots have strong traction on the bottom to keep you from slipping on ice.
3. Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Summer
Grab some sunscreen and apply it before you go outside. Not only does Colorado boast over 300 days of sunshine, but snow also happens to be extremely reflective of UV radiation, making it extremely easy to get sunburned if you’re outside for even just 20 minutes. I once forgot to apply sunscreen before spending an entire day skiing. The result? I spent that month looking like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
4. Pay Attention to Temperature and Wind
Generally speaking, if it’s below 32 degrees, try to go inside and warm up every 20–30 minutes. However, wind chill can greatly impact your warmth. If the temperature or wind chill falls below 13 degrees, try to stay indoors as frostbite can set in quickly.
5. Keep a Winter Emergency Kit in the Car
Prepare a kit to keep in the back of your car that has all the necessities for a winter emergency. Pack it with a blanket, hand warmers, gloves, hats, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, a flashlight, and anything else you might need. Consider keeping a container of kitty litter on hand, too. It can come in handy to create traction underneath your car tires if the road is icy.
Winter in Colorado can be beautiful, but very cold. Make sure you follow precautions to stay safe and warm in extreme weather. These simple yet effective tips can help you make the most of Colorado’s winter season.
