It’s sometimes hard to know what exactly to pack for a wintertime trip to Colorado especially if you are coming from an area that doesn’t get a lot of snow and below freezing temperatures. Have no fear! As someone who grew up in Minnesota and relocated to Colorado’s high country over 15 years ago I am here to help make sure you are packed and prepared for whatever mother nature might throw at you.
Clothing Layers from Head to Toe
Dressing in the right kind and amount of layers is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what you have planned for your trip to Colorado. Check out my dedicated blog post Layers, Layers, Layers to learn more! There is A TON of very important information available in my other blog, so don’t skip it or you may likely be ill prepared for your Colorado vacation.
Reusable Water Bottle
Colorado is a high alpine desert environment. Seems odd given the amount of snow we get right? The higher the elevation the less oxygenated the air, therefore your body must work harder breathing faster and deeper than normal in order to make up for the lower oxygen levels. This combined with low humidity leads to the body dehydrating more rapidly.
The good news is since most winter resorts and activity centers in Colorado are located close to the Continental Divide, they are also at the top of the water chain meaning the water available out of the tap in most tourist areas is delicious. Personally I never leave home without a full water bottle even when just venturing out to run a few quick errands.
Reusable Bags
Not only do these come in handy when toting around extra winter gear, but many of Colorado’s resort towns have eliminated single use plastic bags. This means you either pay a small fee to bag your goods or groceries in a paper bag or simply bring your own reusable bags along when you shop.
Snacks
Whether you are traveling near or far you never know when a car wreck, avalanche, or a large amount of snow falling at a rapid rate could close the road. You want to be prepared for anything when venturing away from home or accommodation in Colorado, especially during the winter and spring months. Make sure to bring along plenty of water and snacks.
I find that snack bars, popcorn, and trail mix are wonderful snacks to have on hand and in my vehicle “just in case”.
Sun Products
Areas across Colorado are known to have 300+ days of sunshine each year. The sun’s brightness coupled with the high elevation of the mountains and the reflection of the sun off of the snow can lead to serious sunburn and what is commonly referred to as snow blindness or corneal sunburn.
Sunscreen - Pack a good one and remember to reapply.!
Sunglasses - Be sure to bring along a good pair of sunglasses for your trip. Optometrists recommend your sunglasses are also polarized or mirrored to protect from the sun’s glare off of the snow.
Ski/Snowboard Equipment
Many people travel to Colorado in the winter specifically to ski or snowboard at one of our many world class resorts. It’s important that you arrange to rent your gear prior to your arrival, bring everything you need along with you, or a combination of the two.
Ski/Snowboard Specific Clothing - Base Layer, Mid Layer, Outer Layer, Snow Pants, Helmet, Goggles, Gloves/Mittens, Socks, & a Neck Gaiter. More information on specific recommendations for each of these clothing items can be found on my blog: Layers, Layers, Layers
Ski Gear - Skis (with mounted bindings), Ski Boots, Ski Poles
Snowboard Gear - Snowboard (with mounted bindings), Snowboard Boots
Swimsuit
Many area accommodations offer hot tubs and or pools for your soaking enjoyment. If not, Summit County has two well appointed recreation centers offering daily drop in use. One is located in Breck and the other in Silverthorne.
Warm PJs
Nothing feels better than cozying up after a day in the snow in a warm pair of PJs. I take it one step further and usually pack my slippers as well
Lotion & Chapstick
Colorado’s dry climate also means you won’t want to forget to pack a bottle of a nice thick moisturizing lotion and a tube of chapstick so you can stop dry skin and lips before it starts.
First Aid Kit
I always recommend packing a small first aid kit. This can be something purchased ahead of time from your local pharmacy or something as simple as throwing some items into a zip lock bag. I am no expert, but at minimum I always travel with bandaids, a travel sized bottle of saline solution, tweezers, nail clippers, blister treatment, burn cream, rolled gauze, a small roll of tape, and an emergency blanket in mine.
Don’t Forget to pack the Basics
Every time you leave home you need certain things such as toiletries, medications, undergarments, phone charger and accessories, and casual everyday clothing such as jeans, sweaters, and sweatshirts.
Do you have an infant or toddler? Are you trying to figure out how you will get a crib, stroller, car seat, high chair etc to Colorado with all of the other gear you are already needing to bring? Check out my blog talking about our area rental services for baby and toddler specific rental items.
It’s always good to keep in mind that Colorado’s mountain towns are all quite casual. It’s totally appropriate to wear winter boots, jeans, and a long sleeve shirt, micro-fleece, or sweater into even the fanciest restaurant during the winter months in the high country.
Enjoy your trip and I would love the chance to meet you for a coffee or happy hour if you will be traveling to or through Summit County or the surrounding areas.
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