5 safety reminders for Colorado winters

Colorado winters can be unpredictable, ranging from heavy snow and chilly temperatures to warm sunny days. Check out these tips to stay safe and prepared. 

1. Dress in layers

Temperatures and weather conditions can change rapidly. On especially cold days, wearing multiple layers, as opposed to a single heavy coat, can help you stay warm. This is because layers help insulate your body from outdoor chills, which can help you stay warmer and drier. If you plan on being physically active or exerting yourself, you can also easily shed layers to keep yourself from overheating. 

It’s also important to cover areas that are more likely to develop frostbite, including your hands, feet, ears and nose. Try to keep gloves, hats and scarves by your front door or in your coat pockets, so you won’t forget to bring them with you on cold days. We also recommend footwear that is warm, waterproof and tall enough to keep snow from getting inside your shoes. 

If you’re planning to drink this winter, appropriate clothing and precautions are especially important. This is because you might actually feel warmer when you’re drunk. Alcohol consumption causes our blood vessels to dilate, making our skin feel warm. This effect can give you a false sense of warmth and increase your risk of hypothermia if you spend too much time outside in cold weather. 

2. Wear sun protection

Colorado’s high elevation makes it the perfect place to catch a sunburn, even in the winter. This is because there is less atmosphere to protect against UV radiation and the sun’s rays can easily reflect off of snowy surfaces. Follow these tips to best protect yourself from sun damage:

• Wear SPF 30+
  Lather any exposed areas on your body with sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. It’s best to apply your first coat of sunscreen about 30 minutes before you head outside. You’ll also need to reapply every one to two hours while out in the sun. For the best coverage, opt for lotions over sprays. Packing a small container of sunscreen with you can be helpful, especially if you are spending long days outside skiing or hiking.
   
• Wear eye protection
  The sun can affect more than just your skin. That’s why it’s important to wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from sun damage. UV-blocking sunglasses and goggles can reduce the impact of UV rays and help reduce glare during the daytime. 

3. Know before you go

Check the forecast before heading outside, and remember that Colorado weather can change in an instant. Take extra precautions if the National Weather Services issues any of the following winter weather alerts:

• Blizzard warning: Issued for winter storms with gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow. Snow conditions may cause whiteouts or low visibility. Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
   
• Winter storm warning: Issued for significant winter weather events, including snow, sleet, ice or blowing snow conditions. Delay traffic plans until conditions improve.
   
• Wind chill warning: Issued for a combination of cold air and strong winds that may create dangerously low wind chill values that can result in frostbite or hypothermia. Avoid going outdoors, and wear warm clothing.

It’s also important to check terrain conditions if you are planning to hike, ski or recreate in the backcountry. This includes Rocky Mountain National Park and other areas around Colorado. In the winter, avalanches can cause masses of snow, rock and ice to slide down the mountainside, potentially reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (aka much faster than you can ski or hike out of the way). It’s also important to follow signs and trail closures, since there may be an increased avalanche risk in the area.

View a map of current avalanche conditions in Colorado

4. Plan your transportation

Winter weather can impact transportation options. Here are some tips to help you prepare for less-than-ideal road conditions, storms and more.

Reminder: No matter how you plan to get around, be sure to have a backup plan in place. For instance, you may want to call a friend or family member to give you a lift if you’re concerned about getting to and from campus safely.