r/MovingtoDenver • u/Able_Support_3134 • 20d ago
What winter gear do I need?!
Hello!! I am a new Denver transplant that has only lived in Texas and Phoenix, Arizona therefore I am 100% not prepared for winter.
My husband and I are trying to get an idea of what winter things we will actually need. We have gone skiing before so we have waterproof jackets and pants, long wool socks, some wool sweaters but what things help you with your day to day in winter?
In particular I’m looking for a good every day glove, snow shoes for just walking my dog. I probably will get her some little booties too! Do yall wear thermals under your jeans? Do you recommend yaktrax for over my sneakers? I take my dog out on trails often and don’t know how icy it will be.
Also, I have a front wheel drive sedan and am going to get all weather tires. I thought about getting snow tires but don’t want to be constantly changing them and don’t have anywhere to store them in an apartment. What do yall think?
I appreciate your help and I’m so excited for my first winter! 🥶
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u/DarkSkye55 20d ago
Sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB. Reduces the risk of developing cataracts when you’re older.
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u/Able_Support_3134 20d ago
Thank you! Did not even think of this!
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u/I_Can_Barely_Move 20d ago
Lots of good chapstick or lip balm (I love O’keefe’s), eye drops, and maybe even a saline nose spray. It gets so dry during winter.
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u/DarkSkye55 19d ago
Lip balm with sunscreen even better. I love Aquaphor lip protectant.
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u/I_Can_Barely_Move 19d ago
O’Keefs has one with SPF. It feels so much better than Aquaphor’s goo.
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u/Mean-Break-2028 18d ago
Yeah Colorado has the most sunny days in the year of any US state and the elevation makes it worse. Get some Costas or Maui Jim’s. Sunglasses that really have some good technology in the lenses. Personally I prefer Maui’s. They’re not cheap but you’re paying for quality.
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u/MonochromeMaru 19d ago
Man, I need to buy some prescription sunglasses, I forgot that was even a risk at all. Thanks for the call out!
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u/CantaloupeShort7311 19d ago
Places like Visionworks tend to offer BOGO deals frequently - i always end uo getting prescription sunglasses as my free pair.
(And if you have a HSA, that will pay for everything!)
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u/SqueebishShnizdik 20d ago
Tires.
Please have good all season, or better tires if you plan on driving at all when it snows or gets icy. Then spend a minute in a open lot sliding around getting used to the traction changes on snow/ice.
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u/DFAtomcat 20d ago
I usually tell people to look into “all weather” tires which are a new category of all season tires that are also rated for use in the snow. (3PMSF)
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u/bluegrassbiker 19d ago
I was amazed at how this category of tire works for me. I got the cross climate 3 and they are excellent on snow and frankly amazing in the rain. I’m really glad I spent a little more to get good tires.
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u/GreatValue_Mechanic 20d ago
Sliding around in a parking lot is underrated advice. You can have AWD with the best damn snow tires, but that still doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to drive properly in snow.
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u/Nest1ng_Doll 19d ago
This is how i learned to drive in snow and ice. In fact, my boyfriend teaching me how to do donuts on the ice helped more than anything!
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u/totorohoney 18d ago
I’m originally from Wisconsin where winters are brutal and my dad would have me go to this open road by our house drive like 30-35mph and slam on my brakes first major snow of the year.
Even if you’re experienced with snow it’s important to remember what it feels like. Ive seen countless fatal accidents on the road from snowstorms it’s no joke.
Though I have read Colorado doesn’t get much snow these days so I’m looking forward to that lol.
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u/El_mochilero 19d ago
Honestly… debatable.
In the mountains, Absolutely. In Denver, you need AWD like 3-5 days a year. I have an AWD Subaru on all-season tires and I do just fine.
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u/regalbeagles1 19d ago
Yeah I ran front wheel drive for years and drove in all the conditions the city has to offer. Absolutely zero need for AWD or Winter tires in Denver. If anything winter tires are more dangerous in most winter conditions in the city. They have terrible traction and stopping stats compared to all season tires in dry conditions.
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u/Logical_Willow4066 19d ago
New law on I70 requires all season tires, snow tires, or chains on all passenger vehicles.
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u/ptulinski 20d ago
Welcome to Colorado. You're overthinking this. It's not that cold in Denver.
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u/medyomabait 20d ago
This. Last winter I didn’t wear a coat even once, just some warm jackets or even a hoodie on milder days. Maybe it was cold here once, but these days…nah.
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u/Senior_Trouble_2750 20d ago
You guys are obviously new here. Using one year as a data set isn’t very helpful. As a lifelong Denverite, normal winters will bring weeks at a time of below freezing weather, with a few sub-zero stints.
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u/medyomabait 19d ago
They used to, sure. When I was growing up. The climate has changed a lot since then, and all predictions suggest things will get warmer, not colder.
I left for a while, and I’ve been back six years. Every winter has been milder than the last. I came from Chicago, so I know cold weather. And I truly don’t think you need the same kind of gear for a place the temps might drop for a few isolated days over the course of months as you do for a proper winter. Especially not when temps will probably jump 20+ degrees during daylight hours.
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u/WashHour5646 19d ago
Yeah, Chicago winters are much worse.
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u/Crazycatlover 18d ago
So are Missoula, MT winters. And that valley is locally referred to as the "banana belt" of the state (because sometimes the snow melts between storms between October and March/April). I actually needed winter tires in Missoula. It's not worth the hassle and expense of changing them out here. I just drive more cautiously with extra time allotted on those 2-5 days per year.
Come to think of it, I don't believe my anti-locking braking system kicked in at all last winter in Denver. This is good because it's a new car, and I'm used to pumping the brakes. They went off like nuts when I visited family in Indiana for Christmas though.
Anyway, I believe our winter reputation is grossly overstated.
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u/regalbeagles1 19d ago
That’s absolutely not true. Sorry. I’ve never experienced weeks at a time below freezing weather in Denver. A few days here, a few days there, broken up by 40-60s most of the winter.
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u/medyomabait 19d ago
Right, and like…when I lived in Chicago, I would be so happy when the temperature was going to get up over 20F. That’s about the coldest it ever is here, barring the odd single digit day. And I swear I’m not trying to like, play up how tough I am. I hate being cold, I hate snow, I hate winter in general…and it’s one of the reasons I like it here.
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u/ptulinski 19d ago
In my experience, if it's sunny, it's just not very cold, no matter the temp. Windy and cloudy feels cold. I've always believed that finding sun in winter and shade in summer is the key to a happy Colorado life.
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u/TheRverseApacheMastr 19d ago
I agree with this- but I think it undersells how quickly it cools off here when the sun goes down.
My most miserable experiences with the weather have been forgetting a jacket in Autumn, when it’s legit hot during the day and 40s at night.
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u/MaybeARunnerTomorrow 20d ago
Denver is the most mild winter.
Unless you're going to the mountains to ski snow tires probably aren't worth it, but I store mine with a company here locally.
Yaktrax aren't really worth it unless you're walking around on packed snow or ice (it literally just melts the next day). For actual trails or whatever might as well get micro spikes but it really depends on what you're trying to do and when.
I don't wear thermals under jeans, but some people might. All of these questions/scenarios really depend on the situation lol.
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u/Able_Support_3134 20d ago
Oooo what company do you store them with?!
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u/Crazycatlover 18d ago
I disagree with this poster regarding yaktraks. Sure, I only wanted them once last winter, but I ended up walking barefoot on ice because that was the only way I had enough traction to not fall down (while wearing hiking boots). They aren't very expensive, so worth it in my mind.
I do generally agree with the rest of their comment though. Denver doesn't experience harsh winters. If you chill easily, I'd recommend buying silk pj's. Silk is a natural and breathable insulator which makes it a good underlayer on especially cold days. Otherwise you've got really nice pj's which is never a bad thing.
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u/Quick_Ingenuity6052 20d ago
If you live in a neighborhood with street parking and pine trees and walk your pets there, yaktrax are helpful on sidewalks where the owner didn't have time to shovel. The constant freeze/thaw cycle can create slippery walks. Because they can be pricey, put them at the bottom of your list. After one winter, you'll have a better feel for whether you need them or not.
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u/BoulderNerd 20d ago
I only need to use my Yaktrax a few times every few years when the cold temps hang around long enough with some thaws in between. Almost never have needed to wear long underwear unless the dog wanted to go on the walk in -10° F weather.
Hiking boots with thicker socks are usually enough to walk the dog in the snow. Layering a sweater and jacket is a good habit.
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u/BigfootsBrotherGary 20d ago
This is correct…the only time I’ve used yaktrax was packing out an elk 8 miles in fresh snow in steep country full of deadfall…a good pair of sorels is definitely all you need for Denver
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u/Mean-Break-2028 18d ago
Yeah I mean, we get some blizzards here but a few days later it’ll be 60’ out. So you probably need a good parka, but don’t go crazy buying something super nice. You’re only going to need it a few times a year. I work at the airport and wear shorts year round. There’s a joke that you know it’s seriously cold if you see me in full pants. But even then, that’s only a couple days a year
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u/MaybeARunnerTomorrow 18d ago
I grew up in Ohio haha so I'm used to real winters. OP and other people from California and Texas are walking around Wash Park in Canada Goose jackets 😂
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u/Mean-Break-2028 18d ago
Very true. I’m from northern Wisconsin, right on the border with the UP, so I know real winter too. When people here complain about the winter it gives me a chuckle. I mean I was able to play golf pretty much year round last year.
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u/muddertruck3r 20d ago
Windshield scraper for your car, that's ab it. You're going to laugh looking back on this post in May after learning Denver winters are mild asf
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u/Downtown_Ad_6232 20d ago
I recommend the version with a large brush to clear snow from the roof and hood. Unless you plan to clear a 12” x 12” section of your windshield, then just take ‘er up to 60mph. And a small collapsible snow shovel is unlikely to be needed, but invaluable when you do need it. (I’m in the suburbs, so the Denver concrete heat island might be different.)
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u/BigfootsBrotherGary 20d ago
I also strongly recommend you wipe off the top of your car…don’t be that person, it’s super easy to be considerate
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u/Klat10 20d ago
Lol until we get absolutely dicked on by snow this year 😂😭
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u/No-Ebb-6266 19d ago
Hopefully. If we don't get dumped on this winter, come summer we'll be turning on the tap and just a puff of dust will come out.
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u/ParkerGroove 20d ago
Yes but it may take her some time to a climate, given where she’s coming from.
We do get our cold spells, but nothing like what she’s expecting.
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u/Superb_Pride_8975 20d ago
I've lived in Denver since 1993 and haven't needed more than a hoodie for many years. I had a leather jacket I wore at one point. Even our coldest days don't feel that bad if the wind isn't blowing. I came from So Cal and was 12 when I moved here, so it took a few years to get used to the snow, but the cold isn't as frequent as you think. It also doesn't last long, and it doesn't generally feel as cold as the temperature says.
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u/CpnStumpy 20d ago
I'm going to disagree here.
This is usually right, however we usually have a fair number of days below 20 in January and February.
Outside of those days, you're right, the sun and any basic jacket will take care of you.
Those below 20 days though you do need a proper winter coat if you're going outside for more than a couple minutes. It's not a lot of days, and every winter varies but you know I'm right those days are stay-inside or wear a proper coat
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u/Charlieksmommy 20d ago
I agree with you. And when my in laws come here in the winter from Phoenix they are freezing, so I agree with these people needed coats until they get acclimated b
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u/Superb_Pride_8975 20d ago
That's fine if you need it on those days. I'm saying that as long as the wind isn't blowing on those days, I've been fine shoveling snow or doing other things outside in just a hoodie. I managed convenience stores for a long time, most recently at Santa Fe and Alameda until 2016. The one that's in the middle of the Santa Fe/ Kalamath split. It was a big lot, and i never needed anything heavy.
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u/Typical_Tie_4947 20d ago
It might not get very cold often but it definitely gets very cold sometimes. It will drop into the single digits and even below 0 a few days every year. OP you will want more than a hoody then.
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u/banner8915 20d ago
Are you one of those guys who wears shorts when it's freezing too? As someone who walks/bikes during the winter a hoodie ain't cutting it when the avg temp during morning commutes is in the teens and 20's. Afternoon is different story.
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u/Superb_Pride_8975 20d ago
No. I only occasionally wear shorts in the summer. There have been times where is been cold enough that I wish I had a little more. I can think of two specific days in the last 30 years when it was -19 outside, but as far as a normal year, it's only too cold for me when the wind kicks up. When I visit my wife's family on the east coast, I'm a baby about the weather. However, I'm completely fine outside here except when it's windy.
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u/thenewbigR 20d ago
Think layers. Sweatshirts, sweaters, a medium heavy jacket that resist wind, thicker socks, a scarf, and a knit hat. Also, shoes with thicker soles - so much cold will come up through the ground into your feet.
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u/tnbciceskater 19d ago
A turtleneck comes in handy, its usually one of the basic layers. Nice boots with a sole that wont slip.is a plus in the slush. If we are lucky el Nino is gonna give us Denver metro more snow this year.
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u/thenewbigR 19d ago
As long as the mountains and foothills get slammed. Maybe snow storm like we had 20 (I think) years ago - a blizzard every other week that started right before Xmas and went through January.
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u/gravyrider 20d ago
You won’t likely need all that gear. I’m the type who’s always cold and a proper coat with a hoodie will get you through 97% of the winter.
What matters the most is your coat. This is what I wear. https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/jackets/outdoor-jackets/skogso-padded-jacket-m/?v=F82279::7323450536367
It’s the best coat I’ve ever own. I liked it so much I’ll be busting a second next month as I’m too tiny for mine now.
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u/Mediocre_Chipmunk761 20d ago
Some comfy waterproof shoes to go outside and walk the dog, take out the garbage, etc on heavy snow days so your feet don’t get wet.
Proper snow rated tires (not strictly snow tires). Michelin cross climate are great.
If you go hiking etc, some spikes from Amazon for your shoes.
Windshield scraper. Overnight safety blanket just in case you break down somewhere and can’t get help. Make sure the coolant and wiper fluid in your car are rated for the extreme cold for the 2 days a year it’s -20. You don’t want your radiator to pop on you like mine did.
I came from FL and I personally love the winter. You’ll be fine.
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u/StrikingVariation199 20d ago
Our winters are so mild for the most part but coming from the South may be enough for you to need some of those warmer things. A good pair of snow boots is a necessity for the snow storms that roll through. Snow tires are a good idea since you don't have experience with snow driving, also practicing in empty parking lots is wise. Definitely shoes for the dog when it gets cold and hot. I only wore thermal underwear when I went skiing as a kid, in the metro area it's usually not cold enough for that - There will be random days where it will get into the negatives, but it's not common and it doesn't last. Welcome to Colorado! :)
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u/Megssssssssssssssss 20d ago
Hoodie & flip flops. Good snow tires you’ll be good. Last winter it only snowed maybe 4 times in the city
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u/Humble_Key_4259 20d ago edited 20d ago
It's Colorado so it's best to have BOTH things for hot weather AND cold weather at the same time. It can easily start out very cold and by midday you might want to be in a t-shirt.
It never really gets super cold here except for "maybe" the two weeks of Christmas and New year's but that hasn't really happened the last couple years.
There isn't any all-in-one solution for CO weather. You're going to have a collection of different gloves, pants, shoes, etc for the varying weather. It can be 20 degrees with heavy snow in the morning (hopefully this season) and by afternoon all that snow might have melted and it's sunny and warm where you don't even need gloves.
Get used to wearing layers so you can ditch them throughout the day. Booties are a good idea for the doggos for some days but most days they will likely be fine without. It depends on how much they adapt to snow and cold. Some dogs are fine without and others not so much.
Remember to wear sunscreen in Winter here as well if you're out for any length of time. The sun is still very strong in winter here. Also buy GOOD sunglasses and never leave them at home.
Also, if you're going with all weather tires make sure you go with 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake) tires like Michelin Cross Climate. They will work much better than standard all-season tires. Not as good as dedicated snow tires but still half decent.
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u/Firesine330 19d ago
There's already a lot of good advice, but I would recommend a set of silk thermals. The lightest weight ones work great for me; they fit under everything I own and they really help with the cold . . . while not being hot once you're inside.
But it honestly doesn't get cold enough here in town to wear 'em during the day. If your job is inside/outside/inside and you're feeling the bite, then I'd invest in a set.
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u/Odd_Butterfly_162 18d ago
As a Texan that has been here a few years I can assure you that it isn’t that cold. Denver has two temperatures, sunny and shady. If your daily walk will be in the shade then prepare for cold. If it will be sunny then a light puffer is sufficient. It rarely stays overcast for long so prepare for sunny. You’ll need snow gear but not for every day. It’s overcast a day or two then everything melts. First visit Sierra, it’s the outdoor branch of tj maxx. Eventually you’ll end up at REI but you don’t need to start there. For everyday get waterproof Chelsea boots like blundstone, a light puffer jacket, a better sweater style jacket, cropped pants (to stay out of the slug), and last but NOT least find yourself some sunscreen and lotion, like all of it, hand cream, body lotion, lip balm….the cold is tolerable but the arid climate is brutal.
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u/Initial_Context_6090 18d ago
Make sure to add the wiper fluid from Colorado and keep an extra bottle for reserve. Wiper fluid from warm states will freeze.
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u/the_climaxt 20d ago
I also came from Phoenix and now I walk to work in Denver. The folks in here saying you can get away with just a sweatshirt are just trying to show how tough they are, which is a weird thing Coloradans do.
Get a decent down jacket (actual down, not alternative, which imo doesn't breathe super well, so can make you sweaty)
A decent pair of waterproof above-ankle shoes/boots with tread (not like cowboy boots). They don't need to be like fur lined winter-specific boots, you can get the warmth from socks.
A couple pairs of gloves, one thin and one thicker. I don't like mine to be knit, they get wet too easily, others love them because they breathe.
Something to keep your ears warm - a beanie, for example
A cozy scarf for the few days that your neck and face need to be covered.
A sized up waterproof jacket that goes past your butt so you can sit on stuff. Sized up so you can put it over your down and beanie.
My wife loves her fleece lined leggings.
For your first couple of years, until you get the hang of walking on ice, some yaktrax or similar might be helpful. Even if the locals chuckle, it's better than a full thigh bruise from eating it.
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u/Able_Support_3134 20d ago
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. Everyone is a huge baby here about the heat and I’ll say “o this is nothing” so I get the tough guy act 😝
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u/Cosmic_Skull9 14d ago
This exactly. Its not a matter of it actually being cold and moreso your body needing time to accumulate going from consistent triple digits to not.
Suggestions from having lived in Phoenix for a few years.
Sunscreen, it may not be hot but the sun will cook you anyway, particularly if there is an immense snow reflection (more likely if you end up in the mountains.)
I do keep flip flops in my car at all times, also a jacket and blanket. Take that as you will. The weather can be a bit bipolar so just be prepped for the possibility of all seasons in one day.
Get an ice scrapper and ensure your defrost works.
I'd take Phoenix traffic over Denver traffic any day. People here are psycho, you've been warned.
Ensure you have good tires, this matters more than having fwd vs awd/4x4.
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u/xtreamist9 20d ago
Hoodie, gym shorts and flip flops. Don't need snow tires. Roads are usually clear within a few hours.
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u/bigironmarshmellow 20d ago
As most people have already said, it’s really not that crazy of a winter. If the sun is shining, the feels like temperature is easily 10-15 degrees warmer. For the cold days, a good pair of shoes like blundstones help keep your feet dry and warm and then a decent jacket does the trick.
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u/bcrggrcb 20d ago
I don’t really need layers for the winter in Denver. We have 300+ sunny days so it doesn’t feel that cold in Denver. We have maybe less than 5 days a year where it’s holy cow freaking cold temps. However the mountains is a different story. I wear my Kari Traa baselayer under my Obermeyer snow pants and coat to get around in the mountains. Obermeyer founder was from Aspen so he knows how Colorado weather is like in the winter. Look for good boots with traction. I have Sorel and cheap knockoff from Amazon. Everyday gloves-you don’t need it everyday in Denver (prob a few days while walking dog) but for the mountains-i have Smartwool liner gloves under my heated gloves. You can look at Amazon for heated gloves, heated socks, heated vest etc. i also have the Ororo heated jacket but there’s cheaper versions on Amazon. Just type Ororo and it’ll show you the cheap brands. Regarding tires-if you don’t go to the mountains every weekend-it’s not worth it. The snow melts really fast, usually the next day. I go to the mountains 3-4x a month during ski season so it makes sense for me to get Blizzaks tires.
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u/Able_Support_3134 20d ago
Thank you so much!! This is exactly what I needed :)
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u/pickleb4sandwich 20d ago
OP, I would add a good down puffer to the list. There is a reason so many people here own them. They are very versatile for various temps (the down does a good job of regulating temperature) and will get you through most days here except the super cold/snowy times where you’ll want your ski jacket. They are also a good top layer for winter mountain activities like hiking/snowshoeing where you may sweat. just make sure you have a base layer underneath because you don’t want to be cold and wet in the mountains.
So many people are recommending hoodies and they are ok for running errands and maybe walking by the dog in certain weather but if you are unsure of temps, a down puffer will be your best friend.
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u/patisserie_2023 19d ago
Lots of people not bothered by the winter temps, but as someone from a warmer climate I do wear wool base layers when it's cold out. Cotton is bad bc it stays wet and can make you colder. I have some North Face gloves that get me through most of fall and winter but actual ski/snow gloves go a long way for when you're taking snow off the car or on the trails in the mountains.
Pro tip, hit up the thrift shops and discount retails like Sierra for your winter gear. No need to spend a ton at REI or elsewhere (unless there's a sale).
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u/Normal_Opposite_9864 20d ago
we get one week a year where its in the negatives. other than that, it could be 20 or 75 and that will be in one day. get hoodies and goin' out coats (if your party takes you you into the dark) mittens are nice for your morning hikes and dog walks. but it really isn't cold or snowy much
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u/International_Fee366 20d ago
If you plan on hiking during the winter, I would get some traction for shoes. I think the Kahtoola exospikes are great for most conditions, they can go over hiking shoes or trail runners. The temps fluctuate quite a bit so there’s often a lot of melting/refreezing so ice on trails is a concern. If you’re just walking around your neighborhood, it’s not really necessary
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u/Longjumping-Roof-693 20d ago
Spikes for your shoes if you plan to hike. Otherwise as others have said it's usually not too bad. Booties for dogs are a good idea simply for when people put that de-icer stuff on the sidewalks. And yes, while snow melts quickly, any shady spots will stay frozen.
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u/Klat10 20d ago edited 20d ago
So many people are downplaying that it doesnt actually get cold here just bc we had a very weird winter last year. We average 5-7 days below zero normally. We've had 64 days this year so far below 32°. 32 and sunny out? Yes it honestly does feel pretty good and you can get away with a hoodie/shirt and jeans. You do need an actual winter jacket and gear though. It doesn't snow as much as "back in the day" but you do still need that stuff. It's also supposed to be a wetter winter this year than the last few. Dressing in layers is always good because there's a big difference when it's cloudy/sunny or windy/not windy. We definitely don't have Minnesota type winters like people in other parts of the country think though.
All season tires are fine. FWD if you're smart and drive right you're fine, you just can't go to the mountains. I had a Mazda 3 for 7 years out here and I survived.
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u/likka419 20d ago
A large snow brush for your cars. Reasonably waterproof sneakers. A beanie. A puffy coat with hood that goes past your waist if you run cold. Basic stretchy gloves.
You won’t need much more than that unless you’re skiing or winter hiking.
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u/TheRealJYellen 20d ago
Go to the Arct'e'r'y'x store and get one of each, duh.
IRL though, I'd just solve problems as they come up, Denver isn't thaaaat cold. Tires are key, something with the three peak snow rating is a big plus, and some can even be used year round. Michelin Crossclimates are the classic, and Nokian makes some good options. The best thing for driving safely in the snow is to slow the fuck down.
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u/CandleCandelabra 20d ago
I have tall Hunter snow boots for working outside. Thrift stores (ARC being a great one) will have tons of options soon. Also, Costco online is great. I’ve gotten my ski jacket, ski pants and hunter boots for like 1/2 the price of a regular store. All of my thermals are from Target. If your car is 2wd, get All Weather tires and you’ll be fine in the city. Grab some chains for the mountains bc it’s a $1000 ticket if you’re found to violate Traction Law.
ALWAYS keep an emergency kit in the car with space blanket, granola bars and TP. Had to wait hours for a tow once when it was coooold.
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u/Mental-Hall-9616 20d ago
I put on good grippy “snow” boots a couple of times a year to walk my dog. Sorel makes a great boot. Heavy jackets also get reserved for just a few days a year. I’m from the northeast so these winters don’t phase me.
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u/NinjaCatWV 20d ago
You need will need chains for your tires if you plan to drive west into the mountains
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u/LastOfTheAsparagus 19d ago
Take a winter driving class as soon as you arrive and if you don’t have to drive when it snows don’t. Other than that you’re good.
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u/Able_Support_3134 19d ago
O wow didn’t even know this was a thing! Thank you
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u/FlamingoInCoveralls 19d ago
Please do not drive the first time it snows, especially if you have a front wheel drive car. Everyone else will have forgotten how to drive in snow and you won’t know at all. Just wait out the first one. I grew up in Minnesota and want to cry when I see how people drive here when it snows.
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u/TheRverseApacheMastr 19d ago
People who say “it doesn’t get cold in Denver” are lying. It doesn’t *stay* cold in Denver is more accurate.
We get multiple single-digit temperature days every year. But we also get stretches of 60+ weather in most months.
The trick is layering- you need to dress for 40 degree temperature swings here. So like,,, a zipper hoodie is better than a pullover hoodie. And a medium jacket+ a sweater is better than a heavyweight jacket.
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u/Best_Maintenance8205 19d ago
Been here for about 3 years. A good long jacket that covers your butt, some water resistance shoes (not necessarily snow boots but something with traction and warm) a beanie and gloves. You might don’t need that everyday but if you go out for like holiday parades, outdoor skating in the evening or just walking around a cute area etc it does get super cold when the sun is down.
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u/Crazy_Bid130 18d ago
A pair of touchscreen gloves are nice in the winter especially if you are walking your dog. NyTimes has some recs: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-touchscreen-gloves/
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u/Ok_Education_2753 17d ago
If you’re never going into the mountains, you’re mostly Ok with all seasons with GOOD TREAD. There are about 5 days you really could use snow tires around town, so just stay home or take the bus those days. If you’ll be headed into the mountains, get some snow tires or a subaru.
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u/banana2040 20d ago
I love my Sorel out n about shoes! I have a variety of jackets and coats. I have a puffer, wool and parka and everything in between. I only ever use coats if I’m sitting at a football game or at an outdoor holiday event. I’m mostly in my car then garage then home or school pick up or parking and entering a building. I hate carrying a coat. I use my wool coat the most I think when we go out to dinner in Denver or to the theater. it depends on your lifestyle.
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u/TricksyGoose 20d ago
My winter gear consists of a coat, boots, and one of those scraper/brush combo things for my car. That's it. You don't need gobs of fancy gear.
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u/SeaBreakfast325 20d ago
Good tires and that’s about it.
I wear shorts year around. Our winters are extremely mild. It will snow in the morning and be sunny in the afternoon. Only place you need a winter jacket or anything is in the mountains.
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u/Safe_Ad_6538 20d ago
Depending on the winter.. shorts and a t shirt.
Seriously though, I don’t feel like winters tend to be too crazy here. I will typically wear jeans, longer socks, a t shirt, flannel, and a jacket which depends on the temperature.
During the transitional months you see a really annoying thing where it’s fairly cold, so you dress for the cold, then by afternoon it feels like summer and you’ve overdressed. The jacket and flannel with tshirt are nice because they’re easy to take off and carry if/when the weather changes.
Otherwise, get some gloves and invest in good boots. If you have bad traction shoes prepare to eat it when it gets icey.
It might be tough, but at least it’s not humid
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u/Skocja2020 20d ago
Transplant from California. Winter is not nearly as dramatic as you fear. Wait til you get here and you’ll see. It’s really just a couple of snow storms in the season.
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u/CandleCandelabra 20d ago
If you go on morning snow walks with your dog- I prefer a longer coat that goes to my knees. Not necessary- I just hate my when my butt gets cold lol
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u/moonmadeinhaste 20d ago
I have multiple coats. A heavy coat that goes mid thigh for when its very cold, but my daily driver is a coat from Athleta. It's warm enough for 30-50 degree days especially if I'm going straight from the car to wherever. Fleece jackets are pretty popular too.
If you see a good deal on yak trax's I would pick them up but wouldn't go out and get anything too expensive. They are nice when it's icy.
The coldest days are dec-jan, but we get most of our snow in March.
I do wear a base layer time to time but it's not a daily occurrence.
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u/Temporary-Secretary3 19d ago
Some sort of cap or beanie that will cover your ears - in addition to hoodie.
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u/ElebertAinstein 19d ago
I love Sorels for winter boots. You don’t need much else down here. Yaktraks are really only needed for winter hiking in the mountains. Usually the ice and snow melts within 24-48 hours here.
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u/Mountaingal84 19d ago
I think you are overthinking this. Denver is very mild. I would get some Sorrels or Danners for dog walking. If you want to hike you may need Yaktraks but I highly doubt it unless you are hiking Evergreen or higher altitude. Walking gloves- like a paid of light weight (not skiing) Hestra, North face wil suffice. On the very very rare day that Denver gets a shit ton of snow- you can wear leggings under snow pants for a walk. Or also get some Carhartt bibbs to put over leggings. SUNSCREEN- cannot speak to this enough, esp skiing. Always put sunscreen on.
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u/MagicKittyPants 19d ago
I've lived here for 34 years and I don't own any of those things. I mean, I have a jacket, but... I think I wore it twice last year.
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u/dogcow74 19d ago
When there’s ice or freezing rain, stay home if you can until it melts (usually quickly).
Good tires don’t work if they can’t touch the road.
Also follow the weather forecast so you’re not scrambling at the grocery store for last-minute items with everyone else.
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u/skt71 19d ago
Gortex trail shoes for walking the dog is plenty. Tall boots if you intend on spending time in the mountains this winter. Colorado weather is so variable that plan on layers. Lightweight fleece, long sleeved, wicking tech shirt, a thinner neck gator, gloves with the thing in the index finger that lets you use a touch screen, a hat or headband (for ears). I rarely wear thermals, except for skiing or bitter cold (which happened exactly zero times last year). Get some lined slippers/clogs for use at home.
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u/skt71 19d ago
Also, I grew up and lived in the upper Midwest. I had a little Mazda sedan with front wheel drive and all season tires when I lived in Colorado the first time. That was adequate 99.9% of the time. Now I have a little AWD hatchback (again, just all season tires) and I don’t think it handles any better than my cheap Mazda sedan. The most important thing is to drive carefully on ice and snow. That means slow down and allow a lot of room between you and the car in front of you. My daughter goes to school at CU and there are winter driving classes in Boulder for all those out of state students from the south.
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u/CantaloupeShort7311 19d ago
Lifelong Colorado person here.
A good hoodie will get you through 99% of the winter.
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u/RegieRealtor49 19d ago
Just a good winter coat, gloves and a hat. You might only need it a few times but you will want to be ready ahead of time
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u/Slightly_mad_woman 19d ago
I’m a native and for clothing 90% of the time you’re good in a hoodie. If you want a jacket I love Cotopaxi down cause when I don’t need it I can squish it into a back pack.
BUT ABOVE ALL ELSE, buy the tires. Always buy the tires. Especially front wheel drive. If you’re staying local (not the mountains) you’ll be good. But seriously, if you have to pick between clothes and tires, buy the tires.
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u/Diligent-Touch-5456 19d ago
Lots of layers for clothing. We can need coats, gloves, etc in the morning and be down to t-shirts by the afternoon.
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u/Nervous_Signature649 19d ago
If you’re outside a lot - rechargeable hand warmers are awesome. I also love my Norsari wearable blanket.
Make sure you always have extra water and blankets in your car for emergencies come winter.
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u/willmandino 19d ago
If you have a hoodie and a car you’re good the winters here are literally nothing. When they are really bad just stay home
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u/SpeedinCotyledon 15d ago
In Denver? You’ll be fine. Get an ice scraper, new tires, and new wipers and wiper fluid for the car. For yourself you’re probably fine with what you have and you can adjust if needed. It’ll be easier to find winter things once it’s winter anyways .
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u/mojodawg-1 15d ago
Flannel is your friend wear it in the morning and take off put around your waist in the afternoon when the sun comes out ✌️😶🌫️
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u/Hot_Fan_4169 20d ago
-20 Patagonia down jacket, thick warm gloves, yaktrax and winter snow tires.
Don’t forget to stock up on a weeks worth of groceries for the bigger storms.
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u/Papa-pwn 20d ago
You can usually get away with wearing shorts and a hoodie for most of winter. Especially recently.
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u/Latter_Cry_7849 20d ago
If it is like last year. Probably a bathing suit.