What to Wear in Colorado in Winter

Group of friends in the snow on a sunny day in the mountains

Are you wondering how to dress in Colorado for your winter ski trip? Well, it’s a total crapshoot. One day you’re basking in sunshine, the next you’re freezing your buns off in a snowstorm. I grew up in Steamboat Springs, a true ski town and now I live in the Denver/Boulder area and the extremes are just as real. You can go from bluebird 50-degree days to a straight-up whiteout in a matter of hours. It’s a wild ride!

This guide aims to help you navigate the diverse scenarios of a Colorado ski vacation, ensuring you’re well-prepared for everything from hitting the slopes to enjoying the town, making your winter ski vacation truly fantastic. I’ve included ski gear for men, women, and kids for a full-fledged family vacation because I’m all about families here! From snow pants to lip balm, I’ve got you covered.

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What to Pack for Skiing

For skiing in Colorado, effective layering is crucial, and the key is to stick to three layers: a base, a middle, and a waterproof outer layer. These layers for skiing will be important to wear skiing in Colorado in the winter. While you can purchase these items in the mountains, they tend to be pricier. The base layer involves thin long underwear, the mid-layer is a fleece-type lining, and the final layer is a waterproof ski jacket. You can find this gear at stores like REI or North Face (my favorite), I’ve included links below to my preferred and top-rated gear on Amazon, along with recommendations for kids, as I have four of my own.

What is the average temperature in the Colorado mountains in Winter?

To stay comfortable, start by dressing warmly. Additionally, make sure to wear waterproof outerwear.

The average high is around 30 degrees.
The average low is around 11 degrees and get gets to temps below 0 at times.

The average snowfall can vary but the mountains get more inches of snow than the front-range cities of Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. For comparison, towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Steamboat Springs will get around 184 inches of snow and Denver will get around 50. This can vary by time of year but generally, the most snow comes between December and March, and March being the snowiest month.

Base Layer Gear

Middle Layer Gear

The most common mid-layer item is a light fleece. Fleeces are great too for Apres ski time when it’s not so frigid. From my personal experience, I only wear the mid-layer when it is really, cold (below 20 degrees). This is a preference as I tend to get overheated and feel constricted so I would try on and test the layers out first and check the temperatures before you head out on the slopes. At higher elevations, the temperature can change fast, so it’s important to check the forecast before you head out for the slopes.

Fleeces for Men

Columbia Titan Pass™ 3.0 Full Zip Fleece

THE NORTH FACE Men’s Alpi https://amzn.to/3wcuveT ne Polartec 100 Fleece Half Zip Pullover

Fleeces for Women

Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip

Columbia Women’s Park View Grid Fleece Half Zip

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Maggy Sweater Fleece

Fleeces for Kids

Columbia Unisex-Baby Benton Springs Fleece Jacket

Outer Layer

Family skiing Colorado wearing warm ski gear — My dad, Wally, Brother-in-law, Nieces, Mom and Sister in Keystone, Colorado

The waterproof outer layer is the most crucial element for skiing in winter weather. You’ll need a high-quality warm-down jacket, snow pants, waterproof gloves, a neck warmer, goggles, and wool socks to ensure you’re fully equipped for your skiing adventures. Yes, a ski trip demands quite a bit of gear, but it’s all essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience! I’ll talk about rental gear next.

Ski Jackets for Men

THE NORTH FACE Men’s Alta Vista Jacket

Spyder Men’s Wildcard Insulated Ski Jacket

Ski Jackets for Women

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Freedom Insulated Jacket

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Antora Triclimate Jacket

Obermeyer Cosima Down Ski Jacket Womens

Ski Jackets for Kids

Boys

Spyder Boys’ Mini Leader Ski Jacket

Eddie Bauer Kids’ Winter Jacket – Heavyweight Quilted Down Jacket – Insulated Hooded Outerwear Coat for Boys (XS-XL)

Girls

Spyder Girls Adore Insulated Ski Jacket

Columbia Girls’ Katelyn Crest Jacket

Other Essentials to Bring for Higher Altitudes

Renting Equipment

If you don’t have your own ski equipment, you can readily rent everything you need at all the resorts in Colorado. These resorts provide convenient rental services, making it easy for visitors to access high-quality ski gear without bringing their own equipment. Rental packages typically include skis, boots, and poles for skiers, along with snowboards and boots for snowboarders. Helmets and other essential accessories are also available for rent. Opting to rent ski gear is an excellent choice for individuals who prefer not to invest in or carry their equipment.

Other Non-Skiing Activities

Colorado offers plenty of non-skiing winter sports activities in the winter months that are a blast for families, including ice skating, snow tubing, a day hike, and cross-country skiing. Generally what to wear in Colorado in winter during non-skiing is pretty similar to your ski attire. You’ll require the same layers, hats, and good waterproof gloves as you would for downhill skiing, along with a reliable pair of waterproof boots. Below, I’ve provided a list of the best boots you should pack for your winter trip to Colorado.

Snow Boots for Men

SOREL – Men’s Buxton Lace Waterproof Winter Boot

SHULOOK Men’s Snow Boots Waterproof Warm Fur Lined Winter Hiking Boot

Snow Boots for Women

Sorel Women’s Winter Boots

Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot

UGG Women’s Ashton Addie Snow Boot

Kids Snow Boots

Sorel Youth Unisex Yoot PAC Nylon Waterproof Boots

Columbia YOUTH POWDERBUG PLUS II PRINT Boot

What to Wear Off the Ski Slopes in Colorado

If you’re heading out to an Apres Ski Happy Hour in mountain towns like Vail, Breckenridge, or Winter Park, the dress code is generally casual, you will just want to bring warm clothing. Unless you’re attending an elite event in Aspen, leave the heels and fancy clothes at home. While most places are laid-back, some nice restaurants may call for a stylish touch, like a nice thick knit sweater, a pretty scarf, and nice pants. A pair of jeans is typically perfectly acceptable. My teenage girls are fond of leggings, sweatshirts, Nike socks, and of course a warm coat if it doesn’t cramp their style.

Hot Tubs and Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

One of the best activities to enjoy in the cold Rocky Mountains after a day of skiing is to visit a natural hot spring or take a dip in your resort’s hot tub. There’s nothing quite like sitting under the stars, watching the snowfall while immersed in warm water. This serves as a reminder not to forget to add a bathing suit to your packing list! This experience is equally enjoyable for kids, making it a delightful addition to your mountain getaway.

What to Wear in Colorado in Winter: Your Ski Trip Packing List