What is coldest month in Winter Park CO? its always cold here haha

If you are planning a trip up to the mountains you are probably checking your weather app every five minutes trying to figure out if you are going to freeze or just be really cold. I get asked this question all the time by people who are booking rides with us and honestly the answer is kinda funny becuase it feels like winter here for about half the year. But if you want to get technical and look at the actual numbers and stats usually January is the absolute coldest month in Winter Park.

It is that time of year where the holidays are over and the deep freeze really sets in and the snow just stays on the ground forever. Even though January is technically the winner for the lowest temperatures December and February are not exactly beach weather either so you have to be ready for anything. I remember one time looking at my car thermometer in January and it said negative ten and I just went back inside.

Why January feels so intense

So when we talk about the cold here it is not just about what the thermometer says. The thing about Winter Park is that we are at a really high elevation and that makes the air thinner and the sun stronger but the shade way colder. In January the average low temperture is usually down in the single digits like around 5 or 7 degrees Fahrenheit. And that is just the average so it definately gets colder than that especially at night or early in the morning when you are trying to get to the ski lifts.

The wind is also a huge factor becuase when you are up on the mountain or even just walking around town the wind chill can make it feel like twenty below zero. You know that feeling when the wind hits your face and your nose hairs freeze instantly? That is basically every morning in January if you arent careful.

Is December or February any better?

Honestly December is pretty similar to January but sometimes it can feel a bit darker since the days are so short. February is when we start to see a tiny bit more sun and maybe it feels a little warmer when the sun is out but do not be fooled. I have seen some of our biggest snow storms happen in February and when it snows it usually brings the cold air with it.

March is actually one of my favorite months becuase it is historically the snowiest month but the sun is higher in the sky so it feels warmer when you are skiing. But if you are coming strictly for the coldest bragging rights then January is the one you want to aim for.

Driving when it is this cold

One thing people dont think about enough is how the cold affects your car and the roads. Driving up from Denver on I-70 and then going over Berthoud Pass is no joke when the temps drop this low. The roads get icy and they stay icy becuase the sun isnt strong enough to melt the ice in the shady spots.

We see so many people struggling with rental cars that just arent equipped for these conditions. You really need good tires and you need to know how to handle a slide if you hit a patch of black ice. My breaks froze up once on an old truck I had and it was the scariest thing ever so now I make sure everything is checked constantly.

That is why we always tell people that if they are nervous about the drive they should just let us drive them. Our shuttles are built for this and our drivers are used to the roads being like an ice rink. Plus you can just sit back and look at the snow instead of white knuckling the steering wheel for two hours.

How to dress so you dont freeze

If you are coming up here in January or really any time in the winter you have to pack the right stuff or you are going to be miserable. I see people walking around in jeans and a hoodie and I just feel bad for them becuase I know they are freezing.

Here is a list of what you actually need to bring.

• Base layers are life You need to have a good set of thermal underwear and I mean both the top and the pants. Do not bring cotton becuase if you sweat it gets wet and then you get cold and it is just a bad time. Wool or synthetic stuff is the only way to go.

• Good socks matter Get some real ski socks or wool hiking socks and do not double them up becuase that actually cuts off your circulation and makes your feet colder. I learned that the hard way when I was a kid and my toes went numb.

• Cover your face The wind is the enemy so you need something to cover your neck and face like a buff or a balaclava. When you are sitting on the chairlift and the wind is blowing you will be so happy you have something to pull up over your nose.

• Waterproof everything If you are playing in the snow or even just walking to dinner you want waterproof boots and a waterproof jacket. Wet clothes in zero degree weather is dangerous so keep it dry.

Things to do when it is freezing

Just becuase it is cold does not mean you have to stay inside the hotel room all day. The skiing in January is usually amazing becuase the snow stays soft and chalky and it does not melt and refreeze like it does in the spring. The lines are usually shorter too since some people are scared of the cold so you can get more laps in.

If you are not into skiing you can go tubing which is super fun but again you have to dress warm. There is also the hot springs nearby which is honestly the best thing to do when it is cold. Sitting in hot water while it is snowing on your head is a wiered feeling but it is so relaxing.

Summary of the cold months

I made this little chart to help you visualize it even though the weather here does whatever it wants half the time.

Final thoughts

So to answer your question yes it is always cold here in the winter but January takes the cake for the coldest month. If you are planning a trip just make sure you are ready for it and bring way more warm clothes than you think you need.

And seriously think about how you are getting here becuase driving in sub zero weather is stressful. We would love to give you a ride in one of our Winter Wagon shuttles so you can relax and start your vacation without worrying about sliding off the road. Stay warm out there and enjoy the snow!