Colorado winters, what do we pack?!?
 

Hi,

My wife and I are coming over for a few weeks to snowboard Colorado from Jan 20 to Feb. 8. We are staying for a week in steamboat then probably Snowmass or vale. The only problem is were from Australia where the coldest we get is -3c, 26f. And our good snow is still never deeper then your boot. What can I expect regarding temps? What clothing do we take / purchase over there, I don’t think our oz gear will stand up to the Rockies, and what’s the best board to ride the kind of champagne powder you hear about.

Thanks for all your help.

It can get very cold. -20 f is not unusual on the coldest days. That said, it can be much warmer. Wind chill at the top of the mountain is the biggest problem. So make sure you have good ski clothing and warm underthings. I can't make any board recommendations because I don't snowboard. But you will like our Colorado snow.

The key to comfortable clothing in Colorado is to dress in layers. Do be prepared for very cold conditions at that time of year, but if the sun is out, which is common, it can feel very warm and comfortable! You would be able to purchase anything you need here - best prices would be in Denver, or at the factory outlet mall in Silverthorne, which is near Keystone, en route to Steamboat if you're coming via I-70.

Silk long underwear is the best, then a t-shirt, then a sweater if it's really cold, all under your ski parka. Good waterproof board pants and good socks are a must. Hat, scarf and face protection if it's snowing, lots of high SPF sunscreen if it's sunny - you must reapply at lunchtime too. Sunglasses/goggles are essential if it's sunny to protect from burned corneas. And good gloves too! If you don't have any of the above or aren't sure, wait til you get here - I'll bet the prices are better (not sure if you're getting as outstanding an exchange rate as for the euro, but I'll bet it's better than for us!)

Yes, it will feel cold, but you will adore the resorts and the mountains - nothing like it in the world!

Can't say it better than Tekwriter did so just an endorsement.
And for shopping at the outlets in Silverthorne for any clothing you don't bring.
There is a NorthFace outlet there, as well as others--for ski clothing.

Totally agree with tekwriter, but just to add a couple of things. As you may know, Steamboat averages 330" of snow a year and we had over 33" just the week we were there last Christmas. But it of course makes for fantastic skiing. Definitely expect below 0 F at night/mornings with teens to maybe 30sF during the day (although it never got over 20F the week we were there). Pretty much the same for Snowmass and Vail.

Also agree that you can (and should) purchase any clothing you need at the places mentioned above by other posters. Strongly advise not to shop at places that are at resorts and/or bottom of ski lift areas - they've got captive customers and prices are usually high. If you miss Denver stores or the shops at Silverthorne, the downtown areas of Steamboat, Snowmass and Vail do have some nice places with fairly decent prices - just not as good as, for ex., Silverthorne.

Sorry, I'm not a boarder so I can't help with that.

One slight addition to tekwriter. DONOT USE COTTON. We have an expression in the mountains, "Cotton kills !!!" Using several light weight layers is the key with the last layer being a high quality wind breaker. And, being a little chilly on the chair riding up is good indicator that you have it about right. A good helmet should be a consideration. Finally, that time period is generally the coldest period in the mountains, But the best time to ski because of low crowds.

cheers for all your comments, but why does cotton kill, out of curiocity. not good in the cold?

Two reasons -- First, cotton loses all insulating qualitys when wet or damp. Wool, for example, does not as does a number of synthetic fibers. Second, cotton wants to retain mositure. It gets wet/damp and stays wet/damp. When sking you will have periods where you generate a lot of body mositure and it is important to get rid of the mositure by moving it from you skin to the outer layer. If there is cotton anywhere, the mositure movement stops with cotton.