Winter Park Weather & Altitude

Weather
It is not called Winter Park for nothing! An arid and moderate climate supplies the most magnificent, lighter than air powder that blankets the breathtaking slopes and spectacular peaks. A typical day at Winter Park is one filled with sunshine, no humidity, and crisp mountain air…Summer or Winter!! Seasons tend to blur a bit in Winter Park so it is important to be prepared for dramatic shifts in the weather and temperatures at a moments notice. It is when the sun fails to show though that Winter Park is really blessed. A mountain that receives over 350 inches of snow annually and experiences over 300 days of sunshine each year is truly a wonderful place!

Most will appreciate the moderate temperatures that the High Country offers. Summertime days in Winter Park are perfect with temperatures in the 70’s and no humidity. While there are days of extremely low temperatures in the winter, the norm is more moderate temperatures lacking the bite that humidity adds to the air. In both winter and summer the nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically with averages in the 30-40’s in the summer and below 0’s-20’s in the winter.

Altitude
A vacation to Winter Park should be one that recalls fond memories of a trip that was enjoyed by all. Winter Park’s summit rises 3,060 feet above its base of 9,000 feet above sea level, this high altitude supplies the perfect climate for producing the champagne powder that makes Colorado the best ski vacation destination in the country. The altitude can also take a toll on those visiting the area negatively affecting your experience at Winter Park. Since the positives of being in the High Country far outweigh the negatives, care should be taken by all to ensure that your vacation is spent on the mountain and not in the doctor’s office. Negative effects can range from a mild headache to full blown altitude sickness with typical symptoms being flu-like with some nausea. There is no way to tell who will be effected by the altitude and to what extent; symptoms usually go away after a day or two but there are some cases where leaving the area and going to a lower altitude is required.

The tips below should help make your stay at Winter Park considerably more enjoyable, please take note:

1. Everyone can and will be effected by the altitude to a certain extent
2. Hydrate! Drink as much water as you can…and then drink some more. Start prior to traveling and drink water heavily throughout your vacation.
3. Do not drink alcohol. O.k., you can drink alcohol if you want, but take it easy. A drink at high altitude will have three times the effect as at sea level. The ill effects on your system will be greatly increased!
4. Take it easy your first day or two and try to get as much sleep as possible.
5. There is less oxygen in the air so your heart and lungs have to work harder and you will feel the effects of things like walking up stairs much more.
6. Eat high carbohydrate foods, bring energy bars and water with you on the mountain.
7. Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply it often, the sun is 40% stronger than at sea level and you will burn quickly.
8. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable ski vacation in the mountains.