Texan Going to Colorado...Snow?!! :D

I have to tell you that buying cold weather wear in Texas may not keep you warm in Colorado. My southern jackets won't keep me warm in Chicagoland! I'd really try to find something from a friend or a second hand shop once you get there.

Good luck and hope you don't have trouble flying to and from because of the weather!
Dawn

There are great consignment shops in Houston if you want to get a few things before you go. Kid to Kid Galleria at the southeast corner of San Felipe & Post Oak has good prices.

Frankly, growing up, we didn't have snow bibs... we wore the cotton waffle-weave thermals under our jeans (and.. back then, we didn't have girl ones, so I had to wear my big brother's thermals... eewww!!) .... I grew up in Kansas, and we had plenty of cold snowy weather, also. We built snow forts, had snowball fights, went sledding... so we had plenty of cold exposure!

Our boots were the old fashioned "galoshes" ... basically rubber overshoes with clips to fasten them. We wore them over the shoes we had on.

Most of the time the gloves we had were the cheap cotton jersey ones... yes, they got wet and cold... when we got wet and cold, we came in.

What I'm trying to say is that you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff for just a few days..... layer clothes, and have extras since they will get wet.

Put a post out on Craigslist... you'd be surprised how much winter stuff is for sale there even in Texas.... that will really help with the budget.

Or... you can also ask your FIL and his wife if any of their friends have some snow bibs and boots you could borrow for the stay... be sure to pick up some good gloves, though.

I live in Denver and know that Durango may get more snow than here but... I rarely wear a coat. We may get a snow storm and the snow will only be around a few days. I would get the kids stuff to play in the snow but I don't know that you need the "whole nine yards" for yourself unless you are going skiing. Plus the little ones really will only want to be in the snow for a short time before they get too cold. I wouldn't waste the money. Use blankets and things for the car and then layer clothing. I hope you get to see snow but you may not. Hope that helps.

For 4 days, the cheap stuff is fine. If you can't find it at your local walmart, you might check academy or dick's sporting good stores. They normally carry those things no matter what part of the country you are in. I know they do in Dallas and it's not like we get that much snow either. :-P

The thing to remember is to layer your clothes. Tights or leggings under snow pants and socks that are pulled up to the knees. Mittens are better than gloves and you can get warm packs you can put inside mittens and boots if you are going to be outside for long periods of time.

Have fun... Enjoy the snow!!!

I have lived in many places, and now live in Colorado. The thing to remember is that Colorado is dry. The air is dry. I grew up on the east coast and the humidity made the cold sometimes unbearable. But here, it's very surprising. It can be 20 degrees out, but due to the lack of humidity it feels much warmer than that. And usually when it snows, the snow is dry and blows away, and waterproof stuff is not necessary. So don't buy clothes like you were going to a humid cold place. Get some knitted hats, and layers, and sturdy walking shoes, and gloves for warmth, not waterproofing.

I wouldn't do that. I would go to a consignment shop or goodwill once you get there and buy from there. when you are done - re-donate it.

You don't need to stress. All will be well. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, breathe....promise - you will find what you need at a consignment shop or good will.

If you want - check out ebay. heck you can even go goodwill.com and buy there - their shipping prices are high - as a fair warning - but they ship fast.

HAVE FUN!! RELAX!! ENJOY!!!

I am originally from CA and now live in CO. The weather here is not a fierce as you are making it sound. It is very dry here. Durango does get a little bit more snow that Denver but not that much. It has snowed twice here so far this winter and melted the next day. Today I was outside in short sleeves and I was still hot. If you have jackets and mittens you should be fine. If the kids want to play in it maybe see if you can find cheap snow pants from a second hand store, or a neighbor (if I was closer to Durango I would loan you ours). You dont need them for warmth, you need it for staying dry. I would wait until you get here to buy anything. It would be cheaper and then you dont have to pack it. Relax and have a fun trip. You can always get what you need when you get here.

Well have fun.
I would ask your MIL to start looking at children's consignment shops or places like Goodwill for jackets, boots, snow pants, gloves, maybe a couple of sweaters. She can wash it all and have it ready for you when you get there. If the kids outgrow it before you go back she can re-donate it to Goodwill or sell it at a consignment shop.

As someone mentioned, it is very dry there. For us, the dryness leads to stuffy/running noses. If possible, bring a humidifier to run in the bedroom. Believe it or not, you will actually miss the humidity! We also love those hand warmers to put in our mittens. Have fun!

FYI...There is a Walmart in Durango. However, I can't remember if there is a Goodwill. Just dress everyone in layers. You can always add more or take a layer or two off. Besides, winter wear takes too much room when you pack, and for only 4 days, I wouldn't go out and spend tons on winterwear that you won't be able to use in Texas. In Colorado, you need to be prepared for every season, during every season. It was 72 degrees here on Thanksgiving. Heck, I've even skied in shorts and a T-shirt. I've also seen it snow a foot in June. Durango does seem to get more snow than the front range, but that makes for fun for the kids. They won't notice the cold like the adults because they are having too much fun making snow angels, building snowmen etc. They will let you know when they are cold and then it's time to go in and have some hot chocolate.

I just remembered something VERY important, Sunscreen! You will definately need it if it is sunny at all. With the increase in elevation and less atmosphere to filter the sun and the sun reflecting off of the snow, be sure to use sunscreen. Also beware, alcohol will affect you much more rapidly. A good rule of thumb is 1 alcoholic beverage to 2 glasses of water. Also keep your kids hydrated. Really push the water, it will help prevent altitude sickness. It is no fun...headache, upset stomach, much like the flu. Lots of plain water is the best preventative.

I just moved to Texas from Colorado and lived in Durango while in College and grew up just 60 miles from Durango in Pagosa, it is absolutely beautiful and I miss it terribly. You will have a wonderful time!! It will be cold, but you will be fine with the Wal-Mart stuff for your kids. My daughter is 4 and I got her snow suits and boots from Wal-Mart or Target every year when we lived in Colorado. I am going back for a few weeks this month and will be getting her a snowsuit from one of the 2 stores. You might check a second hand store because a lot Texans vacation in Colorado and then their kids grow out of the clothes, so they are basically new. Enjoy the mountains, in my mind it is one of the most beautiful places God created. Merry Christmas!!

Natives wear shorts when it hits 50 degrees there. If you are playing in the snow, then yes you need lots of protective gear...a jacket will not suffice!

But, in reality since CO is considered a desert, it's very different than you would think. Have fun, don't waste a lot of money of buying expensive...go cheap and enjoy.

I lived there (CO) for five years and only when it was snowing did I really need more than a "warm jacket"...

Wal-Mart will have what you need in Colorado. My sister's Wal-Mart in upstate NY has down jackets and pants so I know the one in CO will as well. Have fun!!!! Snow is so exciting. I am sure only Southern people think that :)

Academy. Definitely get everyone long underwear. I live in Houston and have a house in Southern Colorado. During the day, if the sun is shining, it can be twenty degrees out and still feel good there. Once the sun goes down, you get cold outside. Layer, layer, layer. You can get inexpensive snow bibs at Academy, also they have walls of long underwear.
Will you be skiing? If not, you don't need snow bibs or pants unless you want to really play in the snow. The kids will want snow pants because they will be ROLLING in the snow. If you can't find them in a consignment store, try them on at Academy then see if you can order online and have them shipped directly to your FIL. That stuff is BULKY to pack.
Make sure you get snow boots for the kids that are one piece, no zippers. Unless you are buying high end, the zippers leak. Just some pull on ones wl be fine. Again, Academy has them cheap.
And-most important- WOOL socks. For everyone. I find those keep me happier than anything else. I ride horses here in Houston and wear my wool socks and long underwear through out the winter. Once you have some of the stuff you may realize that you have been needing it here all along!
Definitely the humidity here makes things feel colder. Also, I find the houses and stores in Colorado to be overheated. We have humidifiers in all the bedrooms of our house there. Helps with dry nasal passages and skin.
Have fun. The kids will be amazed!

Don't know if you are driving or flying....I've lived all my 55 yrs in FL & Houston. We have spent 2 Christmas' in Colorado and it's freezing cold to me and to hubby (and he likes 30-40 degree weather). When it's 60 in Houston I'm chilly. I sugguest you at least be prepared with enough warm clothing to get you through 2 days...you can never know what you will find when you arrive there. We went in Feb. one year, there was no snow in the forecast..it snowed on the way to the lodge, and every day..we had 6 ft of snow by the time we left. For myself I go to Academy and buy the 100% silk Polar Edge thermals (they are thin but hold in your body heat), layer your clothes, warm but thin works best...double up on socks, water proof boots or shoes of some sort, (snow is wet). And my outer layer I wear wind suits with my winter coat I use here (from JCP). Shop Ebay, a great winter catalog is LL Bean. Keep in mind if you arrive in Colorado, and there is bad weather..the stores could be CLOSED!!! Our 1st Christmas drive home ended up snowed in, had to spend xtra night, and when we reached NM, roads closed, smart hubby had me call ahead and get a room.....smart move cause when we hit the 1st exit in NM..roads were closed and as we checked in all rooms we gone!! Tons of ppl stranded on the highway for 2 days. Have a great trip!!!!

What the heck is a snow bib? Don't go overboard...its four days. If the jacket for your 18 month old isn't warm enough, layer. Get cute warm scarves you can even wear in snow free Houston. Don't buy exotic stuff you won't need again for little kids. Layer, layer, layer. While it will seem cold to you, it won't be as bad as you think because the cold is dryer and less penetrating. I would say for the girls good quality glove so they can play in the snow are in order, but other stuff can be cheaper. Get your little one cheap rubber boots that are too big and layer on the socks. My kids seeing snow at that age for the first time just stood there and did nothing :).
Enjoy and don't stress over this. If you've missed something you need I know you can get it when you get there, and probably on sale after Christmas. Have a great trip!

I don't think you will be nearly as cold there as you think you will be. It's a different kind of cold, just like the saying "a different kind of hot".

I would be more worried about the change of altitude and less oxygen in the air there than there is here. A lot of people don't think about that. But, being that we are basically sea level, it can be quite a change for your lungs. You will tire more easily. You may get a touch of altitude sickness. I remember when I was a kid going skiing, we would take extra vitamin C (I believe). It was suppose to help alleviate the altitude change issue.

Are you guys driving to Colorado from Texas or flying? This will be a factor in how much you can carry.

If you are driving just get the items needed when you get there. Goodwill or someplace like that should have a supply. While you are driving, make sure you have some extra candy bars and a couple of small candles in the car in case you have to stop because of weather. (I am thinking Canadian weather here so bear with me on being outside.) An extra blanket or two in the car is also good.

Since it is a dry cold you won't notice the cold as quickly but do pay attention to it and get everyone in after being out for an hour or two. Check the kid's faces to make sure that they are okay or wrap a scarf around them to keep them warm.

Otherwise enjoy the great outdoors and the fresh air and trees.

The other S.

PS I sometimes do miss the weather in northern Quebec but not all the snow.

You can also rent bibs and boots super cheap from any of the ski places there.