CPW representatives accept “Best Big Educational Booth” award
GREELEY, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife will host a workshop and operate an extensive booth at the 2023 Farm Show in Greeley. The Farm Show runs from Jan 24-26 at Island Grove Park. CPW will have representatives on hand to talk about state parks, hunter outreach, and education opportunities.
The CPW workshop will discuss wildlife conservation, private land ownership, and ways to support habitats. The workshop will be Thursday starting at 10 a.m. in meeting room C. CPW will also lead an Agriculture Roundtable to meet with producers and groups on the nuances of conserving Colorado’s natural resources.
Agriculture producers are an important part of Colorado life, and agricultural lands provide important habitat for wildlife. CPW will engage with farmers, ranchers, and landowners, who have vital perspectives on pressing environmental and economic topics affecting the state.
Additionally, CPW looks forward to defending the “Best Big Education Booth” award for the fifth year.
Carrie Besnette Hauser is the 2021-22 Chair of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. She lives in Glenwood Springs.
by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Chair Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser
Previous columns in this space have highlighted stories about the 2.5 million acres of land managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). These include 43 state parks, 350 state wildlife areas and 240 state trust properties, home to the myriad species of wild animals and aquatic creatures.
Often untold are accounts of the humans who protect, study, maintain and advocate for the places and critters so many Coloradans have come to appreciate, enjoy and expect to exist and thrive in perpetuity. This expectation isn’t met by accident nor is it a guarantee. It takes numerous CPW professionals and volunteers working every day to care for such a wide range of outdoor recreation assets, fragile wildlife habitats and animals large and small – all while also focusing on the health and safety of the public.
One notable story centers around the many CPW team members who have contributed to the success of Colorado’s state fish – the greenback cutthroat trout. Approaching extinction, the species was confirmed this fall to be naturally reproducing in Herman Gulch, one of the first places the agency stocked the trout in its native South Platte River drainage.
This accomplishment stemmed from a highly complex and coordinated effort that took place over a decade. In 2012, CPW confirmed that tiny Bear Creek, on the southwest edge of Colorado Springs in the Arkansas River drainage, was home to an unlikely population of wild greenback cutthroat trout. Outside their native range, the fish are believed to have been brought to Bear Creek from the South Platte Basin in the late 1800s for a tourist fishing enterprise.
The discovery activated the CPW’s Greenback Recovery Team to protect the 3 ½-mile stretch of water holding the only known population of naturally reproducing greenbacks. It has not been easy or smooth. Science is complicated and setbacks do occur. There have been flash floods and wildfires. Invasive and aggressive brook trout are a constant threat, moving upstream and out-competing the greenbacks. In one case, 5,000 1-inch greenbacks stocked in the northeast region did not survive.
This natural reproduction of the greenbacks in Herman Gulch is the result of many individuals who never gave up. These people love wildlife and caring for Colorado’s natural resources. This multi-agency group includes state and federal aquatic researchers, biologists and hatchery managers such as Kevin Rogers, Harry Crockett, Josh Nehring, Cory Noble, Boyd Wright, Jeff Spohn, Boyd Wright, Matt Nicholl and Bryan Johnson. And this list doesn’t reflect all the wildlife officers who helped spawn and stock greenbacks as well as volunteers and partner agencies deeply involved in this effort.
The other side of triumph is tragedy. When the absolute worst happens, selfless and dedicated CPW professionals respond. There have been 41 water-related fatalities this year on Colorado’s waters including seven in Lake Pueblo, Colorado’s busiest state park.
Lake Pueblo Park Manager Joe Stadterman and his team responded to too many distress calls in 2022. Risking their own lives, they went out on patrol boats in dangerous winds and storms, and often in the dark, to pull people from pounding waves. They performed CPR on lifeless children and tended to victims with serious injuries.
Time after time, these brave officers showed up for others. If not for their efforts and personal sacrifices, the number of fatalities would have been much higher.
Notably, Stadterman and members of his team also serve on CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team, which responds to drownings both on CPW-managed waters and across the state. The team has faced an escalating death toll in recent years as outdoor recreation has exploded.
Finally, a group of human heroes who often go without fanfare is the 4,459 volunteers who donated 311,150 hours of their personal time last year – the equivalent of 150 full-time employees. CPW’s four regional volunteer coordinators deserve mention: Lori Morgan, Jeanette Lara, Trina Romero and Cathy Brons. These women are passionate, dedicated and work incredibly hard to support CPW’s mission through volunteer engagement.
The CPW Volunteer Program provides recruitment, screening, training, retention, support and resources for state parks, wildlife areas, hatcheries, educational programs and administrative offices across the state. Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s natural resources while cultivating stewardship and building stronger connections between CPW and local communities.
As 2022 comes to a close, it is a perfect time to understand, recognize and appreciate the human side of public safety and stewardship – of our treasured state lands and waterways, habitats and wildlife.
Carrie Besnette Hauser is the 2021-23 chair of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission. She lives in Glenwood Springs.
DENVER – Today, Governor Polis verbally authorized the activation of over 100 Colorado National Guard members to support extreme cold weather operations across Colorado as the state prepares to face extreme and record-low temperatures and wind.
“Colorado’s National Guard is up to the challenge whether it’s helping distribute the life-saving vaccine or respond to wildfires across our state. Colorado is about to face extreme weather and cold temperatures and the Guard is ready to assist local communities to help keep people safe during this extreme-cold weather snap,” said Governor Polis.
The verbal declaration activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take all necessary and appropriate State actions to assist the affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. This also allows the OEM to mobilize state resources, and make contracts and awards using Emergency Procurement Procedures.
DENVER – The draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan will be available for review by the public for the first time on Dec. 9, 2022. Following the presentation of the Plan, the CPW Commission will discuss and take feedback from the public at five upcoming meetings around Colorado.
Background
State statute 33-2-105.8 directs the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to:
Develop a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolves in Colorado;
Take necessary steps to begin reintroduction no later than Dec. 31, 2023, on designated lands west of the Continental Divide; and
Pay fair compensation for livestock losses caused by gray wolves
Beginning in April 2021, CPW contracted with Keystone Policy Center to conduct the public involvement effort.
CPW worked with Keystone Policy Center to hold 47 public meetings in 2021, collecting feedback from more than 3,400 Coloradans.
Additionally, CPW appointed two advisory bodies: a Technical Working Group (TWG) (contributes expertise towards the development of conservation objectives, management strategies and damage prevention and compensation planning); and a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) to provide recommendations to staff and the CPW Commission as they took on the drafting of the Plan.
Following the Dec. 9 presentation of the draft Plan, the CPW Commission will discuss and take feedback from the public at five upcoming meetings around Colorado.
“All Coloradans interested in wolf restoration should plan to virtually attend this presentation or view the recording online at a time that is most convenient for you,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Whether you’ve already submitted your feedback to CPW as one of the more than 3,400 Coloradans we heard from at public meetings over the past year or not, we’re encouraging you to look at the draft plan and submit your input at a public meeting in January and February,” Dugan said.
Dec. 9, 2022 – Presentation of the Draft Plan (virtual meeting)
Zoom/YouTube – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (approximate)
The draft Plan will be posted online at wolfengagementco.org on Dec. 9, 2022. At the Dec. 9 virtual Commission meeting, CPW will walk through the draft Plan. Time will be provided for Commissioner questions. A form for public comment will be posted at wolfengagementco.org on Dec. 9 and will remain open through Feb. 22, 2023.
There will not be an opportunity for oral comments from the public at this meeting, but the presentation will kick-off the public input process. Five statewide hearings will be held to acquire information from the public to be considered in developing the Plan. The hearing dates and locations are listed below with approximate times:
The in-person hearings will begin with CPW providing a brief overview of the plan. All the hearings will provide time for Commissioner questions and discussion.
April 6, 2023 – Final Draft Plan and Regulations (Step 1 of 2) (in-person meeting) Location TBD, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CPW staff will present the final draft Plan and associated regulations (Step 1 of 2). In-person public comment will be taken in a similar manner to the hearings and online comments may be made through wolfengagementco.org. The meeting will be streamed to YouTube to listen to live or by recording.
May 3 – 4, 2023 – Final Plan and Regulations (Step 2 of 2) Approval (in-person meeting) Glenwood Springs – Times TBD
Commissioners will vote on approval of the final Plan and associated wolf regulations.
Visit CPW’s Stay Informed page and sign up for the Wolf Reintroduction eNews to stay up to date with CPW’s Wolf Restoration efforts.
GATEWAY, Colo. – At a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting in Gateway, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will make final considerations on revising personal floatation device types to match U.S. Coast Guard changes, removing the high-use fee at certain parks, changing the daily vehicle pass fee to $10.00 at all state parks, making modifications to the Centennial pass requirements and documentation needed, removing Panorama Point at Golden Gate Canyon from the designated event facility list, revising regulations to provide discounted camping rates for seniors who purchase the non-motor vehicle individual annual pass and adopting regulation for the replacement of a lost or stolen non-motor vehicle individual annual pass.
The Commission will also make final considerations on revising the walleye bag and possession limits at Rifle Gap, revising a fishing restriction in Vallecito Creek, expanding the southwest youth extended season for fall turkey to all available GMUs in the state, adopting regulation to allow air-gun hunting of turkey in the fall and late seasons, annual changes to turkey seasons and quotas, revising boundary names for a Game Management Unit and a Bighorn Sheep Unit, revising license fees and license agent commission rates, modifications to the low-income annual Colorado State Wildlife Area pass and modifying the limited license application and drawing allocation processes for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear to include a rolling three-year average for licenses requiring ten or more preference points.
The Commission will open an annual review of big game provisions including: amending the definition of an adult novice hunter and revising the license list classification for the adult novice hunting license and adult novice ranching for wildlife license, modifying the GMU boundaries for 123, 124, 125, 128 and 129, modifying the GMU boundaries for 008 and 191, modifying the hunting closure on Mount Evans, as well as modifying hunt codes and licenses related to deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and mountain goat.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Thu., November 17 with a Commission tour of Outdoor Wilderness Lab (OWL) campus and adjourn at 5:15 p.m. The commission will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Fri., November 18 and adjourn at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page.
Additional agenda items include:
Consideration and approval of Real Estate Project 20-032
Keystone Policy Center and CPW updates on wolf planning
Public engagement strategy for the draft wolf plan
RBS-9 Arkansas River Bighorn Sheep Herd Management Plan
D-28 Arkansas River Deer Herd Management Plan
D-33 Mesa de Maya Deer Herd Management Plan
Department of Natural Resources update
Department of Agriculture update
Great Outdoors Colorado update
Financial update
A complete agenda along with all materials for public review for this meeting can be found on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the commission at . Details on providing public comments for virtual meetings are available on the CPW website.
The commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can listen to commission meetingsthrough the CPW website. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs administered by the agency. Find out more about the commission on the CPW website.
The next commission meeting is scheduled to take place on December 9.
WESTMINSTER, CO (November 3, 2022) The first Saturday in November offers everyone an opportunity to rally around a symbol of national unity, as National Bison Day celebrates the cultural, historical and economic significance of our National Mammal. The American bison is at home in a wide variety of climates across the continent, with herds today found in American parks, refuges, national forests and grasslands, Tribal lands, private conservancies, ranches and farms.
Since 2013, the United States Senate annually has designated the first Saturday in November as National Bison Day. This resolution has the full support of a community bound by the heritage of the American Bison and includes the National Bison Association, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the InterTribal Buffalo Council. These three organizations championed the enactment of legislation in 2016 designating bison as the National Mammal of the United States.
Today’s bison herds continue to grow despite a three-year cycle of pandemic, drought, and economic uncertainty. There are exciting advances in understanding bison through the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies, established in 2020 within the South Dakota State University system. Researchers and academics from across the country are bringing together projects to improve the ability of bison caretakers to manage healthy herds and produce healthy meat.
As bison return to the landscape, the National Bison Association remembers their rebound from near extinction only 150 years ago. With this National Bison Day we celebrate the heritage of the buffalo, strive to keep learning more, and create a sustainable future for the caretakers of the animals.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers Becca de Vergie and Lucas Clancy work to remove a cage for a tomato plant from the antlers of a mule deer buck in Durango.
DURANGO, Colo. – Antlered wildlife across Colorado are on the move during the fall months as they migrate to winter range and seek mating opportunities. During this time of year, deer, elk and moose are increasingly prone to becoming entangled in objects found around homes.
Earlier this month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers in Durango had to tranquilize a mule deer to safely remove a cage for a tomato plant from its antlers. The cage would swing in front of the buck’s mouth to prevent it from eating.
The same week, a wildlife officer in Woodland Park had to tranquilize a buck to get a plastic ring removed from around its hoof.
Every year, wildlife officers across Colorado respond to incidents like these when deer, elk and moose have become entangled in hammocks, volleyball nets, holiday decorations and more.
That’s why CPW asks the public to assess their homes and yards for potential tangle hazards to wildlife. People can help by putting away summer recreational equipment that is not in use and by making sure any holiday lights and decorations are wrapped tightly wherever they are strung.
“Right now is a good opportunity to clean up your yard and to remove items a curious animal might stick its nose in or get wrapped up in,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung out of the Durango office. “We see animals get wrapped up in netting, landscaping materials and holiday decorations all the time, and it can impair their mobility, vision and ability to eat and drink.”
When deer and elk become entangled, the stress involved and the physical exhaustion caused by trying to break free can lead to death.
Wildlife officers can often get deer untangled if they are nearby and notified in a timely manner. In some cases, they will cut off the animal’s antlers to free it. In other instances, they can remove the object. Some cases do not require human assistance if the entanglement is not preventing the animal from eating or drinking or if there is low risk that the animal could get caught up in other items that would prevent it from being mobile. In those instances, the animal will be free of the burden when it sheds its antlers.
“We need to know about these situations quickly,” McClung said. “It’s best if we can get to these animals before they’ve undergone too much stress and have exhausted themselves. Darting them also creates stress and can lead to mortality if the animal has already been stressed too much.
“If the animal is not tethered to what it is tangled in, it can also be difficult to chase them through a neighborhood and get into a position to dart them, or sometimes they disappear and we never catch up to help them. The sooner we get information, the more likely we will be able to assist that animal.”
As people begin to hang holiday decorations this season, CPW recommends lights and other decorations be placed higher than six feet or attached tightly to trees and buildings. Lights that hang low or that are draped insecurely over vegetation easily get tangled in antlers.
If you see wildlife that does become entangled, wildlife officials ask you to report that directly to CPW by calling an office local to you or through Colorado State Patrol if it is outside of normal business hours. When calling CSP, they will relay your information to the on-call wildlife officer in your area.
Be prepared when calling CPW with information regarding the animal’s location and time observed, its behavior, whether it is tied to an object or still mobile and if the hazard is preventing the animal from eating, drinking or breathing.
Do not try to free wildlife from entanglements yourself and always call CPW.
The rut – or breeding season – for deer enters its peak in late-November and will last through mid-December.
During this time, bucks have a one-track mind – they want a mate. So they can become agitated if any other animal, object or person appears to be posing a challenge. Dogs are often targets and they can be badly injured by a buck’s antlers.
Deer can become aggressive toward humans, too, so stay well away from them. Attacks get reported around the state each fall.
During the rutting season, bucks will also rub their antlers on various objects to mark territory and signal their presence to other bucks. That can further increase the possibility of tangle hazards.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park will offer 250 tree-cutting permits in 2022. Applications for these randomly drawn permits open on Nov. 1. This year’s tree-cutting event is Saturday, December 3.
GOLDEN, Colo. – Don’t miss your chance to visit a beautiful Colorado State Park and pick out the perfect Christmas tree to take home for the holidays. Located just 30 minutes from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is offering 250 tree-cutting permits through an online application draw event.
The entry period for the permit draw will be open from Nov. 1-15, and only one permit will be granted per household. The cost for a permit is $35. Those wishing to apply for a permit can find the application and entry information by following the link on the Golden Gate Canyon State Park page or at cpwshop.com. Applications are not available or accepted by phone or in person.
Applicants whose names are randomly drawn will be notified by email the week of Nov. 15. On Saturday, Dec. 3, applicants chosen for a permit can visit the park between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to choose and cut their tree.
Areas for both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles will be available, and some hiking will be required. Permit holders with high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles can use the pre-selected backcountry area and, in the case of bad weather, must have chains available for use. Access to the backcountry area will be open from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. – weather permitting. All other vehicles will be required to stay in the designated parking areas along the main park roadway. Access to these areas will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All vehicles must display a daily or annual parks pass.
Trees must be cut with hand tools, such as a handsaw or an ax. Chainsaws and power saws are strictly prohibited. Tree selections include Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Lodge Pole Pine and Rocky Mountain Juniper.
By cutting trees, permit holders will assist Golden Gate Canyon State Park in thinning overcrowded and dense vegetation. This selective thinning will improve the overall health of the forest and reduce the impacts of future wildfires.
For additional information on Golden Gate Canyon State Park, visit cpw.state.co.us.
LOMA, Colo. – CPW staff has discovered the presence of additional invasive zebra mussels at Highline Lake located at Highline Lake State Park north of Loma, Colorado. The discovery comes following increased testing after CPW found a single adult zebra mussel on an artificial PVC substrate in the lake during routine invasive species sampling on Sept. 14.
The discovery of additional invasive mussels in the water is indicative of an established population in the reservoir and has prompted CPW to change the status of the body of water from “Suspect” to “Infested.” This is the first time a body of water has been categorized as infested with zebra mussels in the state of Colorado.
There is currently no boating on the lake because Highline Lake closes to all surface-water activities for the season annually on October 1.
“Thanks to Colorado’s robust early detection sampling and monitoring program, we were able to make this discovery,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “As more and more people use our water resources for boating, we must continue to work tirelessly to prevent the spread of these harmful invasive species.”
The State of Colorado requires boats to be professionally inspected if:
a boat has been in any body of water that is positive, or suspect for ANS
a boat has been in any body of water outside of Colorado
a boat will be entering any water body where inspections are required
Boats exiting infested waters that are not cleaned, drained, and dry are subject to mandatory decontamination requirements.
The establishment of invasive species can lead to millions of dollars in damages to water-based infrastructure, impact water quality and limit recreational opportunity. CPW’s invasive species experts are evaluating next steps and will have more to communicate on the actions it is taking at Highline Lake at a later date.
Please help CPW stop the movement of harmful invasive species, such as zebra mussels, into new waters. Public awareness and participation is the best weapon in the prevention of invasive species.
It’s the time of year when we’re layering on sweaters and blankets, and to celebrate the winter season, the dating reviews website MyDatingAdviser.com has ranked the coziest small towns in the USA.
These Colorado towns are considered the coziest: Breckenridge (ranked No. 5 coziest in the nation), Leadville (12th), Silverton (13th), Telluride (17th), Snowmass (26th), Steamboat Springs (63rd), Mancos (83rd), Aspen (86th) and Salida (103).
To determine the coziest small towns in America, MyDatingAdviser compared 170 well-known small towns across the country on ten key metrics.
They looked into winter temperature, average snowfall, cafes, bakeries, crafts, and bookshops, among other indicators of a cozy small town. By analyzing the data points, each town has been given a ‘Cozy Town Index Score,’ representing the level of coziness you might experience in that small town.
If you’re in the mood for cozy towns to get into the winter spirit, here are some of the best small towns across the country to visit for some serious winter comfort.
Here are the 9 coziest towns in Colorado:
Breckenridge
You’ll find stunning Colorado mountain vistas year-round in this former gold rush town. In winter, powder hounds flock to Breckenridge’s ski resorts to shred powder. Once the weather warms up, outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking the Vail Pass Path and Boreas Pass Road become the main things to do. Regardless of the visit, you’ll discover plenty of breweries and distilleries to unwind after a busy day.
Rank: #5 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 24.5 °F, Winter Season: 4.1 months, Snowfall: 300 inches, Days Below Freezing: 252.8
Leadville
At around 10,000 feet, the country’s highest-elevation incorporated city—a former mining town that during the late 19th century had Colorado’s second largest population behind Denver—boasts all the goods for foodies and beverage snobs (including a brewery) and is a popular training spot for runners.
Rank: #12 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 4 months, Snowfall: 142.7 inches, Days Below Freezing: 254.9
Silverton
When prospectors headed west in search of precious minerals in the mountains, Silverton was established in 1874. As its name implies, silver was plentiful in the San Juan Mountains, where the small town is found. Although the mining camps are long gone, and the last mines closed in the 1990s, 630 people remain in the city, filled with its original architectural combination of saloons and churches—fun fact: Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level.
Rank: #13 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 16 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 173 inches, Days Below Freezing: 263.1
Telluride
With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But the mountain town also shines during the spring and summer, whether you’re looking for bluegrass and film festivals or vibrant wildflower hikes. In addition to outdoor recreation, downtown Telluride is home to art galleries and independently owned shops selling perfect souvenirs, like belts and wallets at Crossbow Leather and your next favorite plane read at Between the Covers Bookstore.
Rank: #17 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 21 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 167.2 inches, Days Below Freezing: 259.7
Snowmass
Skiers and mountain bikers love this tiny town but so do spa and dining enthusiasts, who can be kept busy for days thanks to resorts like the Westin Snowmass Resort and Viceroy Snowmass. In addition, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is an enclave for artists through its artist-in-residence program and hosts workshops, programs, and events.
Rank: #26 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 21.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 191.3 inches, Days Below Freezing: 210.3
Steamboat Springs
Situated along the banks of the Yampa River, this northern Colorado town offers excellent skiing conditions, a community of friendly locals, and geothermal hot springs that are perfect after a long day spent on the slopes. Travel to Steamboat in the fall for brilliant foliage in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, or visit in the spring to see the cascades at Fish Creek Falls. Meanwhile, the whole family will enjoy rafting down the Yampa River.
Rank: #63 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.3 months, Snowfall: 184.5 inches, Days Below Freezing: 216
Mancos
Ranches, artist workshops, and nature coexist perfectly in beautiful Mancos. Stay at a ranch, enjoy outdoor activities at Mesa Verde National Park, or stroll through the town’s Creative District. Fun fact: Mancos has several Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites.
Rank: #83 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 27 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 66.9 inches, Days Below Freezing: 174.2
Aspen
Aspen’s ski slopes bring in the masses as soon as the snow starts falling, a small town with a giant reputation. However, Aspen’s charm is seasonless, as its location in the Rocky Mountains guarantees year-round trails and hikes. Although the town had an affair with counter-culture back in the day, it now draws in those seeking pampering in the form of sophisticated cuisine and luxe lodging.
Rank: #86 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 23 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 179 inches, Days Below Freezing: 14
Salida
What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the country’s oldest and biggest white water festival? A bunch of former river guides are running things. “We’re everywhere,” jokes Mike “Diesel” Post, Salida’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. “You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking,” adds mayor emeritus P.T. Wood, who is—you guessed it—also a former guide. More of an artsy soul? Salida is also home to Colorado’s first Creative District, with many artist-owned galleries to visit.
Rank: #103 out of 170 cities
Average Winter Temperature: 27.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.2 months, Snowfall: 43 inches, Days Below Freezing: 204.6
“We’ve swept the country to find some of the coziest towns in America for a winter weekend escape. Whether you’re looking for a ski lover’s paradise, a historic spot that’s still near a major metropolis, or a remote waterfront retreat, you’ll find it on this list.
Winter can seem like a never-ending season dampened by drizzly weather, cold temperatures, and dark nights that can leave you in a miserable mood to match. Combat the seasonal blues by visiting some of the coziest small towns on this list, which can provide sanctuary and warmth while winter rages on outside.
I encourage everyone to indulge in some cozy things. Drink hot chocolate, sit by a fireplace, read a book, enjoy warm meals, and curl up with someone special under a warm blanket.”
What is Hygge?
Interestingly, the act of taking pleasure and contentment from a cozy environment is known as ‘hygge’ – a term coined by the Danes. Hygge is a central part of Danish culture, which perhaps explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.
5 ways to stay cozy this winter
1. Get your hygge on. Hygge is a Danish term that describes a general feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, and well-being. Danes embrace hygge all year and appreciate life’s simple pleasures like a scented candle, a good book, and a blanket.
2. Cook up some comfort food. Warming yourself from the inside out is a great excuse to whip up some winter classics. Soups, casseroles, and curries are hearty favorites for a reason and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
3. Heat the hub. If you live in a place that’s cold enough to run a heater, think about the areas of the house that need to be kept warm and set the space up to capture the heat. Close the doors to rooms you’re not using and, if you’re able to, install unique purpose-built windows and door seals to stop the hot air escaping.
4. Out with the old. With the weather so uninviting outside, take advantage of the warmth inside and use your extra time indoors to do a spring clean of your wardrobe. Pull out any clothes that don’t fit well or that you haven’t worn in a while.
5. Soak those winter blues away. If all else fails, retreat to the bathroom and run yourself a warm bath. It may not quite get you through to September, but it’ll help warm you up!
Methodology:
To determine the coziest small towns in the nation, MyDatingAdviser.com compared 170 well-known small towns across the following categories: 1) Weather, 2) Food, and 3) Activities.
They then evaluated each area using 10 data points of cozy town friendliness—like average winter temperature, snowfall, cafes, bakeries, and craft shops.
For more information, please contact Amy Pritchett ().
MyDatingAdviser.com is a US dating website committed to offering singles advice and reviews. Amy Pritchett started her website in March 2019 and is passionate about providing people with love and relationship advice.
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