Local Knowledge

High-altitude Advice
At some 9,300 feet above see level, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. You may notice that you are breathing deeper or faster, your heart is beating faster, or you feel a bit short of breath at times. You may also have a headache, a touch of nausea, feel unusually tired, or have trouble sleeping. Symptoms usually disappear 24-26 hours after arrival.

Altitude sickness is partially caused by dehydration. It isn't much fun and there is an easy way to avoid it: drink water. The combination of high altitude, long active days, plus eating and drinking improperly can all lead to dehydration and altitude sickness. Don't wait until you're thirsty to have a drink, but rather keep the fluids moving through your body all day. By the time you are feeling thirsty your body is already telling you it's dehydrated. The recommended daily fluid intake is 8 glasses per day—these numbers exclude carbonated soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages, which do more harm than good when it comes to hydrating the body. Bottled water is readily available all over. Drink it!

The sun has more power in thin air – so beware. Always use strong sunscreen. Also wear UV-blocking sunglasses even on cloudy days.

Weather Stats
Colorado's mountainous region has a mild and arid climate. Yet, 300 inches of snow fall on average, and the sun shines 300 days of the year on this alpine village. Expect the snow to fall from mid-October through mid-May.

Springtime in May and June bring the most rainfall. While summer in July, August and September tend to bring wildflowers, and warm and dry days with cool nights. Come Fall, there's always a chance for light snow. The Colorado Rocky Mountains tend to have constantly changing weather, so be prepared for anything!

These are the monthly averages for the area. Precipitation is measured in melted snow or rainwater, and is not the actual snowfall averages for a given month. Check out our mountain stats for average snowfall.

Average Temperatures
Month High Low Precipitation
January 31.5° F -1.4° F 1.08 in
February 34.3° F 1.2° F 1.21 in
March 39.0° F 7.5° F 1.59 in
April 47.6° F 17.0° F 1.70 in
May 58.6° F 25.6° F 1.51 in
June 68.6° F 31.4° F 1.18 in
July 74.1° F 36.8° F 1.18 in
August 72.3° F 35.8° F 1.78 in
September 66.4° F 28.5° F 1.33 in
October 55.7° F 20.2° F 1.06 in
November 41.0° F 10.0° F 1.03 in
December 33.3° F 1.9° F 1.12 in

Time Zone
Mountain Time is 2 hours behind Eastern (New York) Time. So if it's 8 am in New York, it's 6 am here. And we're 1 hour ahead Pacific (California) Time. So if it's 8 am in LA , it's 9 am here.

ATMs
All over, you'll find Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They are located at most banks, in shopping malls and often in convenience stores and gas stations. Most are linked to international banking networks such as the Cirrus and Plus systems (these companies will have their logo stamped on the back of your bank card) and are the easiest way to withdraw cash as you need it. Be sure to check your daily withdrawal limit with your home bank before you depart, and be prepared to pay withdrawal fees of $1 to $3.

Business Hours
Banks are open, other than federal holidays, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm. Shops generally are open everyday.

Tipping
It is customary to tip 15% to restaurant wait-staff and to bartenders. Of course, this is discretionary, and you should leave as much as you feel comfortable. If you have a large party, usually a group of 8 or more, gratuities may be included in the bill. Ask if you are unsure.

Emergencies
Call 911 for police, fire department, and ambulance.

Backcountry Information
(970) 668-0600
If you're heading out into the backcountry, make sure you're prepared. Phone the Colorado Avalanche Information Center hotline that's sponsored by the Summit County Rescue Group. They'll give you the current local weather and avalanche conditions.

Electricity
The United States, and all of North America, uses 110-120V, 60 cycles, opposed to many other countries, including those in Europe that use 220-240V, 50 cycles. Voltage converters are not always readily available so it is recommended you pick one up in your home country rather than be disappointed and have your hair dryer ruined.

Area Code
Area Code = 970 for all of Summit County