A Denver Winter Packing Guide

Sitting 5,280 feet above sea level on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is blessed with surprisingly mild winters thanks to a semi-arid, high desert climate. The city enjoys average winter highs reaching into the mid-40s, along with dry, windy weather and more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

Snowfall here averages just 57 inches annually—a fraction of the whopping 300-plus inches that falls on the neighboring mountain towns of Vail and Breckenridge. But don’t let our sunny days and frequently bare sidewalks fool you: when it storms in Denver, it really storms, which is why it’s essential to prepare with the right apparel and accessories.

Winter weather in Denver can change on a dime, so staying comfortable throughout the season is all about layering up. For a tried-and-true approach to everyday winter wear, start with a moisture-wicking base layer in a wool or synthetic fabric. Add an insulating layer like a sweater, fleece, or down vest, then top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to ensure you stay dry, no matter what the Colorado weather has in store. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors while you’re here, it can be helpful to have options when it comes to outerwear: a heavy coat for stormy days and a light jacket for milder ones.

Snow in Denver generally doesn’t stay on the ground for long. Temperatures tend to hover just above or below freezing, which means there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some slush while you’re here. To ensure your feet stay warm and dry, be sure to bring a pair of waterproof, insulated boots with good traction. Other essential winter accessories include a warm hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens. Don’t forget sunglasses for those bright and sunny days, which are made all the brighter by a fresh blanket of snow.

In the winter months, it can be all too easy to let things like hydration and sun protection fall by the wayside, but they’re especially important here in Denver thanks to the city’s dry air, high altitude, and low humidity levels. Whether you’re carving the slopes, traversing the trails, or taking a few leisurely laps around the rink, plan ahead and be prepared with broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses or tinted goggles, and a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.

If you’re planning a day trip outside of town, bringing along a day pack for all your essentials can be a good idea. (Looking for inspiration on where to go? Check out our roundup of must-do day trips from downtown Denver.)

Packing your own winter sports equipment is entirely optional; rentals are generally easy to find in and around Denver, with the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park, Loveland Ski Area, and Winter Park Resort all offering on-site skate, ski, and snowboard rentals. If you do decide to bring your own gear, you can take advantage of complimentary luggage storage for guests of The Crawford Hotel, along with no-fee carry-on service aboard the Amtrak Winter Park Express, a seasonal rail service that takes you directly from Denver Union Station to the slopes of Winter Park.

Chunky knits, woolly socks, and bulky puffers can all take up quite a bit of real estate in your luggage. So when it comes to efficient winter packing, it’s helpful if your duds can pull double-duty—after all, there’s more to the Mile High City than just the great outdoors. For a wardrobe that takes you seamlessly from a day on the slopes to cocktails at The Cooper Lounge, try curating your suitcase like a capsule collection, with easily interchangeable items that you can combine to create the perfect outfit for any occasion.

For ladies, pair a knit sweater with fleece-lined leggings by day; come evening, swap in a satin skirt, heels, and a statement necklace for a look that’s equal parts cozy and chic. For gentlemen, embrace classic smart-casual pieces that you can dress up or down as the day dictates: a wool coat in a dark color, a pair of Chelsea boots, or a chunky cardigan that can double as a blazer for a night on the town. (Plus, with multiple James Beard Award-winning dining options right downstairs in Denver Union Station, you’ll never have to worry about navigating snowy sidewalks in your good shoes.)

The key to surviving Colorado’s dry winter air? Hydration, hydration, hydration! Avoid chapped lips and keep your skin glowing all season long by including a rich, nourishing face moisturizer, body lotion, and lip balm on your winter packing list. And if your skin needs a little extra pick-me-up during your stay, The Oxford Club and Spa offers a fantastic menu of specialized facials and body treatments, conveniently located just across the road on 17th Street. (As a guest of The Crawford Hotel, you can also take advantage of complimentary access to their gym and fitness classes for the duration of your stay.)

Forgot to pack something? Not to worry—our central location in the heart of lively LoDo puts some of Denver’s best shops and boutiques within easy reach. Find that perfect, one-of-a-kind accessory to elevate your winter look at 5 Green Boxes, located right downstairs in Union Station’s Great Hall. Take a short stroll over to Rockmount Ranch Wear on neighboring Wazee Street, an iconic Denver institution offering a curated selection of authentic Western clothing and accessories. Shop for top-rated outdoor gear and apparel from popular brands like Fjällräven, Thule, and Helly Hansen, all within a 20-minute walk of The Crawford Hotel. Or head over to Larimer Street to the flagship location of Topo Designs, an iconic Colorado brand selling everything from bags and packs to clothing and accessories, with an unwavering commitment to durability, style, and sustainability.

Whatever your flavor of winter fun, you’re sure to find something to suit. Now, finding room in your suitcase? That’s another story…

Feeling inspired to embrace all that winter in Denver has to offer? Explore The Crawford Hotel’s inviting rooms and luxurious suites for the perfect cold-weather retreat, then start packing and get ready to experience the Mile High City at its coziest and most charming this season.