How I Embrace the Chill of Living in the Rocky Mountains

Throughout my life, I have lived in places where heavy snowfall and cold temperatures are common. Even when I went away to college, I lived in a city where I’d frequently experience frozen eyelashes and icy nose hairs as I walked to class each morning.

I currently live in Idaho, just a short drive from one of the coldest places in the continental United States. Living in these cold climates throughout my life has been hard, especially for a girl who loves sunshine like myself. However, I’ve found several ways to fall in love with the winter months and embrace the chill of living in the Intermountain West. Here are just a few ways I survive these cold months in this beautiful area of the country ... and a few ideas for you as well.

Find something you love about winter

I have an incredible collection of sweaters and scarves. In fact, some of my favorite clothing items I own are designed for cold weather. When the snowy, chilly weather begins making an appearance, I get excited as I can pull out my seasonal clothing. I also have thick, heavy blankets that are too hot for the summer months but are perfect for when the cold weather arrives.

One of my best tips for surviving a winter in the Rockies is to find items you love and can only use during this time of the year. These should be items that bring a smile to your face and cause excitement for their first use of the season — maybe it is a special flavor of hot chocolate or a visit to a certain destination. Just find something YOU love.

Purchase the proper gear

Preparation is critical for living in the Rocky Mountains. You must own proper cold-weather gear *and* use it. How much does it snow in the Rockies? It varies on the location but no matter if it is only 10 inches or 200 inches (which is the annual average snowfall in the Rocky Mountains), you need proper cold-weather gear for fun winter activities and even must-do chores such as shoveling a sidewalk or driveway. The best winter gear is going to protect you against harsh outdoor elements and prevent dread each time you step outside.

Become active

If you are like me, it is easy to stay cooped up indoors when the temperatures drop and the snow falls. But, winter is actually the perfect time to step outside and move your body. Even better, the list of winter activities is long as it ranges from winter hikes and cross-country skiing to ice skating and sledding. My husband enjoys heart-racing winter activities like snowmobiling and snowboarding, while I prefer snowshoeing (Harriman State Park in Island Park, Idaho, is one of my favorite places to go).

And while getting out of the house is good for your body, it’s also beneficial for your mind and mood. Winter activities, fresh air, and sunshine are terrific ways to beat the winter blues.

Pinpoint your anxieties and figure out a solution

Snow-covered, icy roads cause me great anxiety and I hate traveling when road conditions are poor. However, I also understand that winter roads are common where I live so I take the time to practice driving in the snow.

When I was learning how to drive as a teenager, my dad would take me to empty parking lots on snowy days and we’d purposely spin circles so I’d learn how to control the vehicle on winter roads. My husband continues to do this today (even after driving for 20+ years) to help me feel more comfortable behind the wheel — and, I'm sure, to hear me squeal. Before the snow falls, we also ensure our vehicles are in tip-top condition for the winter roads and that we have essential items stored in all of our vehicles in case we ever find ourselves stuck or stranded. A little preparation goes a long way when traveling in the winter.

Make traveling to sunny and warm destinations a priority

Every winter I go on a vacation to a sunny, warm destination for several days. Some of these destinations have included Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, and California. These trips give me something to look forward to when the days in Idaho are long and cold. The winter blues can come on strong while living in the Rockies and a short escape to a warm destination is a terrific way to keep a smile on my face.

Take advantage of the snowy weather – it won’t last forever

Some days it feels like winter will last forever but it’s so important to remember that it won’t. Take advantage of the winter activities, cozy sweaters, warm beverages, and especially the beauty that only comes this time of the year. One great way to do this is to create a winter bucket list. There may only be five or six items on the list (don’t go too crazy), but a little exploration and adventure can change everything.

Winter in the rocky mountains can be pretty brutal, especially for a girl who loves sunshine like myself. But with the above tips in mind, it becomes just a little bit easier to embrace the chill of the Intermountain West. However, I'm always itching to get outside when signs of spring arrive.

What do you love most about the winter? What are some of your favorite things to do in the winter or places to visit? Let me know. I’d love to hear from you. And if you are willing to bundle up and head out into the cold, check out these outdoor destinations in the U.S. that will help you fall in love with winter.