Colorado Springs Realtor

Colorado Realtor

Hollee Jo Vail
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719-590-4726
Fax:
719-590-9122
Toll Free:
866-446-5533
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Our Climate

High Altitude
There’s a lot less oxygen in the air at 6,035 feet than at sea level. Almost everyone who moves here notices that exertion causes a bit of huffing and puffing, at least for a while. Difficulty sleeping and headaches aren’t uncommon. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations and other, more serious complaints. In most cases, the key to getting used to the altitude is taking it easy so nature can take its course. Food, alcohol, and exercise should all be taken in moderation.

Low Humidity
Our low humidity means you can become dehydrated before you realize it. Perspiration doesn’t soak your clothing the way it does in more humid climates. It just evaporates. Drink lots of water! You’ll also notice that your skin feels dryer. Moisturizers and lip balm are best-sellers around here. Low humidity has its upside too. Spills, rain, and snow evaporate quickly. Mosquitoes and most other insects are scarce.

Less Atmosphere=More Sun
There’s also less atmosphere here to screen out skin-damaging ultraviolet radiation, so sunburn happens more quickly. Apply sunscreen more frequently than you might at lower elevations. And equip yourself with a good pair of sunglasses, especially in the mountains, around water, or while skiing.

Baking a Cake
Baking from scratch means using about 25 percent less baking powder, two tablespoons less sugar per cup, four tablespoons more water per cup, and increasing oven temperature by about 25 degrees. Mixes usually have adjustments printed on the package. Water boils at a lower temperature here, so food takes longer to cook. Call the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Office at (719) 636-8920 for more detailed information. Also, many excellent Colorado cookbooks that take our altitude into consideration can be found at area bookstores, supermarkets, and kitchen shops.

Shorter Growing Seasons
Higher altitude makes for a shorter growing season. In Colorado Springs, the last killing frost occurs, on average, about May 15, and the first hard freeze usually hits in mid-October. The dry climate makes frequent watering of gardens, lawns, shrubs, and trees a necessity. The CSU Extension Office at (719) 636-8920 and the local Horticultural Art Society at (719) 475-0250 can advise you on the best varieties for Colorado gardening and how to care for them. Also check out the Colorado Springs Utilities’ Xeriscape Demonstration Garden on Mesa Road north of Fillmore Street for water-conserving landscaping ideas.

Drive Like a Native
Older vehicles may need carburetor and timing adjustments to run smoothly at our altitude. Most fuel-injected, computer-controlled engines do just fine, although you may notice a bit less power.

Be aware that major snowstorms can occur in Colorado Springs from early September to late May, and at any time in the mountains, especially on the higher passes. This explains why every other vehicle in Colorado seems to have four-wheel drive. For conventional cars, snow tires are a good idea. And slow down! Almost all accidents on slippery roads are caused by driving too fast for the conditions.

Snowy conditions usually dissipate quickly because of Colorado’s low humidity and intense sun. Unlike snow in the East, it usually disappears in a few days. Smart winter travelers keep an eye on weather reports to avoid heading out into blizzard conditions, and they carry emergency kits with blankets, food, and water. If you should get stuck, it’s almost always safest to stay with your vehicle and wait for help.