Snow in Woodland Park (Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs: rental, hotel, buying a house)

[Galt]

Before the end of the month I will be in Colorado Springs hunting for my retirement house. I am more interested in Woodland Park, but have been warned by people who lived in Colorado Springs that there is a lot more snow in WP than in COS. Also they said that WP is in the shadow of Pikes Peak, so the snow doesn't melt readily like it does in COS.

I would appreciate comments on this issue of snow in WP. Also is all of WP "in the shadow of Pikes Peak"? Or is some side of that town free of that. How about the towns coming down toward COS. Do they get snow that stays on the ground for more than a few days?

I won't be working so I am not worried about commuting, but neither am I sufficiently able bodied any longer to shovel snow.

[little city max]

Woodland Park is beautiful! As for the snow...we moved here at the end of March and that is (from what I've been told) the snowy season. We got some big storms but it melted within days....if it's a few inches or less it melts in hours. According to my geography I don't believe Pikes Peak shadows WP at all. It's directly south of us so it's sunny (weather permitting) all day and wow, is the sun warm! Even on the cold cold days you can feel the warmth. As for the shoveling I'm sure there are some school aged kids that wouldn't mind a few extra bucks to come shovel your walk/porch...I know that's how I earned my money back in the day. I'm sure some other residents will have more info for ya but I hope this helped a little. Good luck picking your home!

[Galt]

Thanks for the info., Little City Max. I have only been in COS and WP in summer months the past few years. I do like WP, but I have to think seriously about whether I would ever adapt to the altitude.

I lived most of my life in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, which are below sea level, and have found that I have a real problem with altitude. I spent 2-3 months in Colorado a couple years ago, and I got used to the lower elevations, like in COS, but I never adapted to anything higher than that.

I spent two weeks in Silverton and finally had to leave because I was so ill from the altitude. And I became horribly ill up on Pikes Peak. I will never go up there again. Looking at it is good enough for me.

I spent two weeks in WP last summer and I wasn't too miserable, but I couldn't exert myself.

Not that any of this has anything to do with snow...

[little city max]

Ah, I understand. I had some trouble too when I first moved here. Certainly your health comes first so if you decide this is where you want to retire maybe speak with your doctor about it. I know there are a few things you can do to help ease the symptoms until your body can adjust. Or, how do you like the Manitou Springs area? That is a beautiful town! My husband and I are actually thinking about buying a house there instead of WP if we can find one. The elevation is probably about 2000 feet lower and the drive to WP is just 15 minutes or so.

[Coloradobound2009]

Galt-

I would recommend staying in a decent hotel/motel when you first come out to live...I wouldn't even suggest getting a rental since you will have to sign a lease. Yeah, it would be a bit more expensive monthly to have a hotel or motel but you would in fact save money if you found that you couldn't handle the elevation and/or snow come winter. While you are living in the hotel/motel you could continue to scout the area for a home to buy if thats the direction you were going to take...but at least you wouldn't be "committing" to a place that could possible have an adverse affect on your health. If you did this for say 2-3 months in the winter up here in Woodland Park you would be able to get a taste of the snow and the altitude then make the most informed decision possible.

It's all about keeping your options open...

[PokerMunkee]

Quite a bit more snow in WP than the Springs. We'll get 12" and the Springs might get a dusting. Definitely 10 degrees cooler in Woodland than in the Springs, which is terrific in the summer, but not so great in the winter.

These were taken near the end of April. In the Springs, they maybe got 1-2", some less in the eastern areas.

[MountainPharmD]

Two things to keep in mind about Woodland Park. The altitude and the snow. If you have any health problems with your lungs Woodland Park is not the place for you. The snow will only bother you if you have to be somewhere (such as the Springs) on a regular basis in the winter. If you are retired this should not be a problem. Woodland Park is due north of pikes peak so it has no effect on snow melt. The fact WP is at 8500 feet does have an effect. There is a good 10 to 15 degree difference in temp between the Springs and Woodland Park which is why the snow stays around longer.

[Galt]

Thank you. These comments have been very helpful to my considerations.

[SabrinaWP]

I happen to love the snow, and live in Woodland Park. The pictures above are rare unfortunately. The snow never stays around very long because of the altitude. Have you heard the saying "the city above the clouds"? That comes form the 300+ days of sunshine we get, which tends to melt the snow quickly. Highways and most side streets are accessible everyday. We moved here from Calif. about 8 years ago and love it!

[kseagren]

Does anyone have any opinion on specific areas such as Briargate, Fairfax or Windjammer? Also, does anyone know if Woodland "Park" is the same as Woodland "Hills"- Anyone with any information, it would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! Hopefully, future CO Springs resident....