Breckenridge in January (Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon: to buy, live in, cost of)

[another_hot-day]

Hello,
We are coming to Breckenridge to snowboard mid January. We saw the average temp for that time of the year is in the 30's but that doesn't account for the wind chill.
So, my question is, how cold will it likely be there in mid Jan. Do we need to be prepared for sub zero weather?

Any help is appreciated. We live in Austin Texas and getting extreme cold weather gear is a little tough and takes some time.

[Snikt]

I would say you certainly need to be prepared for it, usually though if you dress up head to toe in your ski/snowboard stuff you don't really feel the wind anyway. If it's really cold and windy you don't really want any exposed skin.

Also, is that 30s in town? In town temperature and up on the lift at 12,000FT temperature are totally different

[another_hot-day]

I'm pretty sure it was for the slopes as the article was about the slopes.

I did see people in their shorts and such in the pictures for the norse god festival (forget his name) but I know how that goes once people have an adequate supply of booze in them.

Thanks so much for your reply. I feel a little better now. I don't mind cold but the cost of gear was starting to get ridiculous!

[Snikt]

You're also from out of town, some might be locals. I've seen local girls in mini skirts and heels when its like 10F

[Idunn]

Yes.

And if that is perhaps a bit too succinct, then I'll add that I witnessed one January in Silverthorne when the temperature never rose above Oº. Breckenridge being a bit higher in elevation, I doubt that it is all that more balmy there.

This isn't to imply that it will always be as cold, or you must plan on dressing like a polar bear. There are times when out in the sun, and the wind temperate, that if particularly moving and skiing that you might not feel rather warm and pleasant. Only have enough of a jacket for the ride up on the chairlift when that perspiration switches gears and begins to refreeze.

On the subject of wind, I'll add that once at the top of A-Basin I unscientifically figured the temperature at -130 or something. As the temperature a steady minus something, and the wind chill with the wind strong enough to threaten carrying off anything not tied down, being noticeable.

You're sure to have a fine time. But do have a jacket.

[RedSoxFanGoingWest]

Definitely dress in layers because there is definitely the strong possibility of some really cold temps. There is also the strong possibility that you'll be sitting outside after your day of riding with a cold beer and no jacket - one of my favorite pastimes!!

Have fun. Breck is a great town!

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by another_hot-day

Hello,
We are coming to Breckenridge to snowboard mid January. We saw the average temp for that time of the year is in the 30's but that doesn't account for the wind chill.
So, my question is, how cold will it likely be there in mid Jan. Do we need to be prepared for sub zero weather?

Any help is appreciated. We live in Austin Texas and getting extreme cold weather gear is a little tough and takes some time.

There is always the possibility of days where it is sunny and it hits 30 and will feel relatively pleasant. I'm using the word relatively because for locals that is warm, but outsiders not used to winter for 9 months of the year might not find it as balmy.

However the dominant weather pattern will be colder, especially up on the slopes and also if the wind is blowing or the sun is not available to provide warmth.

I have been in Breck in Jan at night where temps hit -20 without windchill, so I would definitely be prepared.

Breck is at 9600 ft and it's one of the colder ski towns.

[Fuzz]

As mentioned, daytime temps can vary from the 30s to single digits. But in general, it will be cold. Usually colder up on the mountain than in town. And it's more than just the temperature. The sun makes a big difference. As does the wind -- just look at the surrounding mountains in the morning -- if you see plumes of snow blowing along the peaks and ridges, that means it's windy. There's a reason it's also known as "Breckenfridge".

Dress in layers (with good non-cotton base layers). If it's really windy, face masks can be very helpful to cover exposed skin. On really cold days, you can use hand and toe warmers (little packets filled with chemicals that generate heat for several hours).

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by another_hot-day

We live in Austin Texas and getting extreme cold weather gear is a little tough and takes some time.

Also I wouldn't overdo it as there is factory stores in Silverthorne and a plethora of ski and outdoor shops that have everything under the sun in Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne and Breckenridge. So if you do need to buy warm clothing or specialty outdoor clothing items you will not lack for any choice.

[another_hot-day]

So it will be cold as chit, but I will have a blast, and we can get our gear there.
Awesome!! Thanks ya'll for replying!!