New place, new rules. Absolutely correct.

As a New Englander with some of the same conditions, I would suggest a few things for wintertime. Most of them you've heard before.

1. Different EDC bag in the back of the car. Include blanket, spare windshield washer fluid, rainwear, winter wipers (minimizes snowpack on the blades), jumper cables. And on and on.

2. Snow tires. FOUR! The brakes don't stop the car, they stop the wheels. The tires stop the car. I want as much advantage over the snow as I can get. And if you are driving 4WD or AWD, in that case get FOUR snow tires. It will matter less getting up the hill, but just as important coming down the other side and stopping before sliding into the intersection.

3. Driving in winter. Nothing is as important to make certain you get where you are going as slowing down. If you are on the highway you should be in the right lane. If you pass anyone, slow down.

Yes, this is pretty conservative advice. And, of course, modify these rules as you gain experience. But that first winter will be a BIG learning experience for you.

When I was in the USMC, we went to Minnesota for winter training. The tenp was -10F. We had some guys in the unit from Florida who had never seen snow before. They went out & played in the snow & got hypothermia. They had to be taken to the hospital to be thawed out!

Oh - and if your truely want EVERY advantage in the snow - get a set of chains (again, 4 if you have 4wd) and toss them in the trunk. You might use them 1-2 times a decade, but when you need them, there is nothing like them

"Oh - and if your truely want EVERY advantage in the snow - get a set of chains (again, 4 if you have 4wd) and toss them in the trunk. You might use them 1-2 times a decade, but when you need them, there is nothing like them "

Amen. But before you toss them in the trunk, try installing them. Find out if they FIT and what kind of monkeying around is needed to get them installed. Do it in good weather at the time of your choosing so you don't waste your time lying in snow trying to make chains go onto tires that are 2 sizes bigger than stock.....

Turns out our Floridian is going to take a job in a building I worked in for a period. So we have lots to talk about.

Wonders of the Internet :-)

unimogbert

yes,samhain, they did kill Kenny...many, many times! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Actually the "Try them before you need them" is something you should do with ALL of your gear

I am back in Colorado after a 10 year respite. All Dangerous aspects aside I love it, feel safe living here, and will always come back here.

The mountains are rich with resources. If I have to eek it out and can get to a particular spot in the mountains, I’m going and never leaving. The amount of animals is incredible. It’s easier to get water in the mountains. If you are going to be bored you might as well be surrounded by beauty.

I don't think Denver is a huge target in the grand scheme of things.

Water is a problem. Store it, have a plan. Drought is my biggest concern right now.

People in Colorado are prepared. You can be alot of miles from anywhere in a hurry, we have places called "Last Chance" and "No Name" for a reason. You better believe these people are prepared.

You will get comfortable here quickly. Every place has its own set of circumstances. The weather is hard to beat.

Snow, it’s not that bad. Snow comes down in feet and melts the next day because it’s back up to 70*. A key to surviving in snow is to know how your vehicles respond to it. Spend some time in a parking lot after a snow and get used to how it feels to be out of control. Soon you will never truly be out of control. Practice, practice, practice.

Unimog Guy, do you actually have one? I wish I did.

Where are you moving to in Colorado???

Colorado Springs.

Only 10 days until moving day!