What to Know If You’ve Never Lived in the Mountains
If you’re considering a move to Evergreen, Colorado—or just signed a lease on your first mountain home—there’s one question that always comes up:
“How bad are the winters?”
And if you’ve never lived in the mountains before, the idea of heavy snow, icy roads, and freezing temps can sound intimidating. But here’s the truth:
Winters in Evergreen are beautiful, manageable, and 100% worth it—as long as you know what to expect.
This guide breaks down what mountain winters are really like in Evergreen, Colorado, and how to be ready (and cozy) all season long.
1. Yes, It Snows—But Not Constantly
Evergreen sits at about 7,200 feet in elevation, so yes, you’ll definitely get snow. On average, Evergreen sees 80–100 inches of snow per year—but that doesn’t mean you’ll be buried all winter.
Snow usually falls in bursts, with sunshine in between. Unlike cloudy city winters, the sun comes out often, making it easier to dig out your driveway and shake off cabin fever.
In fact, many Evergreen locals love the winter months—it’s when the forests look magical, Evergreen Lake freezes for ice skating, and powdery mornings feel like something out of a snow globe.
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2. Roads Are Plowed—But You Need the Right Car
This is where mountain life is different. The roads in Evergreen are well maintained, especially the main ones like Highway 74, I-70, and Evergreen Parkway. CDOT and Jefferson County do a great job plowing quickly after storms.
That said, your driveway and neighborhood road might not be first on the list, and steep hills can get slick.
What you need:
• All-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD)
• Snow tires or all-terrain tires—not just all-seasons
• A snow brush and ice scraper in your car at all times
• Bonus: a small shovel in the trunk, just in case
Pro tip: If you’re renting a home in Evergreen, make sure you ask whether snow removal is included—some landlords cover it, others leave it to you.
3. Be Prepared for Power Flickers and Freezing Pipes
Winters in Evergreen are not extreme, but mountain weather is still weather—and you’ll want to be ready for occasional outages or cold snaps.
Here’s what to have on hand:
• Flashlights and extra batteries (bonus: a headlamp)
• Backup heat source (if your home has a wood stove or fireplace)
• A plan for keeping pipes warm—this is especially important in older homes
• Sand or kitty litter for icy driveways
If you’re new to mountain winters, it helps to rent from a local property manager who knows what to watch for and can handle maintenance quickly (we know a good one—Evergreen CO Rentals 👋).
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4. Your Daily Life Will Slow Down—and That’s a Good Thing
One of the best things about Evergreen winters? Life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. ❄️
You’ll:
• Wake up to peaceful snow-covered pines
• Spend weekends skiing, snowshoeing, or just sipping hot cocoa by the fire
• Realize how magical it feels to step outside into silence after a snowfall
It’s not chaotic—it’s cozy. Just give yourself a little extra time in the mornings, dress in layers, and embrace the rhythm of mountain life.
5. Don’t Let Winter Scare You Away—Just Come Prepared
Here’s the real talk: winters in Evergreen are not “bad,” they’re just different.
If you’re coming from a city or warmer state, the key is adjusting your expectations:
• Yes, you’ll need to shovel occasionally.
• Yes, you’ll want a good coat, gloves, and snow boots.
• Yes, your commute may be slower some mornings—but the view will be better than anything you’ve ever seen in traffic.
Living in Evergreen gives you the best of Colorado—a mountain lifestyle with access to Denver, a true four-season experience, and winter wonderland vibes that’ll make you forget you ever lived anywhere else.
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Work With Local Experts Who Know Mountain Life
At Evergreen CO Rentals, we help renters and homeowners navigate everything about living in the Colorado foothills—including what to expect in winter.
We:
• Help renters find winter-ready homes with the right features
• Offer snow removal coordination and trusted maintenance partners
• Live right here in Evergreen, so we know exactly what works in winter (and what doesn’t)
If you’re looking to rent in Evergreen and want a property management team that knows the mountain lifestyle inside and out, we’ve got you covered—year-round.
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Final Thoughts
So, how bad are winters in Evergreen, Colorado? Not bad at all—just beautiful, brisk, and a little snowy. With the right gear, the right vehicle, and the right support, winter becomes one of the best reasons to live here.
And if you’re renting? Let Evergreen CO Rentals help you find a home that’s winter-ready and worry-free.
