Make the most of living in Boulder this winter
Boulder is a beautiful place to live with fun entertainment, great food and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re living in Boulder for the first time this winter or have been in town for a while, here are some tips for making the most of your time here.
Enjoy outdoor activities
Boulder often has many warm and sunny days to enjoy the great outdoors, even during winter. Here are a few activities to try this season:
- Explore the Boulder Creek Path: Take a walk or bike ride on the to check out new parts of the city. Students can sign up for a free student pass with unlimited e-bike rides.
- Try hiking or snowshoeing: If you don’t have all the essential equipment, Outdoor Pursuits has snowshoes, winter hiking boots, trekking poles, insulated pants and jackets and more available for rent after Jan. 31.
- Go skiing: If you have an Ikon Pass, check out the CU Ski Bus Program for transportation to the mountains.
Visit thrift stores for winter gear
Do you need to purchase items for winter? Whether you need a snow shovel, waterproof boots or a new winter coat, thrift stores are a great place to find reasonably priced goods.
Boulder is home to many . Not only will you save money and find one-of-a-kind items, but shopping at thrift stores is a sustainable choice that can help the environment.
Avoid tickets by shoveling your sidewalk
In Boulder, residents must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm. Review your lease or check with your landlord to see who is responsible for snow removal. If you have any questions, contact Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations or Student Legal Services for a free lease review.
Another reminder for winter in Boulder is to make sure your heat is kept at the temperature your lease designates, or above 55 degrees if it doesn’t designate a temperature, to prevent pipes from freezing.
Support local businesses and get involved
Get to know your neighbors and community on another level by attending local events and supporting local businesses. Check Downtown Boulder’s list for affordable and local dining options.
If you have some free time this semester, volunteering is a great way to get more involved in your community. Volunteering allows you to meet new people, support a cause that matters to you and gain experience you can include on your resume. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to learn about opportunities.
Be considerate of others
We all play a part in the well-being of our community. Whether we realize it or not, our actions can sometimes affect those around us. For example, playing loud music at the end of a long day may help you relax, but it might also annoy your neighbors. Whether you’re in your neighborhood or other areas of Boulder, be considerate and thoughtful of those around you.
- Get to know your neighbors. Wherever you live, take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Fill out and share contact information cards with your neighbors so you can keep in touch if anything comes up.
- Pay attention to noise levels. You could be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of day.
- Follow fireworks restrictions. Fireworks pose a significant fire risk and can cause substantial noise disruption to residential areas. The and prohibit possessing or discharging all fireworks, firecrackers or skyrockets.
- Register your party. Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations and the Boulder Police Department have partnered to provide a registration program that will give you a 20-minute warning call, instead of an immediate police dispatch, if your residence receives a noise complaint.
To learn more about ordinances, avoiding citations and other helpful tips about living in Boulder, connect with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. If you receive a citation or find yourself in legal trouble, Student Legal Services (SLS) can help. Visit SLS in UMC 311 or call 303-492-6813 to schedule an appointment.