Colorado Springs
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
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Altitude Awareness
With the entire state being a mile or more above sea level, the altitude can take some getting use to. For the first couple of months, some people may find they lose their breath with little exertion. Other common symptoms include frequent nose bleeds, dry skin, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It’s important to give yourself time to acclimate.
Tips for High-Altitude:- HYDRATION! Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to adjust to higher altitudes.
- Take it easy. Avoid strenuous exercise within the first couple of weeks and don’t attempt to go up into the mountains until you are well-adjusted.
- Expect dryness. Pack your lip balm, body lotion, and sunscreen.
- Click here for additional tips!
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Weather & Natural Disasters
The weather in Colorado Springs is as diverse as its landscape. It is not unusual to encounter thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, forest fire smoke, or hail during your time in Colorado.
Spring is especially unpredictable, often bringing brief afternoon storms or hail, while summers are typically warm, with average highs around 86°F (30°C). Winters are mild but can see temperatures dropping to an average low of 17°F (-8°C). And any snow that does fall, tends to melt just as quickly as it got here (esspecially if you have a south facing driveway).
With the unpredictable weather, it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of conditions when you're outdoors.- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Situational Awareness Resources
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For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
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Neighbourhoods
Interactive Map of Colorado Springs Neighbourhoods: "This webpage catalogs the many neighborhoods in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Each section contains links to adjacent communities, facilitating effortless exploration of the area. Our interactive maps allow for swift navigation through each area's notable neighborhoods. Additionally, we have curated a selection of blog posts that offer in-depth local insights for those interested in a more thorough understanding of the areas surrounding Colorado Springs."
Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator: Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more.
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Getting Around
Colorado Springs has a well-planned road system. To the city’s east, Powers Blvd (or Hwy 21) is a major North-South thoroughfare and to the West is Interstate 25 (I-25). Both provide rapid access from one end of the city to the other and are connected by multiple East-West bound roads. Public transportation is not as easily accessible as in most Canadian cities. Mountain Metro Transit provides limited local bus service.
For information regarding road conditions or traffic, CDOT (www.codot.gov) is typically the most up-to-date resource.Tip: If you are having a hard time orientating yourself in the city, just remember that the mountains are always West!
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Peterson Space Force Base
The Colorado Springs community has a military presence of over 45,000 people and accounts for approximately 17 percent of the local population. Colorado is known for being very military-friendly! Most members posted to Colorado Springs work out of Peterson Space Force Base with some commuting to Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station for shiftwork. Military spouses and dependents have access to several local bases, including Peterson Space Force Base, where you'll find a range of resources and services, such as:
- Canadian Detachment & Mess
- BX - Base Exchange (tax-free shopping)
- Commissary (grocery store)
- Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
- School Liaison Officer
- Exceptional Family Member Program
- Military Family Life Counselors (Social Workers)
- Deployment Support
- Career/Employment Support
- ITT (Information, Tickets, & Travel) - Discount recreation and travel options
- Outdoor Recreation Programs, Rentals, and Lodging
- Child Development Centers (CDC) + Youth Center
Welcome and Visitor Center (Peterson SFB Gate Hours)
1334 W. Stewart Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Hours – Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm; Closed on weekendsCanadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU)
135 East Ent Avenue, Building 365, Colorado Springs, CO 80914
Hours – Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm; Closed on weekendsThe Canadian Forces Support Unit and MFS in Colorado Springs both work out of the same building on Peterson Space Force Base. When entering the appropriate parking lot, the Air & Space Museum is to your left with two buildings on your right surrounding a permanent circular hut. Building 365 is the building to the left and the circular hut is the “Maple Leaf Pavilion” better known as the MLP or the Canadian Mess.
Get to know Peterson Space Force Base better with these go-to links:
- Military One Source: Peterson SFB
Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community. - 21st Force Support Squadron
Here you'll find all of the incredible services you can access, including family support, child care, youth activities, entertainment, recreation and adventure resources, fitness, and more! - 21st FSS Facebook Page
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On-Base Medical Treatment Facilities
21st Medical Group, Peterson SFB
559 Vincent Street, Building 959 - Peterson SFB, CO 80914
10th Medical Group, US Air Force Academy
4102 Pinion Drive, Suite 100 - US Air Force Academy, CO 80840
Evans Army Community Hospital *Emergency Room*
1650 Cochrane Circle - Fort Carson, CO 80913
For general healthcare guidance while OUTCAN, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare. -
Vehicle Registration & Driver's License
All of the following information can be found at dmv.colorado.gov/
Vehicle Registration
Once your vehicle is in Colorado, you must register it with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Depending on the county, your vehicle may need to pass an emissions test before registration.
To register a car in Colorado from out of the country, you'll need:- Current vehicle registration and insurance
- Driver's license
- US CAC Card
- HS-7 (Import Form)
- EPA Form (Environmental Form)
- Verification of the vehicle's identification number (VIN)
- Non-resident affidavit (obtained from Support Unit)
- Green "Special Passport" and NATO-2 Visa
- I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Proof of residency in the form of a lease, registered bill, etc. (less than a year old)
- A security agreement if the lender requires it
- Payment for any applicable duties
Drivers License
Colorado has a reciprocal agreement with Canada, meaning that adults holding a valid Canadian driver's license do not need to take a permit or driving test. Simply schedule an appointment to obtain your Colorado driver's license.
Documentation Required:- Green "Special Passport" and NATO-2 Visa
- I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Posting Message (orders)
- Proof of residency in the form of a lease, registered bill, etc. (less than a year old)
- Copy of F6 Screen (income verification)
- Optional: Copy of your driving record from Canada (best to have it to prevent any delays)
Note: Some government offices may have separate lines for "Active Duty Military Personnel" in uniform, which could significantly reduce your wait time.
Additional Tidbits
- Colorado doesn't require an in-state license to register a vehicle.
- You can use an international driver's license for up to 90 days.
- After becoming a Colorado resident, you must:
- Transfer your driver's license within 30 days
- Register your vehicle within 90 days
Addresses
Vehicle Registration
Motor Vehicle Office
5650 Industrial Pl, Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Driver's License
Division of Motor Vehicles
2447 North Union Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
To book an appointment go to: mydmv.colorado.gov
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Children's Education
School Districts
El Paso County includes seven urban Colorado Springs school districts and three more in the outlying areas of Woodland Park, Palmer Lake, and Monument. The most popular districts amongst our Canadians include:
Resources- School Liaison Officer: The School Liaison at Peterson SFB provides information on Colorado Springs school districts, acts as the liaison between the military community and school administrators and provides consultation services regarding school education.
- PEAK Parent Center: Offers training, resources, and technical support to empower families of children, from birth to age twenty-six, across all disability labels, with effective strategies for advocating on behalf of their children.
Registration RequirementsOnly a parent or guardian may enroll a student in Colorado Springs School Districts. Along with a completed enrollment form for each student, you will need to bring:
- Verification of child's birth date (birth certificate, passport, or military ID)
- Immunization records (within 30 days)
- Proof of residency (current utility bill, lease, tax notice showing your name and the property address)
- If student is not living with both biological parents, a copy of legal paperwork
(custody/ guardianship) may be necessary - If student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for special education services, a copy of the current/latest plan
- Name and address of student's previous school to request academic records
- Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before October 1; unless already started Kindergarten in departing state
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Community Recommendations
"The Best of the Springs" is a survey of Gazette readers' favorite things in six categories: Arts & Entertainment, City Life & Recreation, Family & Health, Food & Drink, Services & Professionals, and Shopping.
If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, most community members would recommend the Military EPIC Pass. This pass is available for active members and their dependants and provides access to multiple resorts across North America for a significantly reduced rate.
Additionally, equipment rentals and various outdoor adventures are available via Peterson Outdoor Recration and USAFA Outdoor Recreation. -
CAF Community-Led Groups
There are over 100+ CAF families posted to Colorado Springs so our community knows how to keep itself busy! If you have an interest or hobby, there's probably a community-led Facebook group for it!
Please note that these are community-led groups and MFS maintains no administrative association with them.
