Colorado Springs

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• 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!
• Weather & Natural Disasters

  The weather in Colorado Springs is as varied as the scenery around it. It is not unusual to encounter thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, forest fire smoke, or hail during your time in Colorado. It’s important to be prepared for all types of conditions when out in the elements. 
  
  As in most places, Springtime is the most unpredictable. This is the time of year when we begin to experience brief, sometimes unexpected, afternoon hail or thunderstorms.
  
  As for our winters, we don’t see too much snow in a season and whatever we do get tends to melt just as quickly as it got here.

  • Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Situational Awareness Resources
• 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."
• 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!

• Peterson Space Force Base

  Most members posted to Colorado Springs work out of Peterson Space Force Base with some commuting to Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station for shiftwork. There are three gates to access the base and hours can vary based on the day of the week, holidays, and security. The West Gate, also known as the Main Gate, is open 24/7 and is home to the Visitors Center. Peterson SFB Gate Hours.

  Welcome and Visitor Center
  1334 W. Stewart Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
  Hours – Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm; Closed on weekends

  Canadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU)
  135 East Ent Avenue, Building 365, Colorado Springs, CO 80914
  Hours – Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm; Closed on weekends

  The 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.
   

  • Learn more about Peterson SFB
  • Visit the 21st FSS Facebook Page
• 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 please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare. 

• 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. 
• 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.
   

  • Main Group: CAF Colorado Community
  • CAF Colorado Hiking
  • CAF Colorado Snow Sports
  • CAF Colorado Book Club
  • CAF Colorado Camping
  • CAF Colorado Running
  • CAF Colorado Biking
  • CAF Colorado Garage Sale