Lisa O
People from Colorado love their mountains, their sunshine, and their state pride, and they’re used to hearing a lot of the same comments from people who’ve never really been there. While some things might sound like harmless jokes, they can hit a nerve when they come from someone who clearly doesn’t get what life in Colorado is actually like. Here are a few phrases you’re better off avoiding.
“So, do you ski every day?”
Not everyone in Colorado skis, or even likes snow that much. Sure, skiing is a big deal and the mountains are beautiful, but that doesn’t mean every local is up on the slopes seven days a week. Most people have jobs, responsibilities, and lives that don’t revolve around ski passes. Saying this makes it sound like Colorado is just one big vacation resort, which gets old fast.
“Isn’t it cold and snowy all year?”
People from Colorado know this one is way off. The state gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, and spring or summer can be downright beautiful. The weather changes quickly, sure, but it’s not some never-ending blizzard like people think. Locals know how to dress in layers and deal with the snow, but acting like Colorado is Antarctica is just lazy stereotyping.
“You must be high all the time.”
Yes, marijuana is legal in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean every local is walking around stoned. People live normal lives, go to work, raise families, and pay bills. When someone assumes the whole state is in a constant haze, it shows they’re only paying attention to headlines. It’s rude, and most locals are over the joke.
“Denver is just another boring city.”
Say this to someone from Denver, and you’ll probably get a long list of reasons you’re wrong. From art and food to music, parks, and breweries, Denver is anything but boring. Locals take pride in the mix of city life and nature all in one place. If you don’t see it, you probably haven’t spent more than a few hours there—or never left the airport.
“I could never live that high up.”
Yes, Denver is the Mile High City, but people from Colorado aren’t living on mountain peaks gasping for air every day. Your body adjusts, and for locals, the altitude is just part of life. Acting like they’re surviving in some extreme climate just makes it obvious you don’t understand how altitude really works. Locals don’t think about it unless you bring it up—again and again.
“Isn’t everyone super outdoorsy?”
Not every Coloradan hikes 10 miles before breakfast or climbs mountains every weekend. Some people love the outdoors, sure, but others prefer city life, coffee shops, and chill weekends at home. Assuming everyone is some kind of adventure junkie puts people in a box they don’t all fit in. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to live in Colorado.
“Don’t you get bored with just mountains?”
This one really misses the point. People from Colorado don’t just look at the mountains—they live with them. They hike, camp, bike, and snowboard, or just enjoy the view. The mountains are part of the rhythm of daily life. Saying it’s boring shows you’ve never felt what it’s like to watch the sunset behind snow-capped peaks or take a quick hike after work.
“So, do you ride horses to work?”
It’s meant as a joke, but it’s not funny anymore. Colorado isn’t stuck in the Wild West, and people don’t travel by horseback unless it’s a trail ride or special event. There are big cities, suburbs, traffic jams, and modern life just like anywhere else. When someone makes this comment, it sounds like they think Colorado is still stuck in a Clint Eastwood movie.
“Are there even any real cities in Colorado?”
Say this to someone from Boulder, Denver, or Fort Collins, and you’ll get a firm correction. Colorado has thriving cities with music, art, food, business, and everything else you’d expect. Just because it has beautiful nature doesn’t mean it’s lacking in city life. In fact, that balance is exactly what locals love the most—urban energy with easy access to peace and quiet.
“Everyone there is so laid-back, right?”
People from Colorado are friendly and chill, sure, but that doesn’t mean they’re lazy or slow-moving. Many are hardworking, driven, and take pride in what they do. Acting like everyone’s just coasting through life without a care feels dismissive. Life might be more balanced, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t hustling or serious about their goals.
“What’s the big deal about craft beer?”
Craft beer isn’t just a drink in Colorado—it’s a culture. With hundreds of breweries and local taprooms, people are proud of their hops, flavors, and brewing traditions. Say this, and you’re not just insulting a drink—you’re downplaying something that brings communities together. Whether you drink or not, locals want you to at least respect what their beer scene means to them.
“I heard everyone there is rich.”
Yes, parts of Colorado are expensive, but not everyone is rolling in cash. Locals are dealing with high housing costs, tight budgets, and the same challenges as anywhere else. Assuming everyone is wealthy just because they live near pretty scenery or own snow gear is not just inaccurate—it’s out of touch. People work hard to afford life in a state that isn’t always cheap.
“How do you even breathe up there?”
Locals hear this all the time, and it gets old. Yes, the elevation is higher than most places, and yes, it can take a little getting used to—but people aren’t gasping for air every time they walk down the street. Your body adapts. Saying this over and over sounds like you think they live on top of Mount Everest, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Isn’t it all just ski towns and cabins?”
Colorado has ski towns, sure, and mountain cabins—but it also has major cities, universities, tech companies, and suburbs. It’s not just a postcard or a vacation brochure. People live regular lives there, with schools, jobs, traffic, and everything in between. Reducing the entire state to vacation vibes makes it sound like you’ve never actually seen how people live outside the slopes.
“I bet you never want to leave Colorado.”
This one sounds nice, but it can come off as a bit much. People from Colorado love their home, but they also travel, move, and explore other places like anyone else. Acting like they’re tied to one state forever just because it’s beautiful ignores the fact that everyone’s story is different. Loving where you’re from doesn’t mean you never look beyond it.