It’s called the “High Desert” for a reason.

At just over 4000 feet above sea-level, the Village of Columbus enjoys mostly moderate temperatures with visits to the 100’s, and to the 20’s just when you’d expect them. Snow however, usually makes for a dusting and a pretty picture before it’s gone. This is why our Pancho Villa State Park is a mecca for the Snowbirds, aka escapees in RV’s and Motorhomes.

The winter of 2025 has something to say about norms.

After our usual sunny and warm Christmas day, winter quickly came a-visiting. By NYE temps had dropped to near freezing and below, and then came the snow. Our most recent storm dumped enough of her white powder here around my Bed & Breakfast to blanket the property about six inches deep.

Right, not exactly the blizzard conditions we see in the east,

but we did experience almost a full day without electricity. In my almost 18 years as a resident, this is most I’ve been inconvenienced by “adverse” weather conditions. Hence, the mecca for snowbirds and year-round residents who enjoy our routinely comfortable Four Seasons.

It’s January 17th, and this post is already in the rearview mirror.

It’s still coldish, snow is all gone, and the sun has returned. In fact, yesterday I took a 27.3 mile loop bike trip to explore some trails to the east of the village and back.

I know this story is making the people who live in the northern states laugh from their routine winter experience. But, I guarantee you we Columbus-ians always have the last laugh as we can enjoy a warming and sunny bike ride in the middle of January.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t resist documenting “THE WINTER STORM OF 2025” here around the Hole in the Wall Getaway!