Colorado has an alpine climate due to its high elevation in mountainous regions.

Colorado’s mountainous terrain, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, creates an alpine climate at higher elevations. Areas above 10,000 feet, such as mountain peaks and high-altitude valleys, experience much cooler temperatures year-round compared to lower elevations. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall, while summers are mild and short. This alpine climate, characterized by lower oxygen levels and cooler, more extreme weather, contrasts with the warmer conditions found in Colorado’s lower plains. The state's high altitude, especially in mountainous regions, is the key factor driving these unique climatic conditions.