How to survive the Warren winter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Winter is a harsh time at F.E. Warren. With below zero-degree temperatures and icy winds, spending time outside becomes less enjoyable and more of a hassle.

Many Airmen turn to spending their time inside their dorms and homes.

"[The] biggest threat to health and wellness are the Airmen who stay cooped up in their dorms or apartments playing video games," said Glenn Garcia, 90th Medical Operation Squadron family advocate. "The trick is moderation and balance."

One of the many on-base outlets available is Outdoor Recreation, which provides trips to local areas as well as rental equipment for Airmen.

"Outdoor Rec. has lots of good programs, and they really seem to have a large number of Airmen-only trips scheduled," Garcia said. 

Trips are held almost every weekend, from skiing and snowboarding trips to overnight weekends in Colorado. They vary in cost, but are usually cheaper than going alone on similar adventures.

Outdoor Rec. also offers activities on base for Airmen.

The base has a 24-hour, indoor archery range for those who want to learn or practice archery. Before gaining access, one must visit Outdoor Rec. and take a brief safety class.

For more information about trips or the archery range, visit or call Outdoor Rec. at 773-2988.

Although many try to avoid being outside, Garcia said not to wait for the weather to change or the wind to stop before engaging in outdoor activities.

"An Airman can, and should, still run outdoors, play a game of football, hike, or mountain bike," he said. "They make great outdoor protective gear. One just has to dress in layers to stay warm. Find a positive outlet and get off the couch because the weather will change."

Though many of the local hiking and outdoor areas are away from Cheyenne, the short drives can provide fun and exciting scenery to explore.

"There are a number of great hiking abilities out at Vedauwoo," said A.J. Kettinger, 30th Airlift Squadron flight mechanic. "Even in the cold, the rock formations cover most of the wind."

There are many things available to airmen who want to get out but still stay inside. No matter what your taste is, there are multiple avenues to let loose.

"Cheyenne may be small but there are many things to do, you just need to look for them," said Siobhan Lynch, 90th Medical Group . "People don't realize how great Cheyenne can be and what it has to offer."

For those who want to stay active and cool at the same time, then the local swimming pools are a great option.

The base aquatic center has a heated pool with designated times for free swim and lap swim. The Cheyenne Municipal Pool, located just 10 minutes from base, has a heated pool with diving boards, a water slide and a wading pool for little children.

Cheyenne offers a few outlets to participate in a number of sports. There are several boxing and karate gyms located throughout that provide programs and classes for any skill level.

The Cheyenne Ice and Events Center in downtown Cheyenne provides classes in ice skating and periods of free skating. 

If stage shows are more your style, Cheyenne offers a plethora of things to see. The Cheyenne Little Theater Players hosts stage plays throughout the year in both the historic Atlas Theatre and the Mary Godfrey Playhouse downtown. The Cheyenne civic center is home to the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and showcases a number of traveling performances.

No matter what interest people have, the local area has something for everyone to get out and enjoy themselves.