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Fraser
The small town of Fraser sits in a scenic river valley where the cold winter air rolls off the Continental Divide. Who needs a better excuse to snuggle under a warm blanket by a blazing fire? Fraser gained the "Icebox of the Nation" nickname in the 1950s when it was the location of a national weather station. It regularly made the evening news as the coldest spot in the country. US Hwy 40 through town is even named Zerex Ave. after that company supplied residents with free antifreeze one winter. To the relief of many in Colorado, the weather station has closed.
The mild summer temperatures and cobalt blue skies, however, make up for any winter dips in temperature. To quote Enterprise at Fraser by Frank A. Eastom: "The little town of Fraser is a friendly place with a population of unruffled folks who are proud of their low winter temperatures. But the inhabitants can also boast of some excellent mountain scenery and a rarefied atmosphere free of smog."
During World War II, Fraser was one of the German prisoner-of-war camps that held captured soldiers who did logging work. The Germans liked being in Fraser with its hard-working population.
President Eisenhower made numerous visits with friends to fish in St. Louis Creek and the Fraser River.
Fraser is a friendly town with shops, churches, museums and parks. The Fraser Elementary School serves students from Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash and eastern Grand County. The Fraser Valley Library offers Internet service and hosts community events. The High Country Stampede at the rodeo grounds is lively in the summer, offering rodeos throughout the season on Saturday nights. The town of Fraser sponsors free summer concerts in the park and western dance lessons. Visit the Fraser Visitor Center for details on current events.
- 71 miles northwest of Denver on US Hwy 40
- Population 910
- Elevation 8575ft
Travel Tidbits:
- The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
- Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
- Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
- Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
- Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
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