With crisp mountain air and many sunny days, Lake County boasts a moderate alpine climate. The average temperature is 76 degrees. Our air is crystal clear and remains unpolluted. Snowfalls usually begin in October and the fresh snow in April contributes to the very best spring skiing. The locals joke that it can snow any day in Leadville, even the 4th of July, but summer snows are short and never stay longer than an hour.
Highways are well maintained and few driving problems are experienced.
School has never been cancelled and only delayed once in 30 years. Leadville's origin is a mother lode of gold, silver, lead, zinc and molybdenum. Founded with the discovery of gold in California Gulch by a prospector named Abe Lee, the town reached a population of nearly 40,000 residents by the 1880s and was a strong contender with Denver as the state's capital. Many Victorian buildings still stand in both the shopping and residential areas. Many Victorian buildings still stand in both the shopping and residential areas.