Resort Skiing and Snowboarding
Durango, Colorado is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts due to its fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Visitors can take advantage of the region's abundant snowfall to experience the thrill of carving down challenging slopes and exploring scenic terrain. The area's ski and snowboard resorts offer a range of runs suitable for all levels of ability, from beginner-friendly green runs to advanced double black diamond runs.
Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including on-site equipment rentals, lessons, and ski patrol services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the resorts offer plenty of dining and lodging options for visitors looking to extend their stay. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time skier or snowboarder, Durango's ski and snowboard resorts provide a thrilling and memorable winter sports experience.
Beyond the resorts, there are plenty of backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities available for the adventurous skiers and snowboarders looking for a more rugged and challenging experience.
Places to Go Resort Skiing and Snowboarding
Durango, Colorado is a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With many world-class ski resorts within easy reach, the area offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels.
Visitors can drive as far as 85 miles to Wolf Creek Ski Area, or a close as 2 miles to Chapman Hill.
Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort is a premier ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains, just 25 miles north of Durango, Colorado. With over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, Purgatory offers something for everyone, from beginner to expert skiers and snowboarders. The resort boasts 11 lifts, including a high-speed six-person chairlift, and more than 85 trails. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy other winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing. Purgatory Resort also features a variety of on-mountain dining options, as well as après-ski activities such as live music and events. The resort offers ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, and a children's ski school, making it a great destination for families. With its breathtaking views, extensive terrain, and diverse activities, Purgatory Resort is a must-visit destination for any winter sports enthusiast.
Ski Hesperus
Hesperus Will Be Closed For The 2023-2024 Ski Season.
Ski Hesperus is a smaller, family-friendly ski resort located about 11 miles west of Durango. The resort boasts a total of 26 runs and two terrain parks with varying levels of difficulty, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Hesperus also offers night skiing and snowboarding, adding to the overall winter sports experience. Along with the slopes, the resort features a comfortable lodge with a snack bar, ski rentals, and ski school for both children and adults. The resort’s scenic views of the La Plata Mountains and the San Juan National Forest, combined with its relaxed atmosphere and affordable pricing, make Hesperus Ski Area a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts in the Durango area.
Chapman Hill
Chapman Hill Ski Area is a small community ski hill located in the heart of Durango, Colorado. It offers a variety of winter sports activities for families and beginners, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The ski area features a single chairlift and a magic carpet, making it easy for beginners to access the slopes. Chapman Hill also offers a terrain park with a variety of features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The ski area has a lodge with a cozy fireplace, equipment rentals, and a cafeteria serving hot food and drinks. Additionally, Chapman Hill hosts a variety of events throughout the winter season, including night skiing, races, and family-friendly activities.
Areas Outside Durango
Silverton Mountain
Silverton Mountain is a one-of-a-kind ski resort located near Durango, Colorado. It is known for its expert-only terrain, backcountry-style skiing, and spectacular views. The resort has just one chairlift that takes skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain, where they can access 1,819 acres of skiable terrain. Silverton Mountain offers guided skiing and snowboarding, and the guides are all certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. In addition to expert-only terrain, the resort also has a heli-skiing operation that takes guests to some of the most remote and untouched areas of the San Juan Mountains. The base area has a restaurant and a bar, and there are no on-mountain accommodations, making it a truly unique and adventurous ski experience.
Kendall Mountain Ski Area
Kendall Mountain Ski Area is a family-friendly ski resort located just outside of downtown Silverton, Colorado, about an hour's drive north of Durango. This ski area offers affordable lift tickets, making it an excellent option for beginner skiers and snowboarders. With two lifts, Kendall Mountain provides access to nine runs, ranging from easy greens to more challenging blues. The resort also offers night skiing on certain evenings, providing a unique experience for visitors. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Kendall Mountain has a tubing hill, ice skating rink, and a rental shop. The resort's lodge provides a cozy spot to warm up and grab a bite to eat.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Located approximately 80 miles northeast of Durango, near the town of Pagosa Springs, boasts over 1,600 skiable acres, 10 lifts, and an average snowfall of 465 inches per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in Colorado. The resort is known for its challenging terrain, with over 50% of the runs classified as expert-level. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and snowcat tours. The resort also features a number of dining options, including a cafeteria, a grill, and a sit-down restaurant. There is also a ski school and rental shop on-site.
Things to Know About Resort Skiing and Snowboarding Around Durango
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Most resorts offer on-site rentals, lessons, and dining options, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a full day on the mountain.
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Lift tickets vary in price depending on the resort, with options for daily passes or season passes.
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Snow conditions can vary throughout the season, so it's important to check the resort's website or local weather reports for up-to-date information.
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Many resorts offer additional activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
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Be prepared for colder temperatures at higher elevations, and don't forget to bring appropriate gear and clothing, including waterproof jackets, gloves, and goggles.
Care for Durango
