When you need a break that includes plenty of snow, fun, and especially time on the slopes, the beauty of a four-seasons destination is just what you need. If you’re looking to add fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and top-notch skiing, you’ll want to set your sights on Colorado. Once you’ve settled on Colorado, turn your attention to Durango and our comprehensive Durango Ski Guide. You’ll find some of the best skiing Colorado has to offer near our Durango mountain resort condos for a ski vacation to remember.
Purgatory Resort
Some of the best resort skiing and snowboarding in Durango. Multiple lifts, slopes, and trails combine for a Durango ski or snowboard experience to remember. One lift accesses the backside trails for a different experience with a smaller crowd. There are groomed and ungroomed runs for every age and skill level. Enjoy conveniences like a restaurant, as well as child care for children who aren’t quite ready to hit the slopes. Outfit yourself with everything you’ll need from safety gear to skis with their rental service before hitting the slopes. Private and group lessons are available for a fee.
Silverton Mountain
The mountain has some of the best skiing in the area. The area is for advanced and expert riders only. There is a centrally located chairlift, but the mountain itself features no groomed trails or clearcut runs so you can map your own way down. There’s no wrong way to experience Silverton. Guided trips are available all season long, with unguided trips available on certain dates in March and April. For those who want to pack in more thrills, opt for a heli-drop, where you’ll drop from a helicopter onto the powder for a ski adventure like no other – book a single drop or a six-run drop.
Hesperus Ski Area
The ski area is just minutes from downtown Durango and features 26 trails on 60 skiable acres! A double chair lift takes skiers and riders up to the 8,888-foot summit and the over 700 vertical feet of skiing or snowboarding. Experience night skiing and riding, or even try some snow tubing. The area offers SkiBikes, but guests must have retention devices for the lift. They offer rentals as well as lessons.
Chapman Hill
The in-town ice rink and ski area has 500 vertical feet of terrain that’s maintained with snowmaking and expert grooming for those looking for a fun and easy ski and snowboard experience. Use one of the area’s two tow ropes, ride the ‘bumps course,’ or take some lessons with expert instructors. Snow tubing is also available weather permitting. Trade your skis or snowboard for ice skates and spend some time time on the rink during a public skate session.
Backcountry Skiing
The San Juan and La Plata Mountain Ranges offer excellent backcountry skiing and snowboarding options. The La Plata range reaches a height of 13,232 feet making it the fourth-highest range in the country. The San Juan range has peaks rising over 14,000 feet. Hard-packed ice and snow at higher elevations will call for mountaineering gear to reach the summit of some of the highest mountains, and you’ll want to plan a full day just for the hike to the top.
Cross-Country Skiing
Vallecito Nordic Center features a groomed trail system for non-motorized outdoor activities near Old Timer’s Campground. There are several groomed trails, and a ski shop offering rentals and sales of ski equipment. Durango Nordic Center, at the base of Engineer Mountain and the Twilight Peaks offers skating, classic skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and Nordic experiences.
Gear Rental
There are several places in and around Durango that offer gear rentals. Reserve safety equipment as well as skis, snowboards, and apparel to stay safe and comfortable on the slopes. Many resorts and ski areas offer rentals for guests.
Durango Ski Guide to Lessons
Resorts like Purgatory, as well as smaller ski areas like Hesperus and Chapman Hill offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private or group lessons are offered throughout the day or by appointment. Gear rental is often included in the cost of the lesson, and some even include lift tickets. Before booking, confirm what costs are included and whether or not they are valid for an entire day or only the duration of the lesson.
Ski Vacation to Durango
To create a stay as unique as you and your loved ones, make sure the first thing on your planning to-do list is to book our cabins in Durango CO, or other vacation rental homes with VacationDurango.com. After you’ve enjoyed a day skiing the slopes and cross-country routes, prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or on a comfortable couch and watch a favorite movie or TV show or play a game together in an open living space. Relax and unwind in outdoor spaces like decks, patios, or balconies, while you watch the kids play in the snow. Don’t leave your furry friends behind, and also ask about our Durango Colorado rentals that are pet-friendly. For a cozy stay, choose a one-bedroom unit for you and your sweetheart or small family, or plan a family or group ski getaway or reunion and book a sprawling six-bedroom unit. Upgrade to a premium unit for perks and features like a private hot tub, sport court, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more.
Contact us today to book your fun-filled ski getaway in Durango or inquire about our Durango property management services!
