Winter in Durango

Durango winters are generally sunny, mild, and full of great things to do. The most popular winter activities here all have to do with snow. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are excellent at Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory) and Wolf Creek Ski Area, as well as at several smaller areas such as Ski Hesperus and Kendall Mountain. We even offer snowcat skiing and boarding for the truly adventurous!

For those who eschew ski lifts, opportunities for cross-country skiing are abundant here as well. Groomed trails exist right in town at the Hillcrest Golf Course (depending on snow conditions), across from Purgatory at The Nordic Center, and a number of other areas near Durango. Backcountry skiers and telemarkers will find plenty of powder in the mountains, too.

A classic winter activity that can't be missed is riding the Cascade Canyon Winter Train on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. See the splendor of the snow-covered San Juans from the comfort of a heated steam train coach!

Looking for a relaxing, romantic winter activity? Try taking a sleigh ride with one of our local outfitters. Many of these companies provide exciting snowmobile tours and rentals, also. Don't forget about ice skating, which is a great family activity that can be done in town at Chapman Hill rink.

Durangoans love to have a good time, and in winter it seems that folks get even crazier than usual. Snowdown is a Durango tradition -- five days in January of entertainment, costumes, bizarre events (try the spam carving contest or the bedraces) and plain old smalltown fun.