October 12, 2009

SW Colorado Ski Resorts

Durango Mountain Resort (f/k/a Purgatory) is ranked as one of America's premier family-oriented ski resorts. Annual snowfall is about 260 inches per year with 85 trails on 1200 acres. Here are a few fun facts:

Elevation at Base: 8,793'
Elevation at Summit: 10,833'
Vertical Drop: 2,029'
Longest Run: 2 miles

Ski resorts in our area:
  • Durango Mountain Resort - Top-notch family ski resort with varying levels of terrain. There is much more to do here than ski - check into snowboarding, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, tubing, sledding and more!
  • Hesperus Ski Area - located about 10 miles west of Durango, it is a small, friendly and inexpensive place to ski day and night. Small, but challenging runs for advanced skiers, too. Lighted terrain until 9 pm, including snowboarder park; beginners area serviced by tow rope.
  • Chapman Hill - in town on Floriday Road, a family-friendly venue for beginner and intermediate skiers - two tow ropes, ice skating rink, supervised warming house with warm drinks and snacks.
  • Silverton Mountain - facility for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders with a 3,000 ft vertical drop. Guided skiing available.
  • Kendall Mountain - Located in Silverton with family skiing, 2 sledding hills and free ice skating. Trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • Telluride Ski Resort - 16 lifts plus gondola on 1,700 acres of powder.
  • Wolf Creek Ski Area - Located east of Pagosa, it is a powder hound's haven with more snowfall than any other area in the state - appx 465 natural inches annually! Highway closures from snow storms may occur so check with the resort before leaving home.