Durango Winter Planning Guide

Best Christmas through mid-Winter VacationDurango, Colorado is the best place for your winter vacation. Maybe you are just seeking out the week-long winter party vibe of Snowdown 2012? Maybe this year instead of a romantic getaway, you've simply decided to celebrate your love for beer and breweries? Durango embraces Winter with everything from snow skiing to shopping. Stroll through over 500 unique shops of historic downtown. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, check out a snowmobiling adventure. Then, how could you forget the skiing and snowboarding scene of Durango's Purgatory Mountain located at Durango Mountain Resort  in the wintertime? The options in Durango are endless! There are plenty of things to do in this outdoorsy town, and every season has its highlights! Durango hosts everything from seasonal Holiday events, Durango HoliDazzle, to the mid-Winter shenanigans entitled Snowdown.  So it's no surprise that HGTV  named Durango among their "Top 10 Christmas Towns." Did you know? Durango is one of the culinary hotspots of the southwest and features all of the finest restaurants. Visitors of any ilk have a great appreciation of Durango Colorado hotels, because they find everything from high-thread-count luxury linens to adorable roadside motor courts.

Durango HoliDazzle The annual “HoliDazzle,” officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving– the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Gift certificates are given away as part of the comprehensive promotional program. HoliDazzle helps promote nearly 40 events or activities taking place in and around Downtown Durango. The effort is one of many organized to help sustain Durango’s Historic Downtown.Merchants put the “dazzle” in Holidazzle with the Window Decorating competition. Early word is that Santa Claus will also be making a visit to Historic Downtown Durango.

SnowDown 2012Whether you are a local or just someone who needs to attend a week-long mid-Winter party, Durango, Colorado is your kind of place. From the costume ball to the zany street parade, Durango plays host to some eye-popping shenanigans, and people flock to the SnowDown event. Be sure to follow the theme, and have a crazy good time. It is worth the trip. The SnowDown theme for 2012 is entitled "Once Upon a Snowdown"

Slow down, reconnect and catch up with each other and rekindle your romance. How about a romantic room, and access to a natural hot springs and a couples massage? Enjoy a romantic ride on the Durango Train, and dinner for two. Build your own perfect vacation with this Durango Romantic Getaway package. [ Blog ]

read more about Durango "Purgatory" Mountain ResortDurango Mountain Resort is not like most other ski towns where you basically ski into your hotel off the slope. The town of Durango is located about 30 miles away from the mountain ski slopes, and you do not want to miss the opportunity to experience downtown Durango! Durango Mountain Resort offers endless runs for snow enthusiasts of all skill levels. Durango Mountain Resort (Colorado) Lift Tickets from $48.99 (save 27%) The resort's Purgatory Village is anchored by the new Purgatory Lodge and hosts a variety of shopping, dining, and guest services. On New Year's Eve, celebrate with a torchlight parade down Purgatory Mountain followed by fireworks at the base area--at dusk.

The town of Durango and the nearby ski resort await you!
[ Purgatory Durango Mountain Resort >>]

We also suggest taking a snowmobile adventure [ Outlaw Tours >>] through the San Juan Mountains. Just spend some unscripted time in nature, and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

Fantastic Snowmobiling Adventures If weather cooperates, visitors can try crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing in Mesa Verde National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts consider Durango a top rock and ice climbing destination.

Hampton Inn

Beer Lovers Weekend ItineraryIf you're looking for fun things to do in Durango, then sampling beer will be one of the first things on your list. If you enjoy high quality microbrewed beer paired with delicious food, then this is the perfect weekend itinerary for you! Use this suggested itinerary to craft the perfect weekend! Experience the amazing breweries the city has to offer. Durango is home to 4 craft beer micro-breweries that have become very popular in recent years. Sample them all!

Historic Downtown Durango offers hundreds of unique boutiques, specialty shops, posh galleries, art markets, photography establishments, outdoor emporiums, groceries, and natural product stores.  Don’t forget the cozy coffee shops and great restaurants when looking for a shopping break.

 

 

Winter 2012

January 7 | Comedy Nights at the Hank - 8:00 p.m. at The Henry Strater Theatre. The headliner, Jeff Wozer is based out of Denver’s world famous Comedy Works, has clean and clever material that makes him a regular on the national club and corporate circuit. He was recently one of only 24 comedians in the nation to be invited to the Great American Comedy Festival.

January 12 | The Infamous Stringdusters Ski Tour - Bluegrass will return to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The Infamous Stringdusters will perform with a special guest Elephant Revival.

January 14 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

January 14 | Fireworks display at Durango Mountain Resort - Check out a spectacular fireworks display illuminate the night sky overhead at Purgatory Beach.

January 14 - 16 | Winterfest at DMR - A fun weekend long event at Durango Mountain Resort that gives snow enthusiasts of all ages opportunities to experience winter activities such as ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and more.  Events are hosted at Durango Mountain Resort and sponsored by Backcountry Experience.

View all Durango Vacation Packages

January 26 | The Official Blues Brothers Review - - Sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the Belushi Estate, Jake and Elwood are the most dangerous combination since Nitro and Glycerin.  The review is at the Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

January 28 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

January 28 | Ladysmith Black Mambazo International Icons and singers from Paul Simon's Graceland at the Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

February 1 - 5 | Snowdown - Snowdown – Once upon a Snowdown will be the theme for this year’s 2012 Snowdown. Think fairy tales from Mother Goose to the Grimm Brothers.

February 11 | Sweethearts of the Arts - Gemma Kavanaugh, Linda Mack, Rochelle Mann and Mona Wood Patterson will be honored for their contribution to the vitality of vocal and instrumental music and the theatre arts in our region.  Durango Arts Center. 

February 11 - 12 | Womens Weekend Camp at DMR - Provides two fun-filled days of opportunities to meet other women with similar skiing and riding abilities and improve their skiing and riding skills in a small group environment.  Taught by Purgatory’s top women instructors, this clinic will help women gain more confidence on the slopes and achieve the next level.

Durango Mountain (CO) Lift Tickets from $47/day (save 36%)

February 16 | Soul Salvation - Featuring Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

February 17 | Chocolate Fantasia - All the chocolate your heart desires, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Fort Lewis College and local restaurants and caterers.  Located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

February 18 | Mogul Masters Clinic - This clinic will help novice to zipper line skiers find the best lines and perfect their skills on the bumps.

February 18 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

February 18 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

February 20 - 24 | SnowPACK (Purgatory Adventure Camp for Kids) - This kid's camp is an exciting, fun new day camp for children ages 7-12 who love outdoor winter adventures! Kids will make new friends and participate in fun winter activities, such as tubing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, scavenger hunts, building snow sculptures, forts and igloos, and more!   Other programs include learning winter skills and safety and doing arts and crafts projects.  We give kids time to be kids, be creative, socialize and have fun!   Included:  daily hot lunch, daily bus transportation to/from Durango/Purgatory, winter program gear rentals (such as tubes, snowshoes, etc), arts & craft supplies and a free SnowPACK t-shirt.  Cost of program is $275 per child. 

February 25 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

February 25 - 26 | Mogul Busters Weekend Camp - This weekend camp will help improve participants’ bump skiing abilities.  With two full days of coaching by Purgatory’s top professionals, participants will be bumping with the best of ‘em in no time, from blue bump trails to double diamond bump terrain.

February 29 - March 4 | SheRide Snowboard Camp - Share your passion or learn a new one during 3 fun-filled days of riding, learning & laughing with other ladies. Learn to snowboard or dramatically improve your skills in a safe, fun and confidence building environment.  All skills welcome from beginners to advanced. Camp Price: $680 ($575 For DMR Season Pass Holders), includes 3 days of on-hill coaching, video analysis, tuning clinic, evening reception/dinner and camp T-shirt.

February 29 - March 4 | Durango Independent Film Festival - The Lure of Film will lure you to Durango for this great film festival! This year theme is “are you in?” and keys off the “IN” in independent film. Sponsors, audience members, filmmakers, volunteers, supporters, and community certainly can scream a resounding “YES” in answer to this question.  It’s all about belonging, being part of the festival. Being “in.”   Be one of the “in crowd” when you participate in the 2012 Durango Independent Film Festival, which begins on LEAP DAY!  That’s a reason to jump in and join us!

March 1 | Durango Tug-o-Weather - A tug-of-war to forecast an extended winter or early spring. This event will pit winter sports enthusiasts against the boys and girls of summer. The staging area is in front of Steamworks at 801 E. 2nd Ave. starting at 5:30 p.m.

March 10 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

March 10 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

March 13 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

March 14 | Kids Night Out - 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Durango Mountain Resort, commonly referred to as "DMR." For kids aged 2 months through 10 years. Fun and qualified and licensed staff watch the kids while you have some fun on/around Durango Mountain Resort! Prices: $30 per child for the night, Dinner included (Pizza) for children able to eat table food. Arts and crafts, Movies, Games and snacks. 24 hours in advance reservations are preferred, but walk-ins available if space allows. Call 970-385-2144 for more information.

March 17 | Evening Snowshoe Tours at Durango Mountain Resort - Explore the mountain like never before during the Evening Snowshoe Tours, which include snowshoe rentals, guides, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and a wine and cheese party at the Powderhouse restaurant.  Meet at 3:30 pm at the Guest Service desk inside the ticket office. Reservations are required with 24 hours notice. Call Guest Services at 970-385-2147 to book your Snowshoe adventure. 

Durango Colorado Winter Planning Guide

 

  Polar Express™ Package

Durango Train

In operation for over a century, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most unique ways to take in the spectacular views offered by the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River. Choose between an open-air gondola and a covered cabin, or for adults, there are Parlor Cars which come equipped with a full bar. Relax and watch the mountain peaks and river-cut canyons pass alongside the train.

Throughout the holidays, visitors enjoy The Polar Express™ - Ride the train on a magical journey to the North Pole! Children are actually encouraged to wear their pajamas and experience the same type of magical journey.
[ <<Back | Reserve | Visit Official Site Durango Train >>]

     
 
Durango Winter Sports

Durango Skiing and Winter Sports

Gear up to attend the Beach Bash at Durango Mountain Resort. [ blog ] Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. You can save big on lodging, lift tickets, rentals and more! Experience the authentic southwest by staying in one of the Durango area's mountain lodges, rustic cabins, guest ranches, or luxurious old west resorts. Durango has a wide array of accommodations. Durango averages about 71 inches of snow per year, but the downtown area of Durango is quite manageable because it is in a low sun-drenched valley. Winter visitors love ample snow amounts for winter sports.

     
  Best Boutique Shopping in Colorado

Durango Shopping "HoliDAZZLE"

The Durango Historic Downtown and central business district area boasts literally hundreds of boutiques and restaurants. Choose from unique specialty shops, or for the more ambitious, seek out an outdoor outfitter shop for gear to help you manage the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Experience the thrill of returning from your vacation and everyone asking you "Where did you find that?" Plan an escape that taps into your love for twinkling lights and winter strolling through boutiques and galleries during HoliDAZZLE. Seasoned shoppers will find deeply discounted winter values to suit their most unique desires.
[
<<Back | Blog ]

     
  Snowdown

SnowDown 2012

Whether you are a local or just someone who needs to attend a week-long mid-Winter party, Durango, Colorado is your kind of place. From the costume ball to the zany street parade, Durango plays host to some eye-popping shenanigans, and people flock to the SnowDown event. Be sure to follow the theme, and have a crazy good time. It is worth the trip. The SnowDown theme for 2012 is entitled "Once Upon a Snowdown" [ <<Back | Blog ] 

     
  Mesa Verde National Park in Winter

Mesa Verde

If you are fortunate enough to be able to cross country ski or snowshoe in Mesa Verde National Park, you will not be disappointed. Two park roads are designated for cross country skiing and snowshoeing when snow permits. Skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry of Mesa Verde National Park or other park roads is not permitted. With over 300 days of clear blue sky, Durango offers vacationers unlimited adventure. Forgo the traditional vacation spots and trendy theme parks. [ <<Back ]

     
  Durango is a top location for rock climbing

Ice Climbing

Durango offers unique geological formations found nowhere else in the world. Durango boasts “Whorehouse Ice Hose” at Eureka Canyon in Silverton. That’s not to say that beginners are not welcome. It is hard to learn Ice Climbing. On the contrary, the outfitters here in Durango would love to have you learn from them and would equally love to pass on all the knowledge they have gained through their years of experience. If you’re new to it, you’ve got a fun and exciting road ahead of you. Many popular areas for winter rock and ice climbing are near Durango, making it the ideal place to stay for all of your climbing adventures. [ <<Back ]

 

 

Featured Articles:

 


GIVEAWAY - Mild2Wild Rafting Trip - Rafting giveaways to get your ready for your summer trip to Durango!


Valentine's Day in Durango - Romance on the Rails Brunch Train from the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad!


Durango Back in the {Marathon} Running - The Durango Marathon is back! A successful event that hasn't been around since 2006.


Durango Named 1 of 7 Undiscovered Cities - in best-selling book, "1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die." 


Snow in Durango! - A weekend storm dropped almost a foot of snow at Purgatory! This brings mid-mountain snow depth to 43 inches.


Comedy Nights at the Hank - a three part comedy series at the Henry Strater Theatre with shows January - March


Plan Your 2012 Trip Today - If you're in need of a winter getaway, Durango is just the place!


The Holidays are Upon Us - HOLiDAZZLE is in full force and you will see beautiful window displays all around Downtown Durango! 


Durango Mountain Resort is Now Open - 2011 - 2012 ski season is upon us, and DMR is open for (weekend) business with plenty of snow! 


Feature Friday: Durango Lodge - Guests can walk to the restaurants and the main attraction in Durango, the Narrow Gauge Railroad.


Diapering Durango's Tiny Heinies - Through December 9th please bring diapers, formula and/or baby wipes to Durango locations.


The Lettermans & The D&SNGRR - David Letterman celebrated son Harry's birthday in Durango with a train trip to Cascade Canyon


Plan Your 2012 Trip Today - If you're in need of a winter getaway, Durango is just the place!


Thanksgiving & Durango.com - giving away one Durango.com DRO sticker every day November 8th through Thanksgiving Day!


Feature Friday: Silverpick Lodge - The only place you can stay a weekend with just your guests and never have to get back into your car.


Feature Friday: Purgatory Rentals & Caretaking - lodging options from large luxury ski in ski out townhomes to little cabins in the woods.


Feature Friday: Outlaw Tours - offers rafting trips, jeep and hummer trips, snowmobiling tours, and many other adventures!


Durango Tour de Brews - safe transport to sample four local breweries in a cool bus named "The Dude."

Beach Bash at Purg - the top destination for spring snow skiing and winter sports


Wild Wild West Chocolate - check out the Chocolate Fantasia event


Valentine's Day - Durango offers everything from hot springs to cuisine to romance on the rails.


Snow for Snowdown 2011 - this week for the annual Snowdown celebrations!


Groundhog Day 2011 Event - a very special tug-of-war match on E. Second Ave.


Durango, Colorado in the News - Durango added to two "top" travel destination lists


Durango Snow Report - Read full details about Durango Mountain Resort's Full Time Schedule


USA Today Names Durango a Top Weekend Getaway Spot - for its small town feel with plenty of things to do!


First Night/New Years Eve - with activities centered around the Crossroads Clock Tower at 11th St and Main


Bar D Wranglers - Durango's famous cowboy singers bring you a Christmas Jubilee


Noel Night - a very special event in Downtown Durango


Local Appreciation at Durango Train - Discounted price to local riders from November 28 - December 17


It's Almost HOLIDAZZLE Time in Durango! - HOLIDAZZLE officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving


Southwest Colorado Ranks at the Top of “North America’s 16 Best Ski Areas” by Outside Magazine

2010 - 2011 All Season Passes Now on Sale at Durango Mountain Resort

Durango, Colorado Named One of the Top Ten Christmas Towns by HGTV

Snowdown Theme Announced