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.

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"

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 ]

Durango 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.

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.

If 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.

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.

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.