Snow and Ski Update: Snow and Ski Update: Durango Mountain Resort is reporting “fantastic spring conditions with some stashes of powder left over from last weeks’ 5-inches of new snow.” Durango folks typically enjoy the slopes throughout March and into the first weeks of April.

>>read full story: Spring Snow Report.

Durango, Colorado is the best place for your winter vacation. Maybe you are just seeking out the week-long winter party vibe of Snowdown 2013? 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 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.
[ Visit Official Site Durango Train >>]

Durango Skiing and Winter Sports

Gear up to attend the Beach Bash at Durango Mountain Resort. 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.

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.

SnowDown 2014

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 2014 is entitled "Safari So Good!"

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.

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.

Featured Articles:

Durangoans Ski Through March - 2012 - 2013 has been an exceptional ski season.

100 Percent Chance of Snow and Entertainment - Expect powder March 8 - 9, 2013 + top entertainment in downtown Durango.

Steampunk Stomp II Benefit - Saturday, March 16, 2013 6:00 pm to benefit the Durango Discovery Museum.

Durango Snow Report - Snowflakes will fly on Durango ski slopes this coming Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday February 20 – 22, 2013.

Volunteers Needed for DEVO Bike Swap - Also, see the DEVO kids in action at DMR Ski Bike Festival Februay 16 - 17, 2013.

Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival - at the Strater Hotel in downtown Durango March 22 - 24, 2013.

Fat Tuesday Powder at Purgatory - Five inches today and 3 inches for Fat Tuesday, February 12, 2013.

Ski Joring in Silverton - Horseback riders pulling skiers. Wow!

Exploring Possibilities - The Dave Spencer Ski Classic is life-altering good. Watch the video, and see why many volunteers are needed.

Snow Accumulation and Venturing Downtown - Today, February 7th is sunny, but expect snowflakes to accumulate throughout the weekend.

Snow is Falling, and Geeks Abound - DMR received 37+ inches, and it is snowing today, January 31st. Snowdown Geeks rule downtown.

Snowdown 2013 Launch Sequence Activated - Get Your Geek On, and participate in Snowdown!

Coffee Appreciation - With 10 places downtown dedicated to coffee, Durango has many options.

Snowflakes On and Off Throughout the Weekend - New snow is predicted to begin midday today, January 24th.

New Parks for More Family Fun - The 7-mile Animas River Trail lets you walk, run or ride without ever having to cross a street.

Come Get Your Powder - This week is the perfect time to look for lodging and make plans to attend the annual winterfest celebration at DMR.

Durango Film - southwest Colorado's premier showcase for independent film. Make plans now to attend!

Snow Report - There's still powder to be found, and the resort is reporting that 92% of the terrain is open.

Get Your Geek On! - When most people are hibernating, you’ll be having fun at Snowdown. Now is the best time to book your lodging. 

Snowy New Year's Eve - Snow until 6:00 pm, then more powdery white snowflakes during the wee hours after "Auld Lang Syne."

Ski Weekend in Durango - It is snowing at this very moment in Durango. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing this weekend.

Snow is Dumping Today in Durango - Live in this moment, and book your Durango Lodging...plus discover the best rates on Lift Tickets.

Full Operations December 21, 2012 at Durango Mountain Resort - Make plans to tackle the best powder after the big snow.

Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee - Enjoy a preview of the awesome talent that is so beloved in Durango.

Durango is the Number One Ski Value - Durango, Colorado was recently named the number one ski value by TripAdvisor®

Santa Sleigh Ride - It's Santa sleigh ride time at the Rapp Corral. Take a ride December 17-24!

Morning with Santa - Saturday, December 15, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the Henry Strater Theatre.

Durango a Top 10 Christmas-Crazy Town - Durango named by FrontDoor.com, which is HGTV's Real Estate website.

Winter Solstice Artisans' Market - Opens this Friday, November 23, 2012 with a special reception 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Holiday Farmers Market - Saturday, December 15, 2012, 8:00 am until NOON at LaPlata County Fairgrounds.

Snowdown 2013 - a weird and wonderful week-long winter celebration in Durango, Colorado January 31 through February 3, 2013

Mesa Verde National Park Luminaria Open House - at Mesa Verde National Park. Enjoy luminarias and food on December 6, 2012 at 4:00 pm.

Holidazzle - a special time of year in downtown that begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts through New Year’s Day.

Feature Friday - Silverpick Lodge - Hosting weddings for people from around the world with a reputation for excellent cuisine. 

The Capitol Christmas Tree - Come out and enjoy free festivities at 8th and Main 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on November 9, 2012.

The Polar Express Train - Get on the train, and experience holiday enchantment as The Polar Express™ story comes to life.

Winter Vacation Packages - Durango comes alive during winter. It is the best winter vacation destination for skiing and winter sports.

Hesperus Ski Patrol's Ski Swap - Find inexpensive skis, poles, boots, jackets, goggles, gloves, hats and more.

Mountainfilm - a special film festival supporting Durango Nature Studies. 7:00 pm at Smiley Building Auditorium on Nov. 2, 2012.

Tips for Vacationing at High Altitude - Get your body accustomed to the high altitude. Durango, Colorado is 6,512 feet above sea level.


Feature Friday - Duranglers - a  fly fishing guide service and shop located downtown that matches client interests with fishing experience.

St. Patrick's Day in Durango! - St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so we're planning on taking full advantage by celebrating right! 

Snow Report - More Powder To Ya! - Looking for some awesome powder?  The snow finally showed up in Durango (a little late season)

Ski Mag Names Durango a "Dream Town" - 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains + nearly year-round opportunities.

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