Durango, Colorado is a great place to take a winter vacation. There are many things to do, including exciting events in Downtown Durango and outdoor activities in the San Juan Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park. Be sure to stay in a cozy bed and breakfast or award-winning hotel to rest up, then head out for a day of adventure with these exciting winter activities. When you're ready for a break, spend some time downtown warming up over dinner and drinks. There is something for everyone this season in Durango.

Durango Skiing & Winter Sports

Purgatory Resort is located just a short drive from Durango and will satisfy your need for winter adventure. Purgatory boasts 11 lifts, 99 groomed trails, five terrain parks and an annual 260 inches of snow. In total, it has 1,605 acres of skiable terrain. Everyone is bound to have fun- from the first-time skier to the lifelong ski fanatic, winter lovers will enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Durango.

Durango Skiing

Whether you bring your own equipment or rent from one of the outfitters in town, visitors can also enjoy the thrills of Chapman Hill, El Diablo Alpine Guides, Hillcrest Golf Club, Pine River Valley, Southwest Adventure Guides, Silverton Mountain, Purgatory Nordic Club and Purgatory Mountain.

Mesa Verde Cross Country Skiing

Mesa Verde National Park is an exciting destination year-round, transforming during the winter to offer activities such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing. There are groomed trails for those looking for classic skiing, as well as backcountry trails that allow for more solitude and self-sufficiency. The trails for snowshoeing vary in length and difficulty, and allow for peaceful views of nature and wildlife.

Mesa Verde Winter Activities

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a sport of concentration, strength and determination. 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. Beginners can head to a local outfitter to learn the sport and work on technique.

Ice Climbing

Experienced climbers can get right on the advanced routes that Durango boasts, such as “The Seven Year Itch” at Cascade Canyon and “Stairway to Heaven” at Eureka Canyon in Silverton.

Cheap Lift Tickets

Find cheap lift tickets for your next trip to Durango. Save on lift tickets at the best ski resorts in Colorado, including Purgatory Resort when you discover all the ways to get cheap lift tickets.

Cheap Lift Tickets

Durango Shopping

No matter what you are looking for, 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.

Durango Shopping

- Winter Events in Durango -

The Polar Express

Let the story of The Polar Express come to life as you ride to the North Pole to visit Santa. This trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will feature chefs, hobo, conductor, the Hero Boy, Billy, Santa and the elves. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate and a treat while they listen to a reading of the book on the way to the North Pole. Once you pick up Santa, he will visit each car and give each child a special gift.

Event Info

Durango Arts Center

Winter Solstice Artisans' Market

The Durango Arts Center's annual Winter Solstice Artisans' Market is a signature community event. It provides artists and craftspeople an opportunity to sell their work through the DAC to eager holiday shoppers. The event runs for four weeks and is a great place to find holiday gifts and art for both locals and visitors.

Event Info

It's no surprise that HGTV named Durango among their "Top 10 Christmas Towns." Head to Durango this winter to enjoy these great activities and events, and take advantage of the many other things to do in the area.

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