A blanket of fresh powder cloaks the rugged mountains in Southwestern Colorado for Durango’s magical winter season! In addition to skiing and winter sports, our charming Colorado mountain town boasts a vibrant arts scene, relaxing natural hot springs, five craft breweries, scrumptious locally inspired cuisines, unique winter festivals, and more--all set in a quintessential old west mountain town. With over a Dozen Vacations in One Destination, start planning your Colorado winter vacation at www.durango.org.
Durango Mountain Resort
Whether you choose to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, tube, sleigh or simply relax, Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) has it all. Recently named “Top 3 Livable Ski Towns” and “Best Ski Value in North America” for two years in a row, DMR knows how to create fun winter adventures. With 88 trails across 1,360 skiable acres, the mountain offers prime skiing and snowboarding for beginners and advanced alike. New this year: The Burton Riglet Park, a terrain-based learning center in the base area, allows the youngest snowboarders, ages 3-6, to experience sliding on the snow. Lodging and lift value packages offer deep savings. From family-friendly events to beer tastings, DMR hosts entertaining festivities throughout the season.
Steampunk Snowdown
January 28- February 1
Now in its 37th year, Snowdown is a long-time Durango tradition that brings locals and visitors together for a winter celebration guaranteed to chase away the winter blues. Parades, competitions, adult-only and children-friendly events combine to create a weeklong zany winter festival.
Durango Tourism’s New Website
Durango welcomes winter with a new and improved travel and tourism website. Durango.org has a whole new look and simple navigation tools for easy trip planning, events, lodging and more.
Winter wonders aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
From November 2014 – January 2015, take a ride on the Polar Express. Based on the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this winter ride is a magical journey for everyone on board. Sip hot cocoa while theatrical staff read the Polar Express, keep your eye open for The North Pole, reindeer and Santa Claus! Experience the wonder of the wilderness in winter on the Cascade Canyon train. Enjoy brunch, live music and desserts on the New Year’s Train, Romance on the Rails on the Valentine’s Day Train, or practice your photography skills on breathtaking snow-capped wilderness aboard the Winter Photographers Train.
Mesa Verde National Park
Blanketed in winter white, Mesa Verde National Park takes on a new look in the winter months. Home to 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, winter in the park is void of summer crowds and offers a whole new look. Check website for hours of operation and site openings. Year-round tours available from Durango.
Winter Waters
Under snowy or sunshine skies, relax in a natural geothermal mineral bath at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs. Take a hike along the Animas River Trail or try fly-fishing in the crisp waters of the Animas River. If you prefer to take it indoors, visit the Durango Rec Center’s indoor water part and pools.
Let the dogs be your guide
Whisk through winter on a dog-powered exploration of the snowy peaks of Southwest Colorado. Durango Dog Ranch and Durango Mountain Resort offer dog sledding adventures and events all winter long. If you’re up for it, you will get a chance to drive the sled!
Fresh Produce and Local Wares
Although the bountiful weekly Farmer’s Market season comes to a close, local farmers are committed to delivering their goods year round. Visit their special Thanksgiving Market on November 22 and Holiday Farmers Market on December 13 for local produce and wares. James Ranch keeps Saturday market hours throughout the winter.
Sprinkle your Winter Holiday with History
Whether your visit is a week, a night, an evening or a tour, be sure to visit the beautiful and historic lodgings in downtown Durango. The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, is decorated with period decor, beautiful handcrafted woodwork, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It recently received the prestigious “Historic Hotels of America Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year Award”. The Rochester Hotel and Leland House, build in 1927 and 1892 respectively, have been renovated by a mother and son team. The décor boasts original antiques and woodwork, as well as Western-movie themed rooms. The General Palmer, built in 1898, blends the comforts of modern living with Victorian charm in the heart of the historic downtown.
Arts in Winter
Take in Durango’s vibrant art scene during the holidays and winter season with the monthly First Thursday Art Walk, live performances at the Strater Theatre and Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, live music at restaurants and local theatre at the Durango Arts Center. The Durango Film Fest celebrates a decade of independent film festival in March of 2015. A hidden jewel in the arts and cultural world, Durango boasts over a dozen galleries carry treasures from American Indians, Contemporary Western and Southwestern works of museum-quality art represented with sculptures, pottery, baskets, fine art photography and home furnishings.
Holiday Festivities 2014
Local artisans gather every year for the annual Noel Night--a downtown evening of local delights, unique shopping, refreshments, free gift-wrapping, carolers, music and more. Mesa Verde decorates with luminaria for their Holiday Open House. For a complete list of Durango’s holiday events please visit our event calendar.
About the Durango Area Tourism Office
The Durango Area Tourism Office is a not-for-profit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County's multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. For more information, visit www.durango.org or call (970) 247-3500.
