Among the most popular ski destinations in the area are Telluride Ski Resort and Durango Ski Resort, which provide patrons from near and far with incredible skiing and snowboarding options.
With the 2014-15 season set to get underway, here’s an overview of the two ski resorts, as well as valuable special-event information for skiers and snowboarders in the area.
Telluride offers top-notch experience
A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, Telluride Ski Resort contains all the amenities necessary for an incredible skiing or snowboarding experience.
Home to 18 total lifts that are capable of transporting more than 22,386 skiers every hour, the mountain 127 trails and 2000 skiable and plenty of in-bounds and out of bounds terrain. The resort receives an average of 309 inches of snowfall per year.
Several restaurants, easy access to the town of Telluride and multiple hotels make Telluride an appealing travel destination for tourists, while short lift lines and a small-town atmosphere tend to appeal to locals.
Adult single-day lift tickets are $79 and children between the ages of 6 and 12 can ski for $43 per day. Multi-day discounts are also available as are ski and snowboard lessons with certified instructors.
As of Dec. 4, eight of Telluride’s 18 lifts were open and the mountain reported a 26-inch base. Four inches of new snow had been reported within the last 24 hours.
Durango Mountain offers something for everyone
Located 26 miles north of Durango, Durango Mountain Resort has grown into a big-time resort with a small-town feel.
The resort features 10 chairlifts capable of transporting 15,050 skiers and snowboarders per hour to 1,360 skiable acres. Five terrain parks, including the new Riblet Terrain Park and the new Pinkerton Starter Park dot the mountain, as do several dining and lodging options.
Those interested in non-skiing and snowboarding activities can spend time Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice climbing. Dogsledding will also be offered at Durango Mountain Resort for the first time this year.
Adult single-day lift tickets cost $79, while children between the ages of 6 and 12 can ski for $48 per day. Multi-day discounts, half-day passes and senior discounts are also available.
The resort reported a 12-inch midway base as of Dec. 5. Three of the lifts eight lifts are currently open.