Welcome to the ultimate guide for chasing fresh powder in Durango, Colorado, and the surrounding Four Corners region. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a first-time snowboarder, or an all-around cross-country enthusiast, there’s no shortage of amazing terrain in Colorado and nearby in New Mexico.
Even better, our on-page Snow Report widget below gives you real-time snow conditions for any of these locations — from the fresh powder slopes of Purgatory Resort to the challenging peaks of Silverton Mountain, and beyond.
Plan your next snowy adventure and check our snow report widget so you can hit the road with the most current info on weather, base conditions, snowfall, and trail conditions.
Now, let’s dive into the top ski destinations near Durango, plus a few bonus spots across state lines in New Mexico. Spice up your ski season with an adventurous road trip!
Get Mountain Snow Reports for the Best Places to Ski Near Durango
Read on to discover key details about each ski resort near Durango and the Four Corners region, then click on our widget below for the most up-to-date snowfall figures before you head out to the slopes.
Purgatory Ski Resort
Looking for a family-friendly winter escape that’s a stone’s throw north of Durango, Colorado? Purgatory Ski Resort might be your perfect match. Rising high in the San Juan Mountains, it has short lift lines to access its ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Plus, you can win two free Purgatory Resort lift tickets with no blackout dates!
Spread across more than 1,600 acres, you’ll find diverse terrain here, including the Zinfandel and Paradise slopes. Both are local favorites for carving turns while taking in breathtaking mountain views.
Groomed cross-country and back-country trails are also plentiful. The resort maintains glading and scenic cross-country trails that wind through alpine forests.
Purgatory’s warm and laid-back atmosphere makes it a fantastic option for families, groups of friends, or going solo for an enjoyable winter escape in serene, snow-filled landscapes. Off the slopes, you’ll find an inviting base village with shops, dining options, and festive events throughout the season.
Purgatory is known for its bountiful days of highly coveted dry powder slopes due to its frequent winter storms followed by sunny, “bluebird” days. Check our Snow Report widget below for current conditions and snowfall totals to time your trip perfectly.
Our Snow Report widget below is easy to use, updates in real time, and covers countless destinations (including Purgatory!) — perfect for checking base depths, fresh powder totals, and more.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Known for its legendary powder snow, as well as its claim to the “most snow in Colorado,” Wolf Creek is beloved by deep powder hounds and laid-back outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the San Juan Mountains, Wolf Creek’s terrain ranges from challenging steeps and bowls to gentler runs that cater to beginners.
Offering a more natural environment, Wolf Creek provides an authentic skiing experience that feels a bit more rugged and raw than many larger, more commercialized resorts.
If you’re seeking the quintessential natural powder day, Wolf Creek Ski provides it. Storms moving through the area can leave behind incredible snow totals, and the mountain’s relatively smaller crowds mean you might find pockets of fresh powder deep into the day, with no chowder. Slopeside amenities are comfortable but not over-the-top, which adds to the area’s laid-back atmosphere.
Curious about the latest snowfall or base depth at Wolf Creek? Drop down to our real-time Snow Report widget below to see if a great powder day is brewing for you to shred some snow.
Telluride Ski Resort
Just a short drive north from Durango, Cortez, and Silverton, Telluride Ski Resort perches atop a dramatic box canyon in the San Juan Mountains. The town itself, steeped in mining history, imbues a classic charm, beautifully blending with its modern, upscale and hip vibe.
Telluride’s skiing is equally diverse –– from the steep, adrenaline-pumping slopes of the Plunge, Revelation Bowl, and Senior’s Run at Palmyra Peak, to beginner-friendly double green runs that gently wind down the mountain.
While most of Telluride’s slopes are geared towards intermediate and advanced skiers due to their steep profile, the resort maintains roughly 23% of its terrain dedicated to beginners to enjoy the mountain and learn the sport.
One of Telluride’s best-known features is its free and iconic gondola that connects the resort’s Mountain Village to the historic town of Telluride, making it easy to explore shops, restaurants, and nightlife without needing a car. The unique geography of the region means that you’re surrounded by breathtaking peaks and sheer canyon walls at every turn, creating a ski trip backdrop like no other.
Before you load up your car for a scenic drive to Telluride, check our Snow Report widget below to confirm how much fresh powder awaits you.
Silverton Mountain Ski Area
Silverton Mountain is the ultimate destination for purists who crave a raw and unfiltered alpine experience. It is the highest and steepest ski area in North America, and can be technically daunting even for expert skiers. With no groomed runs or cut trails, it has one chairlift to access over 1,800 acres of backcountry terrain, with an additional 22,000 acres for heliskiing and heliboarding.
Although avalanche mitigation is conducted here, avalanche gear is mandatory, and provided during guided skiing. Check with the ski area about when guided skiing and snowboarding is required to help you navigate the mountain’s open powder bowls, steep, tight chutes, and tree lines of deep snow.
Just because Silverton offers some of the deepest snow and biggest challenges in Colorado, don’t let that scare you away. If you enjoy pushing your limits and are advanced enough to handle black diamond and double black skiing, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a unique adrenaline-fueled adventure here, giving you stories to share around the fireplace at the end of a great day.
Ready for shredding the slopes at Silverton? Check the current snowfall conditions with the Snow Report widget below.
Kendall Mountain Ski Area
A small ski resort area located at just over 13,350 feet in the charming town of Silverton, Colorado, Kendall Mountain offers a relaxed atmosphere with gentle slopes, a terrain park, and stunning views of the San Juan Mountains.
It’s a great place to learn to ski, enjoy a fun day on the snow with the kids, or simply soak up the beauty of the Colorado mountains without breaking the bank. Kids 5 and under ski free! With a casual, welcoming atmosphere, this is a place to take your kids for their first turns or to practice skills in a laid-back setting.
Kendall Mountain even offers night-skiing events on select dates, upping the fun factor. Lift ticket prices are typically much lower than more extensive ski areas, making it easy on the wallet.
If you’re checking snowfall totals or planning your trip for the next weekend, hop over to our Snow Report widget below to see what the conditions look like at Kendall.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Resort stands out for its challenging terrain, historic charm, and vibrant ski culture. While it’s located roughly four and a half hours north of Durango, the road trip through the scenic San Juan Mountains is an adventure in itself.
Once you arrive, you’ll discover a mountain known for its steep pitches, extreme terrain parks, and tree-skiing that excites even the most advanced skiers and riders. If you’re newer to the sport, don’t worry — Crested Butte also has a good mix of beginner and intermediate runs, with a lively après-ski scene to swap tips and tales of the day’s adventures.
A vibrant mountain town, Crested Butte brims with charm. In town, you’ll find colorful Victorian-era buildings, unique local shops, and a variety of dining spots serving hearty fare, craft beer, and more. Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll often find smaller crowds and a friendly, relaxed vibe with lots of locals.
Be sure to use our Snow Report widget to check conditions and snowfall before making your journey; you’ll want to ensure the roads are clear and the slopes are at their prime.
Know Before You Go: New Mexico Slope Snow Report
Durango and Four Corners residents, are you ready for a change of pace and scenery this winter? Take an exciting road trip to resorts where you can ski in Northern New Mexico.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump across the state line, a winter wonderland awaits with diverse terrain, thrilling slopes, stunning views, and a whole new skiing experience. So, pack your gear, gather your crew, and get ready to hit the road for an unforgettable New Mexico ski adventure!
Taos Ski Valley
Ready for something new this winter? Taos Ski Valley sits in Northern New Mexico’s stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering challenging slopes, legendary powder, and European-inspired alpine vibes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this iconic resort has a run with your name on it, plus plenty of fun things to do in Taos après-ski.
Ski Santa Fe
Ready for a ski trip that blends exhilarating slopes with Santa Fe flair? Head to Ski Santa Fe where you can enjoy high-elevation, north-facing slopes with great snow coverage, and diverse terrain for all levels, from cruisers and glades in the trees to challenging moguls.
Then venture just down the road to the heart of historic Santa Fe. It’s the best of both worlds –– amazing skiing plus celebrating your day’s achievements with a taste of New Mexico’s unique culture.
If this intrigues you, head over to Ski Santa Fe for more info, and get real-time snow and base mountain info on the widget below.
Sandia Peak Ski Area
Just outside Albuquerque, Sandia Peak surprises visitors with snow mountain thrills perched above the high desert. Beginners and intermediates will find plenty of friendly runs, while all can savor the panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley below, with dormant fissure cinder cone volcanoes over 100,000 years old standing in silhouette on the western horizon.
Summit dining is also available, giving you the opportunity to sip a hot cocoa or dig into a hearty meal between runs.
Cloudcroft
Tucked away in the Sacramento Mountains at an elevation of around 9,000 feet a few hours south from Albuquerque, Ski Cloudcroft is one of several Southern New Mexico ski destinations offering exciting road trips deep into the Land of Enchantment.
It is perfect for families and anyone seeking mellow slopes. Enjoy short lift lines, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of fun –– including snow tubing for non-skiers. It’s perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds and soak up a down-to-earth mountain experience.
Ski Apache
Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Ski Apache near Ruidoso delivers a unique cultural experience plus jaw-dropping views of White Sands from its gondola ride. Also in the Sacramento Mountains, this southernmost skiing resort in the United States spans a wide range of difficulties, from beginner-friendly slopes to more challenging runs through trees and steeps.
The Ultimate Durango + Four Corners Snow Report
Use our real-time Snow Report widget below to check snow conditions and trail status at any of these fantastic destinations around Durango and the Four Corners region — including those in New Mexico. With accurate, up-to-date snowfall data and base depths details, you can plan your trip with confidence for an unforgettable winter sports experience.
Remember, wherever you choose to ski, in Colorado at Purgatory or Kendall, Wolf Creek or Silverton, or in New Mexico at Taos, Ski Santa Fe, or Sandia Peak, you’ll quickly see why these slopes keep winter adventurers coming back year after year. It’s time to gather your gear, load up the car, and chase those perfect runs — after all, nothing beats a great powder day!