Winter in Durango is truly a locals’ season and one of our favorites at Legacy Properties West Sotheby’s International Realty. Snowy forecasts, ice, and frigid temperatures may sound unpleasant to non-residents of Southwest Colorado. Still, for those who live in the area, winter elements create an opportunity for outdoor recreation that’s unlike any other time of the year. Durango is more than just a ski town during the winter months. With over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and 105 trails, Purgatory is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful San Juan Mountain Range. But what if you or your family doesn’t ski and you are still looking for adventure. There are plenty of other options for winter adventures in Durango.

Snowmobiling

Combine the thrill of a high-speed ride with snowy alpine scenery, and you’ve just discovered why snowmobiling is so popular and a top choice for winter adventures in Durango. Ride the beautiful San Juan Mountains in Colorado on 300 miles of winter recreation trails from 9 trailheads in 6 Counties. 

Dog Sledding

Explore the frozen beauty of the San Juan Mountains with a bit of help from some canine companions. The Durango Dog Ranch is in its twenty-fifth year of operating. They provide a truly unique experience that you won’t ever forget, and you might even get to snuggle some puppies afterward.

Fat Biking

Most cyclists ride them in snowy conditions or sand; run at low tire pressure, they float on surfaces where regular mountain bike, ‘cross, or road tires would sink. With all the snow on the ground in Durango, a fat bike can keep you in excellent riding shape all winter long. 

Skijoring

Skijoring is a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog, or a motor vehicle. Historically, the thrilling spectacle draws around 3 to 4 thousand people to Silverton, Colorado, every year. Skijoring will return to Silverton in 2022 on February 19.

Winter Train Ride

One of our favorite winter adventures in Durango is aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The train travels to Cascade Canyon during the winter season, providing you with some of the most picturesque views of the San Juans. The coaches are comfortably heated and cozy, and this trip is excellent for families.

Snowcat Excursion

A snowcat is a fully enclosed, truck-sized vehicle with tracks designed to move quickly through deep snow. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views with a scenic snowcat tour from Purgatory Snowcat Adventures. 

Sleigh Rides

Beautiful Belgian and Percheron Draft horses from Buck’s Livery take a sleigh full of guests on a 35-minute picturesque mountain sleigh ride amidst snow-covered spruce and aspen trees, with breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest and Needles Mountain Range. 

Snowshoeing

In the winter months, many of the trails around Durango transform into perfect snowshoeing routes. Snowshoeing is for all ages, and there are several areas to explore around Durango. For example, take in the views while strolling through the San Juan Mountains at Molas Pass on the Colorado Trail.