WINTER

Skiing is the first order of business and Purgatory Ski Resort is the place. Just north of town in the San Juan Mountains, you’ll find this gem of a downhill area with trails for all abilities. There’s a nordic ski area across the valley from Purgatory, and there are Snow Cat and other backcountry options too. Wolf Creek Ski area is also close by just east of Pagosa Springs. And if you go there, you can soak in Pagosa Hot Springs before you head home. (Trimble Hot Springs is your option in Hermosa if you go to Purgatory. (Purg as the locals call it.) Snowmobiling options abound here too. Head up to Molas Pass or Purgatory and hit those trails with guided operations. Full and half day trips are available and you’ll be in some of the most amazing country you’ve ever seen.

Horse Drawn Sleigh rides are SOOO western. Take one with Rapp Corral…you’ll love these big horses (and the guides) as they pull you through the wilderness. Take a snowshoe or skate ski trip around Vallecito or Haviland Lakes.  It’s work but it’s worth it. Vallecito Lake is a great place to ice fish too (make sure the ice is good please). Bring a picnic and be sure to go prepared for the possible changing weather. Ice skating anyone? Chapman Hill ice rink is a nice option or you can head up to Silverton and visit Kendall Mountain where there is a quaint skating rink right there – in the most amazing outside arena. Kendall Mountain is also a super fun ski area for kids – small, one lift, but great fun. There are also Durango SIlverton Narrow Gauge Winter Train rides to Cascade and the very famous and super holiday festive Polar Express Train too. Hot cocoa for the kids and hot toddies in The Office Spiritorium are a fun way to cap off an evening before hitting the pillow in your guestroom at The Strater Hotel. Live music is also a nice way to meet some locals and do some toe-tapping.