We are fortunate to have two great ski resorts very near to Cortez.  Telluride is just 81 miles away to the north and Durango Mountain is just 77 miles away to the east.

Telluride, Colorado

Unhasseled Mountain Experience. Telluride's slopes and lifts remain uncrowded throughout the season - so you can really enjoy your ski vacation. In fact, the mountain is so uncrowded that you'll often feel like you are on your own private ski slope.

The Telluride ski experience offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers thanks to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain. From refined groomed runs to challenging moguls, there truly is something for everyone. Even beginners and intermediate skiers can ride to the highest peaks and enjoy terrain and views typically reserved for the experts. Find out why Telluride has been called, "The most beautiful place you'll ever ski."

Averaging more than 300 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine each year, odds are you’ll find fantastic conditions on Telluride’s 1700 skiable acres. And forget crowds: the trails are never packed, and there is rarely a lift line.

Long time favorites include The Plunge for experts, intermediate See Forever, and the 4.6 mile Galloping Goose for beginners. Freestylers of all levels can hit one of several terrain parks.

Click here for snow report at Telluride.  For driving directions click here.  You can see their ski trail map here.  Click here for their official website.

Purgatory Mountain, Durango, Colorado

Purgatory Mountain, just 25 miles north of Durango, Colorado, offers a slice of heaven with a western twist in Southwest Colorado.

The name Purgatory comes from a witty farmer around the late 1800’s who adopted the moniker for a nearby creek, a tributary of the Rio de las Anima Perdidas (the River of Lost Souls), dubbed by Spanish explorers for a group who disappeared on the river during Durango’s early history.

Centuries later, outdoor enthusiasts and modern day explorers still flock to the area to share in the beauty of its dramatic vistas and to experience all that the mountain has to offer including:

Two terrain parks
Children’s play park
NASTAR racing course
85 trails
1,200 acres of legendary terraced terrain

Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, snowshoer, or snowbiker, and from beginner to expert—however you find your way up and down, once you’ve been on Purgatory Mountain you’ll understand why it stands apart.

Click here for snow report at Durango Mountain.  For driving directions click here.  You can see their ski trail map here.  Click here for their official website.