Adventuring in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado! Winter Edition.

Engineer Mountain, north of Durango.

The San Juan Mountains of Colorado hold MAGIC experiences in all seasons. What I love about this place that I call home is that there is always more to discover. Whether or not you’ve visited Durango, Ouray, Silverton or Telluride, there is always something new around the corner…or mountain!

Listed are some of my favorite adventures in my neck of the woods by season.

WINTER

#1. Our most popular winter adventures by location:

Durango: Purgatory Ski Resort is family friendly, fun, known for its’ champagne powder and runs from easy greens to dial-in blacks. Also home to Durango Adaptive Sports Association. I volunteer for ASA and can personally attest to their devotion and passion for getting everyone on the mountain for a fun and learning experience. Ready to warm up? The newly renovated Durango Hot Springs is a perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. My favorite? The Yin hot tub followed by a Yang cold plunge! Food trucks and bar on site to warm you up from the inside out. For a fun ride outa town, The Historic Durango & Silverton Railroad gives it’s riders the whole wonder of the backcountry right out your window! Experience the magic of our snow covered mountains in comfort. Looking for a romantic snuggle time with your partner? The Sleigh Rides available from Bears Ranch offer scenic views of Engineer Mountain and the Twilight Peaks. Go later in the day for a chance at our Alpen Glow when the mountains are bathed in soft pink light. If you’re ready to get you’re heart racing again, the Durango Nordic Center, across the street from Purgatory, has XC ski routes and snowshoeing routes. Equipment is available to rent.

Ski Slopes at Purgatory are the perfect place for a fun friends photo! Dressing up in costumes makes the portrait extra fun!

Telluride: Telluride Ski Resort, is our most posh, exhilarating and true destination resort offering everything from skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, heli-skiing (pretty much anything your winter heart might desire). Known for it’s long runs, verticals and parks, Telluride will not disappoint! For apres ski, Telluride has fabulous restaurants, world-class shopping and enviable spa’s. Festivals and events in winter are right in Mountain Village. This Winter go to Mind Blown, a not-your-average magic show. Snowmobiling at Alta Lake and Dog-Sledding adventures set your soul free in the beauty of the woods. My favorite places to stay are the New Sheridan (go to the roof top bar), the Camel’s Garden Inn (right next to the Gondola!) and the Mountain Side Inn (affordable, great service and right next to the creek).

The perfection of the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort! PC Kenny Strong, who is a ski instructor here.

Silverton: Omg, I love this town! Located at 9,300 elevation, this town of 650 residents are all hard core adventurists. Not an easy place to get to, you must either drive Coal Bank Pass from Durango, or Red Mountain Pass from Ouray. Check CDOT for weather conditions and pass closures. Personally? If I’m driving to Silverton, I much prefer Coal Bank Pass. Regardless, once you get there, winter adventures abound! Their Ski Joring Event is their largest winter event and a blast! My 21 year old son plans on entering the race this winter (you may see me huddled in a corner with my hands over my eyes!) Other winter activities are XC skiing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing at Kendall Mountain. After your day of fun in the snow, go for a soak at Shangi La Soaking Pools. Tuck in for the night at the historic Wyman Hotel. Newly renovated, and full of historic charm.

Horses are a blur as they race past you!

Ouray: “Ice, Ice Baby!” Known for it’s Ice Climbing, Ouray is the premier destination for all things ice! The Ouray Ice Festival is coming up on Presidents Day Weekend, but if you can’t get there, no worries, the Ice Park is open as long as conditions permit. Guides are highly recommended, and San Juan Mountain Guides can totally get you on the ice! Off the ice, Ouray offers restaurants, shopping, distilleries and breweries! My favorite is Red Mountain Brewery, which has an excellent menu as well. If waterfalls are your thing (and who doesn’t have a thing for waterfalls?) check out Cascade Falls. You can get a beautiful view right from the parking lot, OR stay at the Wiesbaden Inn, where the outdoor geothermal heated pool has a great view, and enjoy their famous Vapor Cave (I kid you not, this cave is amazing!), and spa. Speaking of hot springs, families will love the Ouray Hot Springs, with it’s large pools, waterslides and inflatable obstacle course!

Ice climber getting splashed on.

That’s it for now! Next up will be the Spring Adventure Blog, “More than just Mud Season”. Thank you for taking the time to read about some of my favorites and I hope to see you enjoying all the San Juans have to offer.

Of course, if you want to capture you’re adventure for all time, CStrong Photography can help you plan a family portrait, Empowerment Portrait, Proposal or Elopement! Contact me at adventure@cstrongphotography, call or text 719.310.2566 or visit our website at CStrong Photography!