San Juan Ski Company

Comprised of the greatest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks south of the Canadian Yukon, the San Juan Mountains are home to some of the best backcountry skiing in Colorado. The San Juan Ski Company's 35,000-acre powder playground sits in the middle of this incredible terrain, with miles of steep treed slopes, glades, expansive open bowls and sick alpine chutes and faces. We have been guiding snowcat trips since 1997 and are still exploring and skiing new lines every season.

Snowfall in our area averages between 20 and 30 feet or 240 to 360 inches. When it's not dumping, the region is known for bright, crisp bluebird days and magnificent views. Either way, you can't go wrong!

With our vast terrain and plenty of snow, skiers and snowboarders are guaranteed powder; even if it hasn't snowed in weeks.

You can expect to ski or ride 10 to 12 runs and between 10,000 and 12,000 vertical feet. Weather and conditions permitting, you may be exploring new routes off the faces of 12,000-foot peaks, floating through powder in steep trees, playing in natural terrain parks or tracking up open bowls.

Price includes avalanche safety gear (beacon and shovel pack), souvenir water bottle and water.

Guests should be advanced or expert skiers and able to ski/ride in variable snow conditions.

Our registration/reservation desk is located inside Backcountry Experience, an outdoor specialty store, on the plaza level of the Purgatory Lodge. Guests meet at 8 a.m. and return to the base around 4:30. Durango Mountain Resort is located 23 miles north of Durango and 24 miles south of Silverton. From Telluride, it is approximately a three-hour drive.

Top-of-the-line 2011 Black Diamond skis - the Justice, Megawatt and Starlet - are available for demo at Backcountry Experience for $25. They must be reserved in advance.