Grizzly Peak, 300 feet shy of 14,000 feet, is located just north of our northern boundary. As a crow flies, Telluride is less than 20 miles away.
Skiing in the San Juans rivals ranges in Canada and Alaska with’cat & heli skiing, backcountry guides and huts
Rugged, wild and remote, the San Juan Mountains are a hidden gem in the Rockies. But the word is spreading and the area is becoming a destination not only for San Juan Ski Company snowcat skiing guests, but for adventurers seeking Colorado powder skiing. Check out the options below to create a custom Colorado snowcat powder skiing trip. Please don’t hesitate to call our information line - 1.800.208.1780 - if you have questions or need additional information when planning your vacation.
Southwest Colorado ski resorts
Durango Mountain Resort Is a fun ski area on a powder day, but it gets tracked up fast. Be sure to check out the tree skiing in the new Legends terrain where it is possible to find untracked lines days after a storm. Locals head to the backside where runs are steeper (but lifts are slower) on powder mornings or pound out midweek storms on the front side under the high-speed six-pack. Skiable area is 1,325 acres with a vertical drop of 2,029. Area receives around 260 inches of snow annually. Tickets are $75, higher during holidays.
Silverton Mountain The highest and steepest ski area in North America, there is no easy way down Silverton Mountain; just steep bowls, chutes and tight trees. One chairlift accesses the terrain. Guests may have to hike to the “goods.” Skiable area is 1,819 acres (more by helicopter) with a lift-served vertical drop of 1,900. Area receives around 400 inches of snow annually. Tickets are $49 unguided, (opening through Jan. 13) and $139 guided (Jan. 17-March 31). Skier numbers are limited, so advanced reservations are advised. Avalanche safety gear is required and can be rented for $36.
Wolf Creek Boasting “the most snow in Colorado,” Wolf Creek receives a whopping 465 inches annually. Last season was a banner year for them with the earliest opening ever. Even if you missed a storm by a few days, you have a good chance of finding powder stashes if you hike the short distance to the ridge top that accesses some of the area’s steeper terrain and adds more vertical and challenge to the rather L-shaped ski area. Skiable area is 1,600 acres, with a vertical drop of 1,604. Tickets are $56 everyday. Check road reports for pass information since the road is occasionally closed for avalanche control.
Telluride With some of the most spectacular in-bounds hike-to terrain in the country, Telluride offers “big mountain goods for anyone willing to make the trek.” Skiable area is 2,000 acres (of which Telluride doesn’t waste too many acres on grooming) with a vertical drop of 3,845. The area receives around 309 inches annually. Tickets are $98; higher during holidays.
snowcat skiing
San Juan Ski Company - We are the largest snowcat skiing operation in Colorado with over 35,000 acres of terrain. Our vast terrain guarantees you will ski powder, even weeks after a storm. Single seat price is $350+ tax. Private snowcats are $3,500+tax (max 12). We promise to deliver the goods which insures you the best Colorado powder skiing experience. We guarantee powder, our your money back.
Silverton Powdercats - Located 14 miles north of Durango Mountain Resort on Molas Pass, Silverton Powdercats has 3,500 acres of mostly open-glade skiing. Rates are $335 per person, private snowcats are $3,000 (max. 10)
San Juan Snowcats - Near Creede (approximately a four-hour drive from us), San Juan Snowcats has around 6,500 acres of terrain. At 13,250 feet, they are North America’s highest catsking operation. 2012-2013 rates are not yet listed on website.
heli skiing
Helitrax Located in Telluride, Helitrax operates at the highest elevations in North America. Single day trips are around $1050.
Silverton Mountain Heliski If you get tired of hiking to the “goods,” Silverton Mountain offers single heli drops for $159 (you also need to purchase a lift ticket for $139.)
backcountry guides
Kling Mountain Guides Durango and DMR-based Kling Mountain Guides. Offers skiing, ski mountaineering, avalanche education and ice climbing. Trips are custom-tailored to your needs – from the first-time-in-the-backcountry skier to the big mountain free skier. Kling Mountain Guides has an office at DMR and in Backcountry Experience at its Durango location.
Southwest Adventure Guides Whether you are a resort skier looking to venture into the untracked powder of the backcountry or an experienced backcountry skier who wants to hit the best tours the area has to offer, Southwest Adventure Guides can put it together for you. Cost varies.
backcountry huts
Red Mountain Enterprises. LCC Steeped in mining history, the Addie’s and the Mountain Belle huts are an easy ski in from the highway between Silverton and Ouray. Both cabins have awesome backcountry skiing right out the door. The Addie’s sleeps 12 in comfort, and the Mountain Belle sleeps eight.
St. Paul Ski Lodge and St. Paul Backcountry Hut Located off the highway between Silverton and Ouray, the St. Paul Lodge sleeps up to 24 people, has a fully-equipped kitchen with meals prepared three times a day by the proprietor/chef, and has hot water, including showers. The hut is a mile ski-in from the highway and sleeps six. Both the lodge and the hut have front-door access to incredible ski terrain!
other area winter recreation
Nordic skiing - located across the highway from Durango Mountain Resort, the Nordic Center has 15 km of groomed trails with incredible views. Equipment rentals are available. Trail fees are $12.
Snowshoe tours - Two tours leave daily at 9:30 am and 1:00 p.m. from Durango Mountain Resort. Cost is $35 and includes the snowshoes, guide and chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and down after snowshowing the two-hour loop. The Nordic Center also has snowshoeing trails.
Sleigh Rides Located four miles south of DMR, the Rapp Corral offers horse-drawn sleigh rides near Haviland Lake.
For more information on Colorado skiing, visit Colorado Ski Authority
