Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.
But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.
Small ski areas are the perfect antidote for this.
Colorado’s tiny gems operate on a shoestring, completely forgo crowds, and are dirt cheap–and by cheap we mean sometimes they are literally free to ski at. You won’t rack up lots of vert, and face shots may be few and far between, but we can guarantee you won’t be waiting for a shuttle bus to Lot D5, and you’ll likely be on a first-name basis with the ticket seller, lift loader, and snow groomer (who may all be the same person).
But what are these areas? Here’s a primer to Colorado’s truly small ski areas.
Developed by a hotel in the 1950s, Silverton’s original ski area had a period in the 1980s when it was closed but since then has come back strong. Owned and operated by the town, Kendall has a 240-foot vertical drop and a double chair. It’s also got a surprisingly nice base lodge. Make sure to purchase your tickets online in advance. Be on the lookout for free ski days!
The hometown fave, Chapman is run by the city of Durango. A brand new poma lift and an improved rope tow serve close to 300 vertical feet of open terrain that is either very gentle or very steep–with not a lot in between. Notably, Chapman has some great amenities, including top-notch snowmaking, lights for night skiing, a paved parking lot, an adjacent skating rink, and a great slate of lessons. Chapman is a great place to have the kids try skiing before committing to a bigger and more expensive trip.
Cranor Hill opened in 1962 and is operated by the city of Gunnison. Served by one poma lift spanning the hill’s 305 vertical feet, Cranor has wide open slopes and some surprisingly good views. This spot is natural snow only, so double check before making any plans.
Lake City’s eponymous ski hill just might be the most interesting of the bunch. Served by a 60-year-old poma lift that rises 250 vert, it operates on a limited schedule but can get good snow and the runs are fun and mellow. The views here are stupendous, Lake City is cute as a button and the ski area’s floating bullwheel atop the poma is gloriously old school.
You’ve probably driven by this ski area many times without even knowing it was there. Lee’s is run by the town of Ouray–find it on 3rd Avenue near 4th Street. This rope tow serves 75 vertical feet and runs most afternoons. Hold on to your wallets here, buckaroo–the lift ticket is FREE. In fact, you don’t even need a ticket. Show up, slap on your gear, and grab the rope. The rope tow is not always opehjn, so def call the town before driving over the mountain to Ouray.
In this age of corporate skiing, these tiny ski hills embody the spirit of skiing. They give everyone a place to ski, with no stress and no demands. While southwest Colorado is home to many of these gems, you can find them all over. Challis, Idaho has Chipmunk Ski Hill. Waterville, Wash. has Badger Mountain Ski Area. Susanville, Calif. has Coppervale Ski Area. British Columbia is full of these gems–there you can find community ski lifts in Salmo, Clearwater, and Mackenzie. Want to see something really cool? Check out Tweedsmuir Ski Club.
These spots are the perfect place to learn, teach your kids, or test out gear. Durango Outdoor Exchange is stocked all winter and into the spring with ski gear, ski clothing, gloves, goggles, helmets, and more.
Overheating in the outdoors can be more than an annoyance—it can be dangerous.
From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, overheating can damage organs, leave you hobbled, cause disorientation, and worse. With summer here, it’s time to learn which gear can help you stay cool.
We see firsthand how proper gear helps people stay cool, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors. If you’re planning to hike, bike, paddle, camp, or explore this summer, here are some of the best types of gear to help keep things comfy.
May might be one of the most underrated months to explore Durango. The days are long and warm, but the trailheads are empty. If you know where to go (and what to bring), you can have some of the best adventures of the year.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
You know the drill: Melting snow, sloppy trails, and that in-between season that can make a mess of your boots, your bike, and your Subaru.
But this year? It’s a little different. A drier-than-usual winter and spring means mud season isn’t quite living up to its name this year, and that opens a new set of opportunities to get outside earlier than expected.
Here’s how to make the most of it with help from Durango Outdoor Exchange.