Gear Knowledge

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.

Winter snow may still cover the high country for another six months or more, but it’s never too early to learn about what’s new in mountain bike tech for 2025. Spring Break is right around the corner and whether it’s a trip to the desert you have planned, or you are dreaming about your perfect ride for this summer, now is the time to learn about what’s new for this year.

Not up for a new bike? Come spring,Durango Outdoor Exchange will have plenty ofused bikes to choose from–we just may have the perfect project bike for some of the tech you see listed below.

One of the main ways to determine running shoe type is by looking at sole thickness. The sole is what cushions and stabilizes you, and how much of it your shoes have goes a long way to predicting how comfortable the shoes will be.

But, more sole does not always equate to a better shoe, and the reason behind this is guided in part by what kind of runner you are.

With so many shoes offering varying levels of sole thickness, how do you know what’s best for you? Let’s look at the importance of sole thickness, how it impacts your running performance, and what to look for when choosingrunning shoes in Durango.

When the days get longer and the snowpack stabilizes, many skiers turn their attention to climbing bigger peaks and skiing bigger lines. While weather, snowpack, and daylight often conspire to limit big mountain activities through the winter, spring’s longer and warmer days help give skiers a better chance at getting high in the mountains and ticking off some more impressive lines.

The mighty San Juan Mountains fill your windshield every time you turn north on Main. These fearsome, jagged peaks have some of the best and most accessible backcountry in America. That said, if you are a beginner backcountry skier or are new to the area, it may not always be obvious where to go. This guide gives you a quick overview on mostly gentle, mostly safe places to backcountry ski in theDurango area.

It’s snowy and cold, but you want to get out. Downhill skiing is too expensive and backcountry skiing is too difficult. What’s a happy medium? Snowshoeing.

Think of snowshoeing as hiking in the snow, but you can traipse across deep snow and go where there are no trails. You only need basic equipment to get started and it you have ever skied then you probably have most of it already. Here’s a primer on where to go and what to bring. Oh, and when it comes to gear, save money buy buying used gear in Durango from Durango Outdoor Exchange.