Ouray is a little different from your typical Colorado ski destination. We aren't an overrun ski resort town where visitors spend their vacation battling crowds and waiting in lift lines. We're a welcoming mountain community with a something for everyone, whether you're an experienced mountain athlete or someone who's never clicked into a pair of skis.
Ouray has its fair share of serious outdoor enthusiasts. After all, we're home to an impressive community of mountain guides and outdoor professionals. But you don't have to be an expert skier to feel at home here.
Of course, Colorado is known for its skiing, and if hitting the slopes is part of your winter vacation, Ouray makes a great home base for exploring the San Juan Mountains. Within a relatively short drive, you'll find everything from a small, beginner-friendly ski hill to Nordic trails, family-friendly ski areas, and challenging expert terrain.
Here are seven places 50 miles or closer to explore on your next winter trip to Ouray!
1. Lee's Ski Hill
Lee's Ski Hill is Ouray's own little in-town ski slope, perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone looking to practice their turns. With a free tow rope and a 75-foot vertical drop, it's an easy and accessible way to get outside and enjoy a little skiing without leaving town.
2. Ironton Park Nordic Trails
Just 9 miles south of Ouray along the scenic Million Dollar Highway, Ironton Park offers a beautiful setting for cross-country skiing. The area features approximately 5 miles of groomed Nordic trails, along with additional ungroomed routes for more adventurous skiers.
There's also plenty of history to discover, with seven historic mining sites in the area. It's a great way to combine winter recreation with a glimpse into the region's mining past.
3. Backcountry Skiing in the San Juan Mountains
For experienced skiers looking to earn their turns, the San Juan Mountains offer some incredible backcountry skiing. The region is known for abundant opportunities to explore beyond the boundaries of a ski resort right from the Red Mountain Pass. Around Ouray, you'll find access to backcountry zones that can avoid avalanche terrain, as well as more complex route finding.
Backcountry skiing offers a quieter, more independent way to experience the mountains, but it requires preparation, the right equipment, and a strong understanding of avalanche safety. Always check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast before heading out, know how to use your avalanche safety gear, and consider hiring a qualified local guide if you're unfamiliar with the area.
4. Silverton Mountain
For experienced skiers and snowboarders looking for something different, Silverton Mountain offers a truly unique experience. Its guided skiing combines elements of heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, and traditional resort skiing, with access to up to 1,819 acres of backcountry-style terrain by chairlift.
Don't expect groomed runs or neatly cut trails. Silverton Mountain is known for steep, challenging terrain and a more adventurous approach to lift-served skiing. Guided days typically include three to six runs and more than 10,000 vertical feet, depending on conditions. It's an experience geared toward advanced and expert skiers looking for some of the most exciting terrain in the country.
5. Kendall Mountain Ski Area
Looking for a laid-back, family-friendly ski day? Kendall Mountain Ski Area in Silverton is a great option. This community-oriented ski area offers affordable skiing and snowboarding for beginners, families, and children.
With a relaxed atmosphere and lower ticket prices than many of Colorado's larger resorts, Kendall Mountain is a wonderful place to introduce kids to skiing or enjoy a more budget-friendly day on the slopes.
6. Purgatory Resort
Located near Durango, Purgatory Resort offers a classic Colorado ski resort experience in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. With more than 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 107 trails, and 11 lifts, there's plenty to explore for skiers and snowboarders of varying abilities.
Purgatory is known for its mix of steep tree skiing, wide-open groomers, and family-friendly terrain. The resort averages around 260 inches of snow annually and is a popular destination for everything from beginner lessons to full days exploring the mountain.
7. Telluride Ski Resort
For an internationally recognized ski destination with spectacular mountain scenery, head to Telluride Ski Resort. With more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, over 300 inches of average annual snowfall, and options for a wide range of abilities, Telluride offers an unforgettable winter experience.
The mountain is especially well known for its dramatic alpine terrain, expansive views, and challenging bowls, but there are also plenty of options for intermediate and beginner skiers. Whether you're cruising groomed runs or exploring more advanced terrain, Telluride is a beautiful place to spend a day on the mountain.
Come Ski, Stay, and Explore Ouray
One of the best parts of making Ouray your winter home base is that skiing is just one part of the experience. After a day on the snow, head back to town to soak in the hot springs, browse the shops and restaurants along Main Street, or catch a performance or movie at the Wright Opera House.
You don't have to spend your entire vacation on the slopes to have an unforgettable Colorado winter getaway. Come for the skiing, stay for the hot springs, mountain scenery, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Ouray is a place where everyone can find their own way to enjoy winter.
