Purgatory Ski Trips from a Lakeside Lodge: How a Durango Winter Works

Winter at Lemon Reservoir is quiet in the best way: snow-covered pines, a frozen lake, and Purgatory Resort about an hour's drive up US-550.

How is the skiing at Purgatory? Purgatory Resort offers 1,635 acres across 105 trails, with terrain that genuinely favors intermediates and families. Rentals are available slope-side at Purgatory Sports or cheaper in town at Ski Barn Durango on Main Avenue.

What is Snowdown? Every late January/early February, Durango throws Snowdown — a costume-themed winter festival with a light parade down Main Avenue and more than 100 events. It is the town at its weirdest and warmest. Book lodging early that week.

What should you know about winter driving? US-550 and County Road 243 are plowed, but carry chains or good snow tires November–March. The Lodge sits at 8,300 ft; the average winter overnight is well below freezing, and the fireplace does the rest.

Bring the whole crew — the Lodge sleeps 14 adults and 6 children, and there is no better after-ski than a bonfire in the snow.