Travel Made Joyful

The Basics

Who: We went on this trip as a family of six. Right now, our kids are 9, 12, 12, and 14 years old. We drove this year as we wanted to bring all of our own skis. 

What: 6 full days

When: We went for Spring Break during last week of March

Where: Purgatory Ski Resort in Durango, Colorado

Why: Durango is an amazing mountain town with so much to offer. And Purgatory Ski Resort is absolutely one of the most family friendly resorts we found. We have skied Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Keystone and more but we chose Durango for this trip because they offer free season passes to kids 12 and under and 3 of our kids had season passes so this made it a cost friendly trip. And our two older kids were very excited to show us their favorite spots on the mountain after spending 5 weeks living and learning in Durango for Powder Term. 

Learnings

What I’d Do Again

We love this area, and this time around the kids wanted to ski every single day. Purgatory is so family friendly, great ski school options, and you don’t get the massive crowds that the bigger resorts get. The last time we came as a family and the kids were younger, we broke up the skiing with a day of hiking, a day on the historic train, and a day of mountain biking. We stayed in a condo that was right on the mountain so we could ski right out of our door. 

Here are some of the highlights that I wouldn’t hesitate to do again, we have visited Durango in Winter and Summer so I wanted to include all options:

• Number of Days – For us, 5 days of skiing was fantastic. No one felt rushed, if someone wanted to take a break, they could simply ski to our rental that was right on the mountain or take a break in the outdoor heated pool steps away from our rental. 
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: We visited this on our last trip and everyone in our family from young to old loved the historic train ride through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. The journey from Durango to Silverton offers stunning views and a glimpse into the area’s rich mining history.
• Mesa Verde National Park: Just 40 miles from Purgatory Ski Resort and even closer to Durango. Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde, just a short drive from Durango. The park offers guided tours and hiking opportunities amidst a unique landscape.
• Downtown Durango: Wander through the charming streets of downtown Durango, filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the Animas River Trail.
• Purgatory Ski Resort: Hit the slopes at Purgatory Ski Resort during the winter months. With varied terrain suitable for all skill levels, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. The resort also offers equipment rentals, lessons, and other winter activities such as snowshoeing and tubing.
• Summer Activities at Purgatory: Even in the summer, Purgatory offers plenty of outdoor fun. Enjoy scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking trails, zip-lining, alpine slides, and more. The mountain transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Animas River Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Animas River. Guided rafting trips are available for both beginners and experienced adventurers, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. Kids as young as 5 years old can enjoy rafting depending on the time of year and how the river is running.
• San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway: Embark on a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile loop that passes through Durango and offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains, valleys, and historic mining towns of southwestern Colorado.
• Durango Discovery Museum: Perfect for families, this hands-on museum features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and local history. It’s a great way to spend a day indoors, especially if you encounter inclement weather.
• Hiking and Outdoor Exploration: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the numerous trails surrounding Durango and Purgatory. From leisurely nature walks to challenging summit hikes, there’s something for every level of adventurer.
• Durango Craft Breweries: Sample the local craft beer scene at one of Durango’s many breweries. Take a brewery tour, enjoy a tasting flight, and savor the flavors of Colorado’s finest brews.

What I’d Change

• Visit the Durango Hot Springs: The kids did not want to give up a ski day so we did not visit on this trip. The hot springs are surrounded by mountain views, these arenatural mineral hot springs with a perfect blend of minerals and an absence of sulphuric odor. The thermal waters at Durango Hot Springs are the only natural hot springs in the world to infuse nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles, increasing the health benefits and purity of the natural waters. On campus are over 40 unique water features, including 32 different hot springs mineral pools (19 family-friendly, 13 adult-only), 2 cold plunges, a 25-meter resort-style swimming pool, 5 optional private Japanese-inspired cedar “Ofuro” soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path and our popular mineral water rain tower.
• Visit Telluride: Telluride is a special little town not far from Purgatory. The skiing is very expensive, but if you plan ahead with passes it’s a bit more economical. Even if you don’t ski, this town is worth a stop. We were planning to visit on our way out of Colorado but a storm forced us to take a different path. The streets of Telluride are lined with colorful Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. 
• Bring Bikes: We wished we had brought our mountain bikes. We had amazing conditions for skiing, but if you drive the 35 minutes down the mountain, there are amazing mountain bike trails and the weather down the mountain was consistently in the 50s and 60s, perfect for mountain biking. If you choose to fly out, there are plenty of places in town that will rent any kind of bike you can dream of.