Durango is located at the base of Baldy Mountain located in Southwestern Colorado, near the New Mexican border. It has a population of around 19,413 people according to the census of 2020 and an Area of 44.3 km².
The city is known for its beautiful scenery, great food, and friendly locals. But does it Snow in Durango, Colorado?
Does it Snow in Durango, Colorado?
If you’re wondering whether it snows in Durango, Colorado, the answer is a resounding Yes!
In fact, this picturesque town is teeming with winter activities and is one of the best places to enjoy the snow. Located at an elevation of 1,988 m, there is no shortage of snow here during winters.
The average amount of snowfall that Durango Experiences averages around 71 inches per year.
So whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or just enjoy a winter wonderland, Durango is the perfect destination.
The Weather in Durango
Let’s take a look at the weather in Durango.
Durango is located in southwestern Colorado, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. The city has a semi-arid climate, with four distinct seasons.
Winter lasts from mid-December to early March and is relatively mild compared to the rest of the country. However, snow is not uncommon, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Spring arrives in early April and brings with it warm days and cool nights. This is a great time to explore Durango’s many hiking trails.
Summer lasts from June to August and is typically hot and dry. However, afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for those as well.
Autumn arrives in September and brings with it cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. This is a great time to go camping or enjoy one of Durango’s many festivals.
The Snowy Climate of Durango
Durango is a town in southwestern Colorado, USA. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. So, what about snow in Durango?
Most years, Durango generally sees around 71 inches of snowfall each winter. However, this can vary quite a lot from one year to the next.
If you’re planning a trip to Durango in the winter, it’s a good idea to check the forecast before you go. That way, you can be sure to pack the right clothing and gear for whatever the weather might bring.
How Much Snow Does Durango get?
Durango typically sees around 71 inches of snow each year, but the amount can vary greatly from one year to the next. The town is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, which means it typically receives more snow than the Denver area to the north.
One of the biggest factors that determine how much snow Durango gets is the El Niño weather pattern. This pattern brings warm, wet weather to be much of the western United States, and it generally leads to below-average snowfall in Durango.
On the other hand, La Niña weather patterns tend to bring colder, drier conditions to southwest Colorado, and this often leads to above-average snowfall in Durango.
The Best Places to go Snowboarding in Durango
Durango is a great place to go snowboarding, with a variety of slopes and trails to suit all levels of ability. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy your favorite winter activity.
Here are some of the best places to go snowboarding in Durango:
- Purgatory Resort: Purgatory is a great place for both beginner and experienced snowboarders, with a variety of terrain parks and runs. There’s also a tubing hill for those who want to take it easy.
- Silverton Mountain: Silverton Mountain is perfect for advanced riders, with over 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain to explore. There are no groomed trails here, so you’ll need to be prepared for some serious powder skiing.
- Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the most scenic trails in Durango. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for backcountry riding here, as well as groomed trails suitable for all levels of ability.
The Best Places to go Skiing in Durango, Colorado
Durango is home to some of the best skiing in Colorado. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly resort or a challenging backcountry experience, you’ll find it here. Durango is also one of the most affordable ski destinations in the state, making it a great option for families and budget-minded skiers.
Here are some of the best places to go skiing in Durango:
- Purgatory Resort: Purgatory is Durango’s largest and most popular ski resort. It offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, including beginner-friendly green and blue runs, as well as more challenging black runs for advanced skiers. Purgatory is also home to Colorado’s longest high-speed quad lift, which can whisk you to the top of the mountain in no time.
- Wolf Creek Ski Area: Wolf Creek is a smaller ski area located just outside of Durango. It’s known for its deep powder snow and extensive backcountry skiing opportunities. Wolf Creek also has a variety of terrain for all skill levels, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced skiers.
- Hesperus Ski Area: Hesperus is Durango’s local ski area, and it offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels. In addition to traditional downhill skiing, Hesperus also offers cross-country trails, tubing hills, and even an airbag jump park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
- Silverton Mountain: Silverton Mountain is a small but mighty ski area located just outside of Durango. It’s known for its expert-only terrain and steep chutes, as well as its breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re looking for an adventurous ski experience, Silverton Mountain is definitely worth checking out.
The Most Popular Winter Activities in Durango
There are a number of different winter activities that people can enjoy while visiting Durango.
Depending on what somebody is looking for, they may find that they enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Purgatory Resort, exploring the variety of hiking and snowshoeing trails, or even just spending some time in town shopping and enjoying the local restaurants.
No matter what somebody is looking for, they are sure to find something that they enjoy during their visit to Durango.
How to Enjoy the Snow in Durango, Colorado
Durango is a great place to enjoy the snow, whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or just enjoy the winter scenery.
Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time in Durango:
- Dress in layers: Durango can have a wide range of temperatures, so it’s important to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as the weather changes.
- Pack your sunscreen: You may not think you need sunscreen in the winter, but the sun can still be strong at high altitudes. Make sure to pack some SPF 30 or higher, just in case.
- Bring your camera: Durango is full of beautiful scenery, so make sure to bring your camera along to capture some memories.
- Check the conditions: Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions of the trails or slopes you’ll be on. This way, you can be prepared for any potential hazards.
Winter Activities in Durango
There’s no doubt that winter is a great time to visit Durango. With an average of 33 inches of snowfall each year, the region is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
But what should you do when you’re in town?
Here are a few ideas:
- Hit the slopes: With four major ski resorts within an hour’s drive of Durango, there’s no shortage of options for downhill thrills. And cross-country skiers can enjoy miles of trails at locations like Purgatory Resort and Silverton Mountain.
- Explore a ghost town: A visit to St. Elmo, one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns, is a must-do during your winter trip. Take a tour through this former mining town, which was abandoned in the early 1900s.
- Go dog sledding: What could be more fun than cruising through the snow on a dog sled? You can do just that with Durango Dog Ranch, which offers half-day and full-day tours.
- Take a sleigh ride: There’s nothing quite like cuddling up under a blanket on a sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. You can find several sleigh ride operators in Durango, including Wapiti Meadows Ranch and Soaring Eagle Outfitters.
Conclusion
The snowfall in Durango is pretty average for Colorado – about 71 inches annually. However, because the town is located in a high mountain valley, the snow accumulation can be much deeper than in other parts of the state. If you’re planning on visiting Durango during the winter, be sure to bring your snow boots!
In conclusion, it is clear that there are many factors that affect whether or not it snows in Durango. While some people believe that the amount of snowfall is related to the amount of precipitation, this is not always the case.
The altitude of Durango, as well as the presence of mountain ranges nearby, can influence the amount of snowfall. Additionally, the time of year and the temperature can also affect whether or not it snows in Durango.
