Skiing: With kids who have not skied before, the first day will be tough. They won’t want to leave you and they may not like the idea of learning to ski. But put them in an all day ski class and by the end of the day they will amaze you. We always put our kids in class and then after class we would ski with them on the bunny slopes. You will be surprised how quickly they learn. It’s just a little scary for them until they’d done it once or twice. From then on you’ll be bugged all year to go skiing. However, leave early! It always takes longer than you think. Once you park at Durango Mountain Resort you have to find your way to buy lift tickets and find the ski schools. Rent skis and boots before you head up the mountain. Renting the day before is great as it is one less thing to do the next morning. If you are not a skier, take lessons!!!! Yes, it can be expensive but it’s so much easier in the long run. If you are a skier but your kids are not, they will learn faster and try harder in a group of other kids. You can ski together at the end of the day. One great thing about skiing is your kids will be so tired they’ll be low key the rest of the day!
If you are a good skier, take a drive over to Wolf Creek, about an hour’s drive east of Durango. Annually the best snow in Colorado since it is right on the Continental Divide. Wolf Creek mostly has blue and black slopes so not so good for kids that are new to the sport. Wolf Creek makes a great break from Durango Mountain. We always try to ski one day there.
Playing in the Snow: The most fun activity no matter what age is just playing in the snow. At the barn you have 10 acres of snow to play in but you’ll want to limit it to around the barn. There tend to be deep drifts around the Barn. When you get there you’ll likely see our grandkid’s snow works around the barn. They build forts, snowmen, tunnels etc. You will find them wanting to go out and play almost all the time. Even after skiing they like to go out and play in the snow. This is one thing they will love and you won’t have much of an area at a resort to really let them have at it. Be sure kids are wearing sunglasses or goggles when playing outside with plenty of sunscreen.
Sledding close to the Barn: Wildcat Canyon Road, which runs right up to the Barn and is a major road, has a couple turnouts for sledding on the south side of the road. There are sleds in the lean-to at the Barn. If you watch to your left as you drive from Durango to the Barn you’ll see the areas along the side of the road. Kids of all ages can enjoy these easy to use slopes. You’ll likely see folks there on weekends with their kids. Again, something you won’t likely be able to do at a resort. It’s national forest right off the road to the Barn and open range for fun.
Ice Skating Rink: 500 Florida Rd. 970-375-7395
Snowmobile Rides: There are several options in Durango. We’ve used the outfit at Durango Mountain Resort. We had a blast. Try to go on a day when the winds are calm. You can ride the snowmobile alone or tandem. Go with a guide and stay together. Snowstorms can come up quickly and you need to be prepared. For adults it can be a good half day of really fun times. You will likely see wild turkeys (which often visit the Barn property as well) and wonderful scenery. The guide will turn you loose in a large valley to just “have at it”. I fell off twice but with all the snow it’s like falling on a mattress and the machines just stop. Put one of the kids in front of you and take them for an hour ride up into the mountains.
Dog Sledding: We haven’t tried this but it sounds great. Durango Dog Ranch is in Hesperus, Co. close to the Barn. You go with a guide, ride together, and everyone gets to guide the dogs. I think the scenery would be fantastic. Really believe kids would love this. 970-759-1691.
Durango Recreation Center; Be prepared, once you go here, and you have kids, they will want to come every day. See ———for details.
Sleigh Rides: There are groups that will bundle you up and take you on sleigh rides and cook dinner outdoors. We are anxious to do this with our grandkids when they are older. Sounds great!
Durango Winter Carnival and Parade: Held in February this just about shuts down the town of Durango when it comes to working! A four day event with fun for everyone! Check the calendar of events on the Durango City web site for dates and schedule of events.
