Ice Skating

Indoor & outdoor ice skating venues

CHAPMAN HILL

During the winter, the refrigerated rink at Chapman Hill in Durango provides excellent ice skating for the public as well as youth and adult hockey leagues. The pavilion has bleachers, concessions and a sitting area with a fireplace. Ice skate rentals and lessons are available.

RIVER CENTER SKATING POND

Pagosa Springs maintains a free skating pond behind River Center at the east end of town. When the ice is at least four inches thick, staking is permitted from dawn to 10 p.m. except during the nights when ice-maintenance operations are being performed. Visitors can rent ice skates Summit Ski & Sports.

KENDALL MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

Free skating is available for guests at the large outdoor skating rink surrounded by the San Juan Mountains at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area. Ice skate rentals are available in the Kendall Mountain Community Center.

ROTARY PARK RINK

The Ouray ice skating rink is located at Rotary Park, approximately one mile north of the Hot Springs Pool. Maintained by volunteers, the rink typically opens late December. There is a small warming hut located at the rink, and lights allow for evening skating.

TOWN PARK AND HANLEY ICE RINK

Telluride’s Town Park has both an outdoor and indoor rink. The outdoor rinks offers skating for the whole family on a natural pond surrounded by splendid mountain scenery. The Andy Handley Ice Rink is a regulation-sized, refrigerated indoor hockey rink and the venue for regional and local leagues. The rink is also open for public skate in the early afternoon. Skate rentals are available at the Nordic Center.

MOUNTAIN VILLAGE ICE RINK

A full-service ice rink complete with lights and music operated by Madeline Hotel and Residences is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. for skating and special events at Reflection Plaza. The rink typically offers free skate from noon to 1 p.m. Visitors can rent skates, and other equipment from the hotel.

Best destinations for skiing & snowboarding adventures

CHAPMAN HILL 500 Florida Road, Durango (970) 375-7300 www.durango.org/chapmanhill

Chapman Hill is conveniently located within the city limits of Durango on Florida Road, near the roundabout. It offers beginners and seasoned skiers a place to practice their form. The hill features two rope tows and is supervised by trained staff. The area also functions as a winter sports center with an ice-skating rink and a warming house with hot drinks and snacks. The ski season at Chapman Hill typically runs from late December through March, and snowmaking occurs when needed to offer a longer season. annual snowfall: 71 inches area: 7.5 acres base elevation: 6,512 feet summit elevation: 6,980 feet

HESPERUS SKI AREA 9848 U.S. Highway 160, Durango (970) 375-1845 www.skihesperus.com

Located just 11 miles west of Durango, Hesperus Ski area offers affordable skiing day and night from mid-December through mid-March, weather permiting. There are 26 trails on 60 skiable acres for a variety of patrons with different levels of experiences. The area has one double chairlift and a rope tow that serves beginner areas. Hesperus also offers ski and snowboard lessons and has a tubing hill. A fullservice snack bar is available as well. annual snowfall: 150 inches area: 60 acres base elevation: 8,280 feet summit elevation: 8,880 feet

PURGATORY RESORT #1 Skier Place, Durango (970) 247-9000 www.purgatoryrestort.com

Purgatory Resort is located 25 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550 in the San Juan National Forest. Six terrain parks, 10 lifts and 99 trails provide options for skiers of all ages and experience levels. The resort’s elevation creates ideal conditions for sunny days on the slopes. The resort also offers a variety of other winter activities in addition to places to relax and enjoy a meal. annual snowfall: 260 inches area: 1,360 acres base elevation: 8,793 feet summit elevation: 10,822 feet

KENDALL MOUNTAIN SKI & RECREATION AREA 1 Kendall Place, Silverton (970) 387-0182 www.skikendall.com

Kendall Mountain is an affordable alternative for family fun. Kendall Mountain has 11 runs and the recreation area offers two sledding hills and free ice-skating. The area also has trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Equipment is available to rent or purchase on-site. annual snowfall: 220 inches area: 35 acres base elevation: 9,300 feet summit elevation: 9,540 feet

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN 6226 State Highway 110, Silverton (970) 387-5706 www.silvertonmountain.com

With no groomers, trails or clear-cut runs, Silverton Mountain is a place for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders only. There is one double chairlift that takes patrons to 12,300 feet and offers access to steep thrills. An easy hike to 13,487 feet gives way to a 3,000foot vertical drop. Both guided skiing and unguided skiing is available during certain times of the year. All participants are required to fill out a liability release and have avalanche gear, which is available for rent as well. For a more specific schedule visit the website. annual snowfall: 400+ inches area: 1,819 acres base elevation: 10,400 feet summit elevation: 13,487 feet

TELLURIDE SKI RESORT 565 Mountain Village Blvd., Telluride (970) 728-6900 www.tellurideskiresort.com

Some of the most spectacular scenery in the southwest is tucked in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, where the Telluride Ski Resort resides. Among the tallest peaks with more than 2,000 acres to explore, skiers and snowboarders can experience a variety of adventures including 127 trails for different levels of experience. The resort also offers snowmobiling, ice climbing and snowshoeing and hosts other events throughout the year. annual snowfall: 309 inches area: 2,000 + acres base elevation: 8,725 feet summit elevation: 12,570 feet

WOLF CREEK SKI AREA Top of Wolf Creek Pass U.S. Highway 160 East, Pagosa Springs (970) 264-5639 • (800) SKI-WOLF www.wolfcreekski.com

This ski area located between Pagosa Springs and South Fork receives more natural snowfall than any other area in the state. Snowstorms often close the highways to reach the resort, so be sure to check conditions before leaving home. With 1,600 acres of ski terrain, guests have access to 77 trails to choose from at Wolf Creek, serviced by nine lifts. From time to time, the resort plays host to races and other events. annual snowfall: 430 inches area: 1,600 acres base elevation: 10,300 feet summit elevation: 11,904 feet