Durango Mountain Resort is a very family friendly ski resort. While not particularly big, there's a nice mix of terrain that can accommodate all levels of skiers. My kids love it because it offers top to bottom beginner terrain with room to manuevre. I love it because of some excellent blue cruisers (Dead Spike, for example) and even some challenging expert terrain on the north end of the resort. It also happens to be a fairly easy 3 hour drive (weather permitting) from Albuquerque, NM, the closest airport with non-stops from many cities. Colorado Springs or Denver are more like a 7 hour drive.

It is definitely more low key than the premier resorts in Colorado and that is one of the things I like about it. The resort does have a new lodge & there are plans for future expansion to bring it more up to par with some of the other area resorts. It is about 20 minutes or so north of town with incredible views of the Needles ranges & the San Juan mountains.

There are also plenty of lodging options on or around the mountain & the town of Durango is one of my favorite mountain towns. A ride on the Druango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or a meal at Steamworks (excellent brew pub) are Must Do's in town.