Find world-class skiing close by
If you want to experience that famous Colorado powder, you don't have to go far. Closest by is Purgatory Ski Area, at Durango Mountain Resort. A quick 25 miles north of Durango, the ski area features two terrain parks and 85 runs on 1,325 skiable acres ranging from green to double-black, all backdropped by the stunning Twilight Range. Durango Mountain Resort also offers discounted season passes to college students. Telluride Ski Resort, Wolf Creek Ski Area, and Silverton Mountain are other great places to get to powder in just an hour or two!
Explore the backcountry
Free your heel AND your mind at Fort Lewis College. Visible from campus are the majestic San Juan Mountains, with hundreds of backcountry powder stashes. The San Juans are also home to the San Juan Hut System, five huts connecting Ouray and Telluride, Colorado, with access to unlimited untracked powder runs. Learn more about the San Juan Huts.
Or ski right near campus...
Cross country skiers can walk -- or ski -- just north of campus to Hillcrest Golf Course. When the links are covered with snow, the course is opened to the public free-of-charge (donations welcome) for cross-country and skate skiing. The views are magnificent. Learn more about Hillcrest Golf Course. For those that are interested in downhill skiing close to campus, check out Chapman Hill Ski Area or Ski Hesperus ski area.