Skiing & Snowboarding
Downhill skiers and snowboarders of any ability will find groomed trails and mogul-peppered black-diamond runs to their heart's desire at six ski areas accessible from within Montrose's unique "Circle of Bliss":
| Telluride | 66.2 miles | 1 hr, 29 min |
| Powderhorn | 67.4 miles | 1 hr, 35 min |
| Silverton Mountain | 65.7 miles | 1 hr, 48 min |
| Crested Butte | 94.2 miles | 1 hr, 53 min |
| Monarch Mountain | 108 miles | 2 hrs, 3 min |
| Purgatory | 81 miles | 2 hrs, 5 min |
Keep a close eye on snowfall and mountain conditions while enjoying the practicality of a stay in Montrose's moderate climate.
Telluride Ski Resort is recognized around the world for its large selection of runs and stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. The ski area is located in the nation's highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, and with 2,000 acres of in-bounds skiing, a single day on the hill will scant be enough to get your fill of the world-class slopes.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort located on the north face of the Grand Mesa north of Montrose, offers unhindered views of the Colorado River valley from its peak, while also boasting the state's best glade skiing. The area offers unbeatable learn-to-ski packages and a selection of terrain to please both beginning and advanced enthusiasts.
For a skiing experience leaning toward the more extreme, Crested Butte will fit the ticket. Crested Butte's trail classifications tend toward advanced and expert, particularly its large quantity of ungroomed runs featuring chutes and drops to test the skills of expert skiers and riders. While it can push the envelope of outdoor adventurers, Crested Butte is at the same time a family-friendly resort with beginner runs, a tubing hill, and plenty of activities to keep children and families coming back for more.
Advanced and expert skiers and boarders looking for a more primitive, no-frills experience will find their delight at Silverton Mountain, a one-lift wonder anchored in a historic mining town in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Take the thrills to a whole new level with single-drop and all-day heli skiing among epic drops and majestic peaks.
Purgatory, nestled just a few miles south of Silverton, and Monarch Mountain, awaiting just a couple hours east of Montrose, are two more opportunities for skiers and riders to grab a tasty morsel of western Colorado. Plus, a little extra windshield time means more time to enjoy memorable landscapes along the way - and contemplate the possibilities for an adventure-filled summertime return to Montrose.
