At a Glance
- Groomed Trails: Ridgway State Park
- Drive to Telluride: ~45 min
- Backcountry: Endless options
- Season: Dec–Mar
Nordic and Cross-Country Options Near Ouray
Ridgway State Park (20 min north of Ouray) has groomed Nordic trails in winter — a flat, beginner-friendly alternative to Ouray's steeper terrain. The reservoir views make for a scenic ski.
For more challenging Nordic, the road to Yankee Boy Basin becomes a popular backcountry ski touring route after it closes to vehicles in late fall. The wide valley offers excellent terrain for experienced skiers.
Day Trips for Downhill and Nordic
Telluride Ski Resort is 45 minutes from Ouray — one of the most acclaimed ski mountains in Colorado. Purgatory Resort (90 min south near Durango) is a more budget-friendly alternative with excellent groomed terrain.
The Red Mountain Pass area (accessible via Million Dollar Highway) is a backcountry skiing destination for advanced skiers — serious avalanche terrain requiring full rescue gear and experience.
Ski Season at The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos is an ideal ski trip base — easy access to the Million Dollar Highway toward Telluride, full kitchen for ski-day meal prep, and the hot springs a short walk away for après-ski soaking.
Book winter ski stays directly at ouraycondos.com. The combination of skiing and hot springs makes Ouray a uniquely compelling winter destination.