DURANGO, CO--(Marketwired - Nov 7, 2014) - A blanket of fresh powder cloaks the rugged mountains in Southwestern Colorado for Durango's magical winter season! In addition to skiing and winter sports, our charming Colorado mountain town boasts a vibrant arts scene, relaxing natural hot springs, five craft breweries, scrumptious locally inspired cuisines, and unique winter festivals -- set in a quintessential old west mountain town. Plan your Colorado winter vacation at www.durango.org.

Durango Tourism's New Website
Durango welcomes winter with a new travel and tourism website. Durango.org offers an Itinerary Builder and simple navigation tools for easy trip planning, lodging, specials and more.

Durango Mountain Resort
Whether you choose to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, tube, sleigh or simply relax, Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) has it all. Recently named "Top 3 Livable Ski Towns" and "Best Ski Value in North America" for two years in a row. With 88 trails across 1,360 skiable acres, the mountain offers prime skiing and snowboarding for beginners and advanced alike. New this year: The Burton Riglet Park allows the youngest snowboarders, ages 3-6, to experience sliding on the snow. Lodging and lift value packages offer deep savings. From family-friendly events to beer tastings, DMR hosts entertaining festivities throughout the season.

Steampunk Snowdown
January 28- February 1
Now in its 37^th year, Snowdown is a Durango tradition guaranteed to chase away the winter blues. Parades, competitions, adult-only and children-friendly events create a weeklong zany winter festival.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

• Through January 2015, take a magical ride on the Polar Express. Based on the award-winning book; sip hot cocoa while theatrical staff read the Polar Express and watch for The North Pole, reindeer and Santa Claus!
• Experience the winter wilderness on the Cascade Canyon Train.
• Enjoy brunch and live music on the New Year's Train, find romance on the rails on theValentine's Day Train, or practice your photography skills aboard the Winter Photographers' Train.

Mesa Verde National Park
Blanketed in winter white, Mesa Verde National Park takes on a new look in the winter months. Home to 4,400 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.

Winter waters
Under snowy or sunshine skies, relax in a geothermal mineral bath at Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs. Hike along the Animas River Trail or try fly-fishing in the crisp waters of the Animas River.

Let the dogs be your guide
Whisk through winter on a dog powered exploration of the snowy peaks of Southwest Colorado. Durango Dog Ranch and Durango Mountain Resort offer dog sledding adventures and events.

Sprinkled with history
Visit the beautiful and historic lodgings in downtown Durango. The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, houses the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It recently received the prestigious "Historic Hotels of America Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year Award". The Rochester Hotel and Leland House, build in 1927 and 1892 respectively, boasts original antiques and woodwork, as well as western-movie themed rooms. The General Palmer, built in 1898, blends the comforts of modern living with Victorian charm in the historic downtown.

Arts in winter
Take in Durango's vibrant art scene at First Thursday Art Walk, performances at the Strater Theatre and Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, live music at restaurants and local theatre at the Durango Arts Center. The Durango Film Fest celebrates a decade of independent film. A hidden jewel in the arts and cultural world, Durango boasts over a dozen galleries carrying treasures from American Indians, Contemporary Western and Southwestern works of museum-quality art.

Holiday Festivities 
Local artisans gather for the annual Noel Night -- a downtown evening of local delights, unique shopping, refreshments, free gift-wrapping, carolers and more. For a complete list of Durango's holiday events please visit our event calendar.

Durango Area Tourism Office
The Durango Area Tourism Office promotes Durango and La Plata County's multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. Visit www.durango.org or call (970) 247-3500.