Hesperus Ski Area night skiing
Photo credit: Hesperus Ski Area Facebook

We have put together a list of everything you need to know about Hesperus Ski Area.

Hesperus Ski Area Overview

Hesperus Ski Area is a small ski resort located in the southwestern part of Colorado, about 11 miles west of Durango. It is known for its family-friendly environment and night skiing.

Ski Terrain

  • Beginner runs: 19%
  • Intermediate runs: 31%
  • Advanced runs: 50%
  • Expert runs: 0%
  • Total ski runs: 26
  • Terrain Parks: 0

Mountain Statistics

  • Summit elevation: 8888 feet
  • Skiable area: 60 acre
  • Average Snowfall: 150 inch

Hesperus Ski Area Trail Map

Hesperus Ski Area Trail Map https://www.ski-hesperus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hesperus-Trail-Map-Updated-scaled.jpg

Hesperus Ski Area Lift Tickets

Hesperus Ski Area offers 3 types of lift tickets: Day Lift Ticket, Night Skiing Lift Ticket and Power Pass.

Day Lift Ticket

The Hesperus Day Lift Ticket prices range from $40 - $48 for one day (prices are subject to change). Children 12 and younger and seniors aged 75 and above can ski for free. Active military employees can also redeem free lift tickets with a military ID.

Night Skiing Lift Ticket

The Night Skiing Lift Ticket is only available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 4 pm to 9 pm.

The lift ticket prices range from $30 - $36 for ages 13 - 74 (prices are subject to change).

Power Pass

The Power Pass comes with 3 different pass choices and different restrictions: Power Pass, Power Pass Select, and Power Pass Core. The pass price for adults (37-64) ranges from $349 - $849.

  • The Power Pass gives you access to unlimited skiing throughout the ski season at 10 ski resorts: Hesperus, Snowbowl, Brian Head, Purgatory, Sipapu, Pajarito, Lee Canyon, Nordic Valley and Willamette Pass.
  • The Power Pass Select gives you access to 6 resorts throughout the ski season and 12 days with holiday blackout dates at Lee Canyon, Purgatory and Snowbowl.
  • The Power Pass Core gives you unlimited access to Hesperus, Pajarito, and Sipapu only, and also allows you to ski at Nordic Valley and Willamette Pass throughout the ski season with blackout dates. It also comes with 4 total days to 4 ski resorts (Snowbowl, Brian Head, Purgatory, and Lee Canyon).

Children 12 and under can ski free when registered for the free Power Kids season pass. Alternatively, you can pick up the free Power Kids pass at the ticket office with proof of age.

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Hesperus Ski Area offers private one on one lessons or small group lessons of all ages (5 & up) and all skill levels. 

Hesperus also offers a lesson package tailored to beginners. The package includes lift ticket, rental equipment and a 1-hour beginner lesson. This is ideal for the first-timers to kick start. 

Read more on Hesperus Ski and Snowboard Lessons. For lesson availability and reservations, please call 970-385-2199.

Nearest Town to Hesperus Ski Area

Durango is the nearest town to Hesperus Ski Area, which is a 12.3-mile drive away via Highway 160. The town is known for its mining history, Gold Medal Waters, art culture, and food. 

Durango also has 2 other ski areas less than a 1-hour drive away:

  • Purgatory Resort: This ski resort is situated in the San Juan Mountains, known for its scenic views. It has 1605 acres of skiable area and ski terrain for all levels.
  • Chapman Hill: This is a small hill that is located in the town of Durango. It has limited ski terrain, with 2 ropes to get up the hill. It has snow tubing and sledding.

On Mountain Dining

There are several well-loved restaurants within a 20 minute drive of the Hesperus Ski Area.

Kennebec Cafe is a casual but elegant Mediterranean cafe, just around a 2-minute drive or a 13 minute walk away from Hesperus Ski Area. You must make a reservation as they do not allow any walk-in customers. Call 970-247-5674 to make a reservation.

Opening hours (subject to change): 5 pm - 9 pm (Wed-Sat), 5 pm - 8:30 pm (Sun)

Google Maps

Durango Diner is a casual American diner located in Durango and is known for their green chili. 

Opening hours (subject to change): 6 am - 2 pm (Mon-Sat), Closed (Sun)

Google Maps

Hesperus Ski Area Contact Information

Address: 9848 Highway, US-160, Hesperus, CO 81326, United States

Phone Number: (970) 385-2199

Email: [email protected]

Google Maps | Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

 Are there ski packages to Hesperus Ski Area?

There are no ski vacation packages to Hesperus Ski Area as it is a very small local resort. That said, there are ski vacation packages to most destination resorts in Colorado.

When is the best time to go skiing in Hesperus?

The best time to ski at Hesperus is generally from December through early March. January and February often have the coldest temperatures and thus, often, the best snow conditions. March can also offer good skiing conditions and often has longer daylight hours.

What non-skiing activities is available at Hesperus Ski Area?

Yes, Snow tubing is available for $15 for the first tube and $10 for each additional family member. Ticket is available outside of the Lodge. Snow Bikes are permitted at Hesperus Ski Area.

How much does it cost to rent ski equipment at Hesperus?

A ski package (including skis, boots, and poles) costs $29 per day for adults and $25 per day for children. The snowboard package is the same price but does not include boots. Helmets can be added on for $8 per day. All prices are excluding Tax. Ski equipment can also be rented separately.

 Age under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

*Prices are subject to change.