Meet Colorado’s 6 City Run Ski Areas

Colorado may be known for its mega ski resorts, but there are several small-town communities keeping the ski dream alive. Most of the ski areas operate at a loss just to serve their local community and give people the opportunity to enjoy the snow. Many only operate on the weekends, or when natural snowfall allows, but that doesn’t stop them from constantly adapting to meet the needs of their communities.

Chapman Hill

• Location: Durango, CO
• Season: December – March
• Skiable Acres: 7
• Vertical: 400 ft.
• Lifts: 2 rope tows
• Extra: snowmaking, lessons, night skiing, terrain park, ice rink

Cranor Hill

• Location: Gunnison, CO
• Season: January – March
• Skiable Acres: 45
• Vertical: 305 ft.
• Lifts: 1 poma
• Extra: Friday – Sunday only

Lake City Ski Hill

• Location: Lake City, CO
• Season: December – March
• Skiable Acres: 14
• Vertical: 247 ft.
• Lifts: 1 poma
• Extra: free equipment to borrow, warming hut, terrain park

Lee’s Ski Hill

• Location: Ouray, CO
• Season: December – March
• Vertical: 75 ft.
• Lifts: 1 rope tow
• Extra: local hot springs

Kendall Mountain

• Location: Silverton, CO
• Season: December – March
• Skiable Acres: 35
• Vertical: 240 ft.
• Lifts: 1 double chairlift
• Extra: Friday – Sunday only, terrain park, Nordic trails, ice rink, sledding

Howelsen Hill

• Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
• Season: December – March
• Skiable Acres: 50
• Vertical: 440 ft.
• Lifts: 1 double chairlift, 1 poma, 1 magic carpet
• Extra: ski jumps, terrain park, night skiing, cross country trails, sledding, ice rink

Next time you find yourself around these ski hills, or your own local ski hill, take a step back and try it out. You never know when you will have another opportunity, or how big of an impact your small gesture may be.