Snowdown Is Coming: Durango's Wackiest Week
It's almost Snowdown time. Durango's legendary winter festival takes over the town for five days in late January, and if you haven't experienced it, this is the year. It's part Mardi Gras, part winter carnival, part fever dream — and it's entirely Durango.
The Theme
Every year gets a new theme that the whole town rallies around. Past themes have included space, pirates, disco, and the Wild West. The theme drives everything — costumes, float designs, bar decorations, and event concepts. Durango takes theme commitment seriously.
Must-See Events
The Light Parade on Main Avenue is the signature event. Floats covered in lights rolling through a darkened downtown — it's beautiful and worth braving the cold.
The Cardboard Classic is hilarious. Homemade cardboard sleds race down a snowy hill. Engineering meets comedy meets gravity.
Skijoring (if scheduled) involves horses towing skiers through an obstacle course. It's exactly as wild as it sounds.
The Nightlife
Every bar and restaurant downtown has something going on during Snowdown — themed parties, live music, costume contests, trivia. Steamworks, Ska Brewing, and the local bars go all out.
Pair It with Skiing
Ski Purgatory during the day, then head downtown for Snowdown festivities at night. It's the best of both worlds, and the 25-minute drive between the resort and town makes it easy.
Both of our Purgatory townhomes — Basecamp and Timberline — are right across from the resort with hot tubs, EV chargers, and free shuttle access.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatory.pretzinger.com
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.
