Kendall Mountain

Kendall Mountain is a classic little ski slope in the middle of Durango, Colorado – and a clear example of how alpine skiing can work in its most straightforward and local form.

The slope is run on a non-profit basis and has been in continuous operation since 1955, making it one of Colorado's oldest operating ski resorts. Kendall Mountain is built on a natural slope just above the center, which provides an unusual location close to the city where you can literally ski with Durango as a backdrop. The facility is small in area, but the terrain is surprisingly varied with short but clear slopes that are well suited for technique training.

The skiing takes place exclusively with natural snow and without artificial snow, which makes the season weather dependent but also contributes to a genuine feeling. The lift range consists of a classic rope lift, and the focus is on continuous skiing rather than transport. This is exactly what makes Kendall Mountain popular with local ski clubs, families with children and skiers who want to grind turns, practice basic technique or introduce new skiers to the sport.

What many skiing enthusiasts take with them after a visit is the contrast: skiing on a simple, non-profit run slope directly adjacent to a vibrant small town – far from big resorts, but with the joy of skiing at the center. Kendall Mountain is not a destination for variety or long days, but rather a concentrate of why people started skiing in the first place.