Say “Colorado” and “skiing” in the same sentence, and many people think of the ski resorts lining Interstate 70: Vail. Aspen. Keystone. Beaver Creek. Blah, blah, blah. (Not that we’re bitter).

But Durango is just minutes from two ski areas in Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

In addition to Durango Mountain Resort (formerly known as “Purgatory”), which is about 30 minutes north of Durango, Hesperus Ski Area is just 11 miles west of Durango on Highway 160.

The nonprofit Hesperus Ski Patrol will help kick off the 2013-2014 ski season with its 50th annual (yes, fiddy!) community Ski Swap on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango, Colorado.

During the ski swap, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., anyone can buy, sell or trade almost any type of snow-sports equipment, including skis, snowboards, snowshoes and even sleds. Admission is free.

During the ski swap, visitors can also land some sweet pre-season rates on season passes to Hesperus Ski Area.

Hesperus Ski Area offers several runs as well as a half-pipe, tubing area, and beginner’s hill with rope tow. The ski area also allows nighttime skiing until 9 p.m. because about 80 percent of the mountain — from the top down to the lodge —  is lighted.

Stop by the Hesperus Ski Swap this weekend to grab some new-to-you snow gear, and while you’re planning your skiing or snowboarding trip in Southwest Colorado this winter, be sure to book your room at the Durango Quality Inn!