Every year, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a doozy. Family is visiting, kids are out of school, people take off work — it’s arguably a busier time of year than even the Thanksgiving weekend.

There are so many fun things to do in Durango over the holidays, it’s tough to narrow it down, but here are some special events that should land on your calendar.

Snowcat Tours

Purgatory Resort is offering scenic snowcat tours. Now that’s not something you get to ride in every day. The tour includes a chairlift ride on Purgatory Village Express, a ride in a snowcat that take passengers around the mountain and delivers picturesque views and some hot chocolate to keep everyone warm. The tour is $50 per person, and reservation are required. Tours are available at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22-30 and at 2:30 .m. Jan. 1-7.

For those who are feeling even fancier, a dinner version of the snowcat tour is also available. Passengers ride in a snowcat up to Powderhouse Restaurant, enjoying views of the Needles Mountains along the way. The meal starts with a champagne reception followed by several courses that include hors d’oeuvres, salad,  soup, entree, dessert and two drinks. At $150 per person, the experience isn’t for kids — but maybe for mom and dad or the in-laws. The dinner snowcat excursion is available Dec. 27 and Dec. 29 and reservation are required 48 hours in advance by booking online or calling 800-525-0892.

Christmas Dinner

Snow Sculptures

This is a fun one for the whole family: snow sculpting! Bundle up the kids and bring the thermos with something warm to watch as artists carve a block of snow and create amazing snow sculptures in the plaza at Purgatory Resort. The sculptures will be on display Dec. 26-29.

Evening Snowshoe Tour

Strap on the snowshoes to experience Purgatory in whole new way: during a guided snowshoe tour!  The evening tour starts at 3:30 p.m. (guests should arrive in the plaza by 3 p.m.) to ride the chairlift to the Powerhouse where they’ll enjoy a picnic with wine, cheese and hot cocoa before setting out on their snowy excursion. The skiers will be gone for the day, so snowshoers will have the mountain all to themselves! The cost is $65 per person. Call  (970) 385-2147 to reserve your spot.

While you’re in spending Christmas in Durango, spend it with us at the Durango Quality Inn, where our guests are family. The Quality Inn Durango is one of the top-rated hotels in Durango, so book your room today before we’re booked up!