Ouray - Christmas Town USA

Visiting Ouray in the winter is a real treat. The surrounding San Juan range receives an abundance of snow, and a variety of recreational opportunities have been developed for your enjoyment. If you love outdoor recreation with a snowy twist, then you can use Ouray as your basecamp for adventure into the surrounding “high country.” With Ouray adorned in her winter coat, “Switzerland of America” is also the authentic, purely American - Christmas Town USA! Snowy pine trees with glittering lights, wreaths and decorations positioned on turn-of-the-century fixtures ... fireplaces warming returning sledders and skaters ... a hot toddy while looking out the window – the Christmas break is a special time in Ouray.

Many enthusiasts recognize Ouray as an “ice-climbing” destination, with a variety of winter events occurring in January and February in the Ouray Ice Park. At 7800’ to 8000’ in elevation, Ouray’s beautiful winter weather results in a cycle of melting and freezing snow, and an accumulation of ice along many of the surrounding rock walls. Strategically located water nozzles further coat the Box Canyon cliff walls, resulting in a dream terrain for climbers of all ages and nationalities. While the Ice Park is located in the SW corner of town, on the northern edge, directly across from Ourays 9 Acres, is a city owned and operated park that includes more ice – it’s the Ouray ice skating rink! The rink is at the base of sheer rock walls in the park - used by a variety of climbers in the summer to school and coach those new to climbing.

Some of the world’s best downhill ski slopes are close by for those passionate about this popular sport. The Telluride ski resort sits only an hour by car to their world-class mountain and terrain, the gondola, and the Mountain Village. Towards the south, only 45 miles away from Ouray, is the Durango Mountain resort, also known as the Purgatory ski area. And to the north and east, both a couple of hours away are Crested Butte (above Gunnison), and Powderhorn (above Grand Junction). Guess what … Ouray even has its own hill (Lee’s Ski Hill) with a rope tow (south side of town just underneath US550). You can parallel down, ski directly to the rope, go back up, and back down again - in a fun, non-stop cycle. It provides a practice and learning area for beginning and youthful skiers – and is frequently open after a significant snowfall.

Many ski areas receive 300 to 600 inches of annual snow, whereas Ouray averages 140 inches. A couple of thousand feet in elevation rise can make a big difference in snow totals!

Because seasonal winter snow in Ouray is often powdery (compared to wetter spring snows), it is easy to get to Ouray from airports in Grand Junction, Durango, and close by in Montrose. So for the skier looking for a diverse variety of slopes, Ouray becomes a convenient central location to depart from and return to on a daily basis. We envision a log mountain lodge with roaring fireplace and steaming hot cocoa.

Mechanized sledding via snowmobiles is more popular than ever, and a variety of trails and family sledding areas are close by. SW Colorado is simply hard to beat for the avid sledder.

Adventurous and interested in taking winter sports to an extreme? The Silverton Mountain ski area, only 15 miles away as the crow flies, and is for the expert and experienced skiers only.

An equally breath-taking terrain, just a few miles up underneath the Red Mountains at Ironton Park, you will find trails popular with snow-shoers and cross-country skiers. Just as in Ouray, the views are world famous and the experiences always memorable.

Winter on Ourays 9 Acres can offer an abundance of opportunities. As a recreational center, its convenient location adjacent to US550 would make winter access easy, regardless of business or homestead. The Colorado Department of Transportation does an excellent job of keeping US550 open, and most days the road is clear of snow and ice. With the two parcels that comprise Ourays 9 Acres, a lodge could house guests, provide meeting and conference areas on one of the parcels, while on the other, a fun recreational type business with year round appeal could be built. For instance, popular off road dealerships today provide sales and service of side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and other specialized utility vehicles – for all seasons and all terrains. There is room for trail runs, service buildings, and other exciting options for an unbeatable, one-of-a-kind off-road center.

Or … why not a summer fishing pond that becomes a winter ice sports area – part of a Victorian-styled neighborhood with recreation as a part? Decorated and dressed – it is … Christmas Town USA 2 !!

Our point here – Ouray truly has four majestic seasons, and Ourays 9 acres can provide many mulit-use options for the creative minded entrepreneur that loves SW Colorado and appreciates these seasons – including beautiful winter! Bordered by the river trail system and US550, your creation can truly experience the special time that winter is - in the San Juans and Ouray.

Across from Ouray's Ice Rink

You will find answers to most questions here on our FAQ page: http://ourays9acres.com/q-a . Come visit and truly feel what makes Ouray that special Christmas Town USA - year round! You too will want to make it your home destination and base camp.