As of December 4, 2025, Hesperus Ski Area sits under a quiet winter sky with overnight temperatures dipping to a brisk 5.5°F. Hesperus Ski Area, located near Durango, Colorado, is a small but charming ski resort offering 26 trails across 160 acres of skiable terrain.
Wind
Humidity
The mountain holds a solid 22 inches of snowpack—nearly three times the seasonal average for this date—boasting a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 3.7", indicating a dense, moisture-rich base. However, despite the promising snow conditions and a modest 72-hour snow forecast of 0.66 inches, eager skiers and boarders will have to look elsewhere for turns. Hesperus remains officially closed for the 2024–25 season due to ongoing operational challenges.
Recent headlines confirm that Hesperus Ski Area will not reopen this winter, citing infrastructure and lift issues, despite new ownership under the Sipapu Group. While hopes of revival flicker—especially with its recent inclusion in the Colorado Ski Country USA collective—the lifts will remain silent for now. For those in the Four Corners region, nearby resorts like Purgatory and Wolf Creek continue to operate and offer terrain to make the most of early-season snow. Stay tuned for developments, as Hesperus' future may yet hold fresh tracks and new beginnings.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Columbus Basin.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Hesperus Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Hesperus Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain range for Hesperus Ski Area in Colorado is the La Plata Mountains. The ski area itself is located on the southern slope of Hesperus Mountain, which is part of the La Plata Mountains range. Hesperus Mountain has an elevation of 12,470 feet and offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. The ski area has a vertical drop of 700 feet and features both beginner and intermediate runs.
The best trails for intermediate and advanced skiers are the Hesperus Bowl and the Upper and Lower Ellie trails. A little-known fact about the resort is that it was the first ski area in the United States to implement a rope tow system. For beginners, the resort offers the Bunny Hill, a gentle slope ideal for learning the basics of skiing. After a day on the slopes, skiers can enjoy a relaxing apres ski at the Powderhouse Bar, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 16. wind chill values as low as -10. northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Heavy snowfall is expected across northern Colorado in the coming days, especially near Steamboat Springs, where nearby sensors like Dry Lake and Tower forecast up to 22–23 inches over the next 5 days. Elk River and Columbine are also projecting significant snowfall totals (17–23 inches), suggesting Steamboat Resort could see some of the best powder in the state. Ripple Creek ... Read more