This friendly resort in southwestern Colorado is a charmer with a reputation for the mildest, sunniest weather, but still with good snow. The beguiling terrain ranges from a separate beginner area to mogul-dotted steeps. The delightful town of Durango offers economical lodging and plenty of dining and nightlife. Shuttles connect town and resort.

Where: 25 miles north of Durango, on U.S. 550.

What's There: 2,029-foot vertical drop, 88 runs, 1,360 acres, one high-speed six-person chair, a high-speed quad, four triples, three doubles, one magic carpet, and five terrain parks.