Small Ski Area in Nice Town

In an area known for its ski resorts, the small ski destination of Kendall Mountain is a chance to ski without all the frills. There are 4 runs and a few tree runs featuring small jumps. The 240-foot drop is serviced by one chair lift, set on 35-acres with eleven trails. The site receives approximately 200 inches of snowfall each year, and the views while skiing are breathtaking with trails situated between the Silverton and San Juan Mountains. The resort bills itself as "The Cheapest Ski Area in the West'' with lift ticket prices at $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Season passes are available.

In addition to skiing, the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area features a variety of winter activities. The town's ski rink offers daily skating for free and it is always open as long as the weather allows for it. Skates are available for rent at the Visitor's Center. The area also is a great place for sledding. There are small and large hills and tubers are also welcome. No lifts area available, so prepare yourself for a workout. There are numerous alpine ice climbing routes nearby and the Ouray Ice Park is about 20 miles away. The Town Loop is a great place to cross-country ski and will take you around the town of Kendall. Snow shoes are also available for rent from the Grand Imperial Hotel or Outdoor World. Snowmobilers will love the 150 miles of trails that are clean and well-maintained. Finally, if you are up for a ski adventure, head out to the backcountry on the public land surrounding Silverton. There is avalanche risk, so be responsible and careful.

The town of Kendall offers visitors plenty of places to stay and dine. The Handlebars Restaurant and Saloon is ranked by many as the number one restaurant in Kendall. Enjoy a treat or a meal in this charming, comfortable restaurant. Also check out the San Juan Grill, the Stellar Bakery and Pizzeria, the Brown Bear Cafy. The Silverton Brewery serves Austrian cuisine served with great beer and great fun.

If you are searching for overnight accommodations near Kendall Mountain, try the Wyman Hotel that offers rooms starting at $127 a night, the Teller House with rooms starting at $58, or the Triangle Motel, a budget destination featuring basic clean, comfortable rooms that are convenient to the slopes.

In addition to Kendall Mountain, there are a variety of other ski and winter sport options in the nearby area. You can take a tour of the Montanya Distillers where they make rum, ski Silverton Mountain, head out on a horseback ride from the Silverton Stables, or take a hike on the Ice Lakes Trail, a breathtaking 3.5 mile hike that takes hikers more than 12,000 feet in elevation. There is a variety of other hiking trails and ski resorts in the area, so if you are looking for a place to go that is central to numerous winter activities, head to Silverton. Be sure to plan plenty of time to ski at Kendall Mountain, an affordable, no frills ski area.