2025 Snowdown is nearly here! There are 236 events over 10 days in Colorado’s Premier Winter Celebration. Here are some tips from me to you, and some of the events not to miss from a local who has participated in Snowdown for the past 20+ years.
2025 Snowdown dates are Friday January 24 to Sunay February 2. Snowdown is a 10-day event with tons of fun every day.
This year’s theme is Snowdown 2025: The Board Game Edition, It’s Your Move. A key to Snowdown is to have a costume that matches the theme. Think about any type of board game for your costume – the Monopoly man, or something that ties together the railroad spaces on Monopoly and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Chess or checkers, or what about an ouija board? Cornhole is a game played on a board, as is darts.
Grab a schedule and merchandise from Magpie’s Newsstand, located at 707 Main Ave. in Historic Downtown Durango. Magpie’s is the only place to get your official Snowdown merch – hats, shirts and buttons. They also have schedules and posters while they last. You can find an online version of the schedule by going to Snowdown.org and clicking on the EVENTS tab. Note – there will be changes to some events, the website will always have the most current information.
Find events that seem fun to you and get them on your calendar to participate in or attend. Some events require pre-registration, be sure to read the fine print in the schedule so you are prepared. Three of the more popular annual events have sold out of tickets – the Follies Shows, the Fashion Do’s and Don’ts Show and the Outlaw Josie Pete’s Snowdown Golf. Follow Snowdown on Instagram and/or Facebook to you know how to get tickets next year, and for updates on this year’s events. Instagram is @thesnowdowndurango and Facebook is @SnowdownDurango.
Transportation – Snowdown has arranged for several free or low-cost public transit options, thanks to the City of Durango, Ride Responsible, Snowdown and BID! Click HERE for all the ways to get home safe and avoid the parking hassles. Of note is the special shuttle on Friday January 31 from the parade, running from 3 to 8 pm from the Fairgrounds to the Transit Center.
Got an idea for a theme for future years? Submit it at Magpies Newsstand by 5 pm Sunday February 2. The person submitting the winning theme receives a Purgatory ski and dine package. The 2026 Theme will be announced on Sunday January 26 at Purgatory at 1:20 pm, right after the Snowdown Ski Parade.
Below are some of my favorite events for 2025 Snowdown, some new, some old favorites that we do every year, and some that are unique. This year there are 90 family friendly events. Family friendly events are noted on the website with a special logo that says FAMILY FRIENDLY.
Friday January 24
- Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
- The Gable House Presents: A Murder Mystery at The Gable House
- Bartenders Contest at Starlight Lounge – the official cocktail for 2025 Snowdown will be crowned
- Clue Beer Dinner at Carver Brewing Co. – see schedule for how to reserve your seat
- Magic the Gathering at Guild House Games – 3 rounds
Saturday January 25
- Cornhole Tournament at American Legion Post 28
- How Well Do You Know Y(our) Wine at Four Leaves Winery – guess the wine, win some wine
- Puzzle Tournament at Guild House Games – 2 player team competition
- Outhouse Stuffing at Gazpachos – how many people can fit in a porta potty???
- Rollin’ For the Win: Giant Yahtzee at Sun Sapphires
- Corkers at Durango Winery – like quarters but with corks
- Word Warriors at the Union Social House – scrabble competition
Sunday January 26
- Ski Parade, Opening Ceremony and 2026 Theme Reveal at Purgatory
- Hamster Derby Race at Creature Comforts – hamster and other small animal races
- Y2K Blind Singalong – karoke Y2K songs but without seeing the lyrics
Monday January 27
- Search for the Silver Bullet – starting today, tune in to 101.3 FM or 100.5 FM to hear the clues, then find the Silver Bullet before anyone else to win a cash and prizes
- Pajama Party Night at EsoTerra Ciderworks – all ages welcome
- Comedy Roast at Starlight Lounge – roasting Durango!
Tuesday January 28
- Pokemon Club at Guild House Games – family friendly
- Fashion Monopoly at the Cluck Stop at 11th Street Station – chicken inspired outfit fashion show
- Check and Mate High Five Contest at Durango Craft Spirits
Wednesday January 29
- Scavenger Hunt at American Legion Post 28 – starts today, winners announced Friday
- What’s Crackin’ Lego Walk at 11th Street Station - parents know, stepping on a lego hurts! Got tough feet, enter this contest!
- How Local Are You? At Animas Chocolate Company – trivia contest to test your Durango knowledge
- Hot Wing Eating Contest at Animas City Theatre – how hot can you go?
- Bicycle Roller Races at Zia Taqueria North – 15 minute races
- Spellabration at The Powerhouse – spelling bee fundraiser for Durango Adult Education Center
- Family Feud at Anarchy Brewing – can you guess how 100 Durango locals responded to the most pressing questions of our time?
- Magical Musical Mystery Tour at Ska Brewing – music trivia at its finest
- Lip Synch Contest at El Rancho Tavern – solo or groups
- Pick Up Line Contest at Animas City Theatre – this will be hilarious
- Joke Down at VFW Post 4031 – tell your best joke or do a 3-minute stand up act
- Sports Trivia at The Roost
Thursday January 29
- Big Wheel Derby at Balcony Bar and Grill – remember big wheels???
- Life Size Board Game Contest at Fort Lewis College Student Life Center
- Dragons, Cracks and Bams at Dalton Ranch Clubhouse – Mah Jongg tournament
- Snowdown Jr. King and Queen Contest at Best Western Rio Grande Inn – find out who will be the royalty this year and gets a ride in the Snowdown Light Parade
- Tye Off Fly Tying Contest at San Juan Angler – fly tyers, this is your chance to shine
- Beer Trivia at Carver Brewing Co. – calling all beer geeks
- Rock-em-Sock-em Snowbots at The Good Fight Boxing Gym – pillow fights in the ring
- S-P-O-O-N-S at the Union Social House – win the coveted Spoon Crown
- Hungry, Hungry Sliders at Backcountry Gourmet at 11th Street Station – sliders eating competition
- Champagne Pong at The DoubleTree by Hilton – get toasted
- Trivia Night at the Powerhouse – Snowdown trivia
- 80’s Video Dance and Costume Party at Animas City Theatre – relive the 80s
- Drag Race and Fashion Show at El Rancho
Friday January 31
- Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
- Ballon Rally and Mass Ascension at the Animas Valley – head north, look for balloons
- Get Parade Ready at the ArtRoom Collective in the Smiley Building – get some costume bling
- Chili Cookoff and Bloody Mary Contest Presale Tickets at The Garage – get your tickets for tomorrow one day early
- Hand on the Van at Durango Coffee Company – for kids ages 4 to 12, who can keep their hand on a Durango Police car the longest?
- Red Ball Express at 11th and Main – fundraiser for Durango Rotary Clubs, buy a ticket to win $5,000, $2,000 or $1,000
- Snowdown Light Parade at Main Ave. in Historic Downtown Durango – Durango’s best annual parade, starts at 6 pm, get there early. Free shuttle from the Fairgrounds to the Transit Center from 3 to 8 pm.
- Snowdown Follies Videocast at Animas City Theatre – didn’t get Follies tickets, come here instead
- Tortilla Slap at Los Amigos del Sur in the Main Mall
Saturday February 1
- Kids Snow Games at Folsom Park – for ages 3 to 5th grade, super fun!
- Chili Cookoff & Bloody Mary Contest at the La Plata County Fairgrounds – chili and bloodies!
- Fashion Do’s and Don’ts Videocast at Animas City Theatre – missed the Fashion Show, or just want to see it again?
- Name That Tune Bingo at Baron’s Creek Vineyards – wine and song
- Human Hungry Hippo at Doubletree Hotel – bringing the classic game to life
Sunday February 2
- La Plata County Search and Rescue Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction – benefits the amazing search and rescue volunteers, only $10 for adults, $6 kids, under 6 FREE.
Happy Snowdown to all! Next year's Snowdown dates are January 23 to February 1, 2026.