THE BACKCOUNTRY
Photo Credit: Dylan Stucki
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Experience Backcountry Skiing In 1880, the first beginnings of Durango were forming with the construction of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Initially,
Photo Credit: Cameron Baird
By Stephan Davoust
the train was built for the transportation of precious metals from Silverton, but it soon became in high demand as people began to talk about the spectacular views. It’s these views and the accessibly to nature that continue to bring people into Durango. They come for the rafting, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking in the summer. As seasons transition so do the sports, and summer activities make way for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, and backcountry skiing.
in 2001 when I was dragged along in a move to Durango. At the time I was 6 years old and had not experienced many outdoor activities. Slowly, I started to get more involved as my peers led the way to newfound hobbies of cycling and skiing. Now, 18 years later, I find myself still living in Durango, and what started as a hobby has become my profession. I race mountain bikes for the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, and when the snow starts flying in Durango I transition to my second favorite sport of backcountry skiing. I may not have a contract in the ski world that pays bills, but my cycling career runs from March–November. So, getting some time for myself to play in the San Juan mountains is essential.
56 ∙ DURANGO, 2020 ∙
EXPLORE LOCAL
Photo Credit: Dylan Stucki
I was first introduced to this Durango lifestyle