The San Juan Mountains were formed some 30 million years ago by volcanic activity, helped along more recently by glaciers that carved out the many peaks and valleys.
They are scenic, rich in minerals and home to thousands of residents across Southwest Colorado.
But they’ve also become a playground for recreational enthusiasts – a place to hike, raft, jeep, camp, mountain bike and, of course, ski.
The Durango Herald will take a closer look at skiing in the San Juan Mountains as part of its storytelling series, Durango Diaries, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.
Four speakers will share their stories, including:
Dolph Kuss, who has taught thousands of kids to ski and was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame in 1990. Kuss also co-founded Outdoor Pursuits and helped develop Chapman Hill and Purgatory Resort. Tim Kroes, former executive director of Adaptive Sports Association, which has helped hundreds of athletes with disabilities learn how to ski.Jack Turner, a seven-time NCAA champion and a member of the U.S. Ski Team who served as an expert commentator for Nordic skiing during the 1984 Olympic Winter Games in Yugoslavia.Kim Dalen, who has worked at Purgatory Resort for 40 years, including 38 years as a ski patroller. Dalen will talk about how attitudes have changed toward women in what was traditionally considered a “man’s job.”
