Getting there: Located in Southwest Colorado, Durango’s La Plata County Airport has connections to and from Denver, Dallas and Phoenix; they hope to add Houston soon. United has an easy Boston to Denver to Durango route.

Local Transportation: Rent a car, you’ll be glad for it, since you’ll want to bop down to Durango and visit some other spots as well.

Off-mountain fun: The Durango Hot Springs (https://durangohotspringsresortandspa.com/) just wrapped a multimillion-dollar upgrade and is a must-do. You’ll find spring-fed tubs at all kinds of temps, a spring-fed pool, food trucks, a spa (with great treatments) and – get this – a center stage with live performers. Soak away and savor the tunes.

Local secrets: Just past the resort entrance you’ll find The Old Schoolhouse, a local favorite pizza and more spot, The Nugget Mountain Bar (a quirky and fun apres spot), and James Ranch where you can dine on amazing burgers and shop their local sourced market for goodies.

Night skiing/affordable lessons: The town of Durango’s Chapman Hill Ski Area recently underwent $3 million in upgrades. You’ll find two surface lifts and a wide open trail with a steeper and calmer side. It’s a local hot spot, and you can ski or ride for a maximum of $16. Lessons – a good tip for those coming to town needing a brush up – are just $80 for a group of three. There’s a skating rink too.

Doing Durango: A visit to historic Durango is a must, either apres, all day or an overnight at the end of your trip. The town is historic and super western, with great shopping, dining and historic sites.