Purgatory

About Purgatory Ski Resort

Purgatory is a family-friendly ski resort that is perfect for someone who craves dry, light powder, few crowds and a down-to-earth atmosphere. Fantastic snow conditions, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours and miles of cross-country wilderness surround "Purg" and nearby Durango. Terrain park enthusiasts can enjoy the Paradise Terrain Park, which features a 400-foot halfpipe, jumps, rails and drops and Pitchfork Terrain Park featuring rails, tabletops, gaps and big air jumps.

Purgatory Resort, nestled in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, is just 25 miles from Durango and offers an exceptional ski experience. With over 1,500 skiable acres, 105 trails, and five terrain parks, Purgatory is a playground for all skill levels. The resort boasts an annual snowfall of 260 inches and is equipped with 12 lifts, including high-speed quads. Purgatory's summit sits at 10,822 feet, offering stunning views and a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet.

Those looking to get on the slopes for the first time will be welcomed by a world-class ski school and plenty of beginner terrain. If getting off-the-beaten-path appeals to the adventurer in you, consider a vacation to Durango, Colorado and nearby Purgatory Mountain Resort. Besides the mountain, Durango, Colorado is a 4-season mountain destination for mountain bikers, climbers and hikers as well.

How to get to Purgatory

To reach Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado, fly into Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO), located 42 miles from the resort, with connections from Denver, Colorado, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, though shuttle services are available for those staying at the resort. Other airport options include Denver and Albuquerque, 407 and 244 miles away, respectively.

Durango’s downtown is super easy to explore on foot, especially along Main Avenue between 5th and 11th streets. With numbered avenues running parallel to Main, and numbered streets crossing it, navigating the area is a breeze. If your legs need a break after a day on the slopes, hop on the Durango Trolley, a convenient minibus that loops Main Avenue. Running every 20 to 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., it’s a quick and affordable way to get around town.

Skiing in Purgatory

Durango ski resort enjoys the most reliable ski conditions in the southern Rockies, more than 38 miles of groomed skiing, and great ski weather. You'll delight in the Kids Ski Free Program, kids six and under, as well as half-price beginner lessons for all first-time skiers or snowboarders aged 13 or older.

Durango Mountain Resort’s ski mountain spans 2,500 acres, is served by nine chairlifts, including the new Hermosa Park Express high-speed quad lift, and the snow will be terrific everywhere. Ski Durango to see that the mountain receives an average of 20 feet of powder each season and, in addition, there is an extended snowmaking system that covers nearly 80% of the ski terrain. The chances are phenomenal that the conditions will be great at Durango. There are runs for every level of skier plus over 25% black diamond terrain for the intrepid. One more unique feature of Durango Mountain Resort: Total Ticket (TM) which allows you to exchange a day of skiing for your choice of seven different vacation activities.

Beginner Skiing in Purgatory Resort

Once you've mastered the Columbine lift area, it’s time to advance your skills! Make your way to Lift 1 and take a left toward Powderhouse. From there, follow the Walk-a-Lot trail to Angel’s Tread. This route allows you to spend more time skiing and less time on the chairlift, ensuring more fun and progress for everyone. Angel’s Tread offers a similar level of difficulty but features longer runs and fewer lift lines, making it an ideal next step for building your confidence. At Purgatory, our beginner-friendly terrain is designed to maximize your enjoyment while facilitating smooth transitions to new challenges..

Family vacations in Purgatory Ski Resort

Purgatory Resort in Durango is a family’s paradise, offering a winter wonderland filled with adventure. In addition to exceptional skiing, families can experience the thrill of the Inferno Mountain Coaster, where you'll zip through the trees while enjoying breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or a more leisurely ride, you control the speed, ensuring fun for everyone! For a truly unique and memorable outing, consider booking a snowcat dining excursion. You'll be treated to a cozy journey up the mountain in an enclosed snowcat, culminating in a five-course meal at a mountaintop restaurant with stunning vistas of the alpenglow over the Needles Mountains.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, snowmobile adventures will whisk you across 35,000 acres of stunning terrain, or you can race down Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide, the wildest tubing hill in Durango! If you prefer a more tranquil experience, consider a guided snowshoe tour. Take a ride up Lift 1 and traverse alpine forests with breathtaking views before descending back to the base area. Nordic skiing enthusiasts will enjoy over 12.43 miles of groomed trails at the Durango Nordic Center. From exhilarating snowcat skiing on pristine powder to unwinding in Durango Hot Springs after a day on the slopes, Purgatory has everything you need for an unforgettable family ski vacation!