Purgatory Resort is one of the greatest ski resorts in the world. While Purgatory Resort may not be as large or well known as other ski destinations, it is a great place to learn to ski, enjoy some night skiing and snowboarding and make memories with your family.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Purgatory Ski Resort offers excellent skiing opportunities. |
| The ski resort is known for its diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels. |
| Purgatory receives an average of 260 inches of snowfall annually. |
| Visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities and services at the resort. |
| Purgatory Ski Resort provides ski lessons for beginners. |
| The resort offers a variety of accommodations nearby. |
| Purgatory Ski Resort is located in Colorado. |
| The ski area features scenic beauty and attractions. |
| The resort offers terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. |
| Purgatory Ski Resort provides a memorable skiing experience. |
Snow
The snow here is a mixture of dry powder, corn and ice, which makes it perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
The climate is also ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Lake Tahoe averages 200 inches of annual snowfall, making it one of the best places in the world to get your winter fix.
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Terrain
Purgatory Resort is home to an abundance of terrain, with something for everyone. Beginners will find plenty of green and blue runs to get their feet wet on the mountain while more experienced skiers can challenge themselves with expert trails like Skiing Catamount or Snowboarding Turkey Bowl.
Terrain parks are also abundant here, with multiple areas for all levels of snowboarders and skiers alike.
Purgatory Resort offers something for every type of snowboarder or skier, from beginners all the way up through experts looking for advanced runs!
| Terrain Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Gentle slopes ideal for novice skiers |
| Intermediate | Varied terrain suitable for progressing skiers |
| Advanced | Steeper slopes for experienced skiers |
| Expert | Challenging terrain for expert skiers |
| Snowpark | Dedicated area with jumps and features for snowboarders and freestyle skiers |
| Backcountry | Unpatrolled and ungroomed terrain for advanced and expert skiers seeking off-piste adventures |
| Cross-Country | Scenic trails for Nordic skiing |
| Tree Skiing | Gliding through tree-lined runs |
| Moguls | Bumps and mounds on the slopes |
| Halfpipe | A U-shaped snow feature for snowboarders to perform tricks |
Crowds and Conditions
Purgatory is a small mountain, which means the crowds are manageable. They have a lot of snow, and they have a good mix of terrain. Overall, it’s an incredibly family-friendly place that makes for great skiing.
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Back Bowls
Back bowls are some of the most popular places for powder skiing in Purgatory. The trees and cliffs around them can keep you safe, while their surrounding nature creates a peaceful atmosphere.
However, back bowls aren’t recommended for beginners or advanced skiers because they have steep slopes and lots of rocks. If you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder who wants an adrenaline rush from your first run down a mountain, then by all means go ahead!
Just be aware that this kind of terrain isn’t suitable for people with injuries or other physical limitations; if you don’t feel comfortable doing something risky like maneuvering through narrow trails filled with rocks and trees then there’s no shame in taking it easy on yourself by sticking to lower-angled runs instead!
The Village
The village is a great place to grab a drink or meal, as well as purchase ski gear. There are many restaurants and shops in the village, so you’ll never be short on options.
The village is also a good place to meet people you can find everything from après ski activities to museums and even casinos!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Lodging | Accommodations for a comfortable stay |
| Dining | Restaurants and eateries for various cuisines |
| Shopping | Retail stores for shopping and souvenirs |
| Entertainment | Activities and entertainment options |
| Spa & Wellness | Relaxation and rejuvenation facilities |
| Events | Festivals, concerts, and special events |
| Rentals | Equipment rentals for outdoor activities |
| Services | Amenities and services for guests |
| Apres-Ski | Bars and lounges for socializing after skiing |
| Convenience | Grocery stores and convenience services |
Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Purgatory is open until 10pm, and night skiing and snowboarding is a great way to enjoy the mountain after the sun goes down. Nightly lift tickets are $10 more than daytime tickets, but you can purchase one online or at the ticket window.
If you want to make a night of it, Purgatory also has rental gear available for both skiing and snowboarding—and if you’re not planning on staying overnight in Durango, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the resort.
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Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is a great way to get exercise, and it’s also great for all ages and skill levels.
You don’t need to be an expert skier in order to enjoy cross country skiing, as it can be done on many different terrain types: flat land, hills, forest trails and even snowshoeing.
Cross country skiers can enjoy their time in nature while getting a great cardiovascular workout at the same time.
One thing that makes cross country skiing so popular is that you aren’t stuck on groomed trails like when you go downhill skiing; instead there are miles of unmarked trails where you can explore at your own pace without being crowded by other skiers (or snowmobiles).
Mountain Coaster
The Mountain Coaster is the only alpine coaster in North America and it’s a blast. It’s also great for the whole family because it allows you to ride together with your kids or grandkids without having to wait for each other, so everyone can get back out on the slopes faster!
The Mountain Coaster is located at Purgatory Ski Resort near Durango, Colorado. It runs from top to bottom on one of two mountains (the north or south peak), starting at 10,800 feet elevation and finishing at 8,100 feet.
Along its 5-mile track are nine lifts where you hop off for a quick lunch break or hit some fresh powder before heading back up again. You can even ski right off the lift if you want!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpine Coaster | Thrilling downhill coaster ride on tracks |
| Scenic Views | Enjoy picturesque mountain vistas while riding |
| Speed Options | Control your speed with adjustable settings |
| Family-Friendly | Suitable for riders of various ages and skill levels |
| Safety Measures | Built-in safety features for a secure experience |
| Track Length | The length of the coaster track |
| Duration | Average duration of the coaster ride |
| Ticket Information | Pricing and ticket options |
| Restrictions | Height, age, and weight restrictions for riders |
| Operations | Operating hours and seasonal availability |
Purgatory Lodge
Purgatory Lodge is the main hotel at Purgatory Resort, which means it’s a great place to stay if you want the full resort experience.
The lodge has everything you need: a restaurant and bar with live music every night; a pool and hot tub; an outdoor fire pit; an indoor fireplace lounge; two fitness centers (one for each gender); an indoor business center with WiFi access; guest laundry rooms—even a ski shop and equipment rentals!
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Dining Options at Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado is known as one of the most beautiful and accessible ski resorts in the United States.
It’s not just for skiing enthusiasts—it’s also a top choice for travelers looking to enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
The resort offers many dining options that are perfect for socializing while you eat or drink, including:
The Lodge at Purgatory – Located right next to the Main Lodge entrance, this restaurant has plenty of seating options inside or out on their covered patio. Enjoy your meal while taking in mountain views from every angle!
Purgatory Grill – This casual eatery offers a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads along with daily specials like tacos on Tuesday nights (which are pretty delicious). Have dinner there after hitting up one of their local breweries or distilleries nearby — it will put you in an even better mood than before!
Ski Tip Lounge – Come hungry because this bar serves up some fantastic appetizers like buffalo wings cooked over an open flame (they’re amazing). They also have great happy hour specials every day between 4-7pm where you can get drinks for almost half off (or even less).
A small bonus tip: If you’re heading there during lunch hour then try getting there early because they generally run out quickly!
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Kids Programs at Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort offers a variety of kids programs, from learning to ski and snowboard to freestyle skiing and ice skating.
Children as young as age 2 can learn how to ski with their parents at the resort, while older kids (and adults) will enjoy the downhill thrill of racing down the slopes in an adaptive ski race.
Conclusion
Purgatory Resort is a great ski resort for everyone, especially families and beginners. The snow is good, the terrain has something for everyone, and there are many dining options at the resort itself.
If you’re looking for a place to take your kids on their first skiing or snowboarding trip, Purgatory Resort should be high up on the list of places to visit before making your final decision!
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
