Purgatory

Western United States Ski Resorts, Colorado Ski Resorts

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 practice terrain parks like Horns, Halo and Headwaters, which feature jumps, boxes, rails and drops, and Pitchfork Terrain Park featuring a halfpipe, advanced 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 1,600 skiable acres, 107 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 11 lifts, including high-speed quads. Purgatory's summit sits at 10,822 feet, offering stunning views and a vertical drop of 2,072 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.

5 best things about Purgatory according to our Mountain Travel Experts

Friendly and low-key ski resortQuaint Southwestern charm1,600 Acres of Diverse TerrainBeautiful views of the San Juan MountainsNatural terrain parks on a playful mountain

Where to stay in Purgatory Ski Resort

You can count on a variety of lodging options at Purgatory Ski Resort that ensures every guest can find the perfect place to stay for their Colorado ski adventure, from high-end bungalows to budget-friendly family options.

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Purgatory Ski Resort Trail Map

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, Dallas, Texas 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, 365 and 244 miles away, respectively.

Getting around

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

Purgatory ski resort enjoys the most reliable ski conditions in the southern Rockies, with 107 trails of groomed skiing and great ski weather. And parents: Purgatory is part of the Power Kids Season Pass Program, so kids 12 and under ski free, plus there are free beginner lessons for all first-time skiers or snowboarders aged 13 or older.

Purgatory Resort’s ski mountain spans 1,600 acres, is served by 11 chairlifts, including the new Hermosa Park Express high-speed quad lift, and the snow will be terrific everywhere. Ski Purgatory to see that the mountain receives an average of almost 22 feet of powder each season (and there’s an efficient snowmaking system). The chances are phenomenal that the conditions will be great here. There are runs for every level of skier, plus 35% black diamond terrain for the intrepid.

Beginner Skiing in Purgatory Resort

Once you've mastered the Columbine lift area, it’s time to advance your skills! Make your way to the Purgatory Village Express (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, the beginner-friendly terrain is designed to maximize your enjoyment while facilitating smooth transitions to new challenges.

Expert Skiing in Purgatory Resort

With 45% of the trails dedicated to intermediate skiers, this area is a true paradise for blue runners. Discover endless excitement on groomed runs featuring natural rollers, terraces, and banks that transform every descent into a mini boardercross experience. If you're heading down from the Hermosa Park Express (Lift #3), be sure to explore Boogie and Peace for a thrilling rollercoaster ride. For those looking to tackle some bumps, Dead Spike off Grizzly (Lift #5) is a perfect choice, while Chet’s Run off Legends Express (Lift #8) offers a spacious groomed trail where you can carve freely without the crowds.

For experts, Needles Lift offers plenty of fun black and double black runs. The backside opens up exciting expert options from the Grizzly and Legends Express Lifts as well. Whether you're flying down or catching air off the rollers, Purgatory’s terrain is built for fun. Advanced riders, though, should be prepared for moguls and groomers.

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 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 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!

FAQs

About 20 percent of the trails are beginner-friendly, with plenty of green runs. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will find 45 percent of the mountain dedicated to blue runs Advanced and expert skiers will find a challenge on the 35 percent of black diamond and double-black diamond trails, which include steeper runs, moguls and tree skiing, among some of the many challenging and exciting obstacles.

Purgatory Resort is located near Durango, Colorado, about 25 miles north of the city. While it’s not technically within Durango, Purgatory is closely tied to this southwestern Colorado town, which serves as the primary gateway for visitors.

Durango itself isn’t called Purgatory, but the name “Purgatory” refers to Purgatory Resort, which is near Durango, Colorado. The name originates from the nearby Animas River, originally named El Río de las almas perdidas en Purgatorio by Spanish explorers in the 18th century, which translates to "River of Lost Souls in Purgatory.” The exact origin story is debated, but it is commonly attributed to early Spanish explorers navigating the difficult and dangerous terrain. The dramatic name stuck and later inspired the name of the ski resort.

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