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.
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.
Find Lodging
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.
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.
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.
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!
About 20 percent of the trails are beginner-friendly, with plenty of green runs. Intermediate skiers can enjoy around 45 percent of the resort’s 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, approximately 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 “El río de las almas perdidas en Purgatorio,” which translates to "River of Lost Souls in Purgatory," named by Spanish explorers in the 18th century. According to legend, the explorers believed that those who perished in the challenging terrain were lost in purgatory. The dramatic name stuck and later inspired the name of the ski resort.
Connect with a Purgatory Expert to get started.
