Quick Info
Terrain: 105 trails, 1,605 acres, 2,029' vertical. Distance from Durango: 25 miles (35 minutes). Base elevation: 8,793'. Vibe: Family-friendly, fewer crowds than I-70 resorts. Best for: Intermediates and families.
Purgatory is Durango's ski mountain—a mid-sized resort with excellent terrain and none of the I-70 corridor crowds. At 25 miles north of town, it's an easy day trip or multi-day ski vacation base. The mountain offers solid variety: long groomers, gladed terrain, and enough expert runs to keep strong skiers engaged.
The southwest Colorado location means sunny skies and uncrowded slopes. Purgatory doesn't draw the destination crowds of Vail or Aspen, which is exactly its appeal. Lift lines are short, ticket prices are reasonable, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it excellent for kids learning to ski.
Terrain Overview
Beginner (20%): Gentle terrain near the base and Columbine station. Excellent learning area with progression paths. Good ski school reputation.
Intermediate (45%): The mountain's strength. Long cruisers like Hermosa Parkway and Demon, plus gladed runs through the trees. Miles of consistent, well-groomed terrain.
Expert (35%): The Legends area on the front side offers steeps and bumps. Hades and the Styx chutes provide expert challenge. Tree skiing throughout when conditions allow.
Lifts and Access
11 lifts including one high-speed six-pack. The Purgatory Village Express gets you to mid-mountain quickly. Upper lifts access the best terrain.
Two base areas: Purgatory Village (main base) has most services. The lower Columbine area offers beginner terrain and ski school.
Snow and Conditions
Purgatory averages about 260 inches of snow annually. The southwest location means more sunny days than northern Colorado—great for visibility, but snow can be variable. The resort makes snow on key runs to ensure coverage.
Best months: February and March typically have the deepest snowpack. January can be cold but uncrowded. Early season is hit-or-miss.
Base Area
Purgatory Village has grown significantly. Restaurants, bars, and shops cluster near the main lift. Ski-in/ski-out lodging is available for those who want to stay at the mountain instead of Durango.
Most visitors stay in Durango and drive up daily. The 35-minute drive is easy, and Durango offers better dining and nightlife than the base area.
Tips
Ski weekdays if possible. Weekend crowds from Durango, Albuquerque, and Phoenix can make Saturdays busy. Weekdays are mellow.
Explore the trees. Purgatory's gladed terrain is underrated. When conditions are good, intermediate skiers can find excellent tree runs.
Arrive early. The main lot fills on busy days. Arrive before 9am for convenient parking near the base.
Consider multi-day tickets. Purgatory offers reasonable pricing for multi-day skiing, especially compared to the mega-resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Purgatory compare to Telluride?
Purgatory is smaller, less expensive, and less crowded. Telluride has more extreme terrain and a historic town. Purgatory is better for families and intermediates on a budget.
Is Purgatory good for beginners?
Very good. Gentle learning terrain, quality ski school, and a manageable size that doesn't overwhelm new skiers.
Should I stay at Purgatory or Durango?
Durango for most visitors. Better restaurants, nightlife, and activities. The 35-minute drive is easy. Stay at the mountain only if ski-in/ski-out is essential.
What about summer?
The resort offers summer activities including an alpine slide, zip line, and mountain biking. Less extensive than some resorts but family-friendly options.
Is it on the Ikon or Epic pass?
Purgatory is on the Ikon Pass with limited access days. Check current pass benefits for exact terms.