Purgatory Ski Resort in Colorado and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2029ft/619m, total trails 105, closest airport 42mi/68km, lifts 12, and more.

Purgatory Ski Resort was founded by Ray Duncan, a long-time Colorado resident and oil entrepreneur who opened the resort in 1965. Purgatory Ski Resort is located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, 28mi/45km north of the city of Durango.

On your way to the ski resort, you will most likely pass through this historic city, which was named one of America’s Best Small Towns by Outside magazine, due to its wide array of shopping, dining and recreational opportunities, including more restaurants per capita than San Francisco.

Over the years Purgatory Ski Resort has experienced many periods of growth and today has evolved into the perfect family vacation destination, which is known for its unmatched scenery and terrain for all abilities.

It is said that you can never go back, but sometimes it appears possible. After a hiatus, Durango Mountain Resort is changing its’ name back to Purgatory Resort as of Feb 15, 2015.

Today Purgatory Ski Resort is a four season resort that has earned a reputation far beyond the local area by offering a true mountain experience complete with a pedestrian village, great customer service, family-friendly environment and terrain that rivals any of its peers in the ski industry.

On the Slopes

• Purgatory Ski Resort has an uphill capacity of over 15,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. This translates into more time on the slopes allowing skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels a chance to take advantage of the entire mountain. You won’t want to miss the spectacular views found all around the mountain.
• Purgatory Ski Resort is home to amazing fall line skiing and snowboarding. Look no further than the collection of intermediate terrain found off the Hermosa Park Express.
• Want to get your heart beating on your first run of the day? Then ride the Purgatory Village Express to the top where you’ll quickly discover the challenging terrain of Upper Catharis, Upper Pandemonium and a real crowd favourite, the short run of No Mercy.
• For those who want some tougher terrain, make the journey across the mountain to the Legends Lift where you can discover the terrain of Ray’s Ridge or Blackburn Bash.
• In search of a terrain park, then you’re at the perfect location. Purgatory Ski Resort is home to 6 Terrain Parks, equipped with enough rails, boxes and other features to entertain all ability levels.

Off the Slopes

• Staying slope-side is an excellent option, just walk out the door and head to the slopes. The resort offers a quaint and cozy village setting with lodging, restaurants and retail and features wonderful views of the San Juan Mountains from either the village or the slopes.
• Purgatory Ski Resort also offers shuttle service, for a fee, from the airport to the resort and for those in need of groceries and other sundries the driver will make a quick stop in the city of Durango along the way.
• If you have a day away from the slopes be sure to visit the city of Durango. Spend the day shopping, having lunch and visiting the many tourist attractions this city has to offer, including the 12,000 sq ft railroad museum. A shuttle service to the city of Durango can be arranged by calling 970-426-7282.
• Purgatory Ski Resort is a place where families can visit and truly make the most of their stay. On select evenings, childcare is available from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm to allow parents the chance to venture out by themselves and enjoy a quiet evening together. Again, reservations are recommended by calling 970-385-2144. Also the Snow Monsters Den childcare is available during the day.