The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Purgatory's summit reaches 10,822 feet, dropping 2,029 vertical feet to a base at 8,793 feet across 105 runs spread over 1,635 acres near Durango, Colorado. Terrain splits 38 per cent intermediate, 27 per cent advanced, 22 per cent beginner and 13 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 260 inches. Eleven lifts, including four quad chairs and one six-person chair, serve the mountain alongside four double chairs and two surface lifts.
Purgatory holds a distinctive place among Colorado resorts as the primary ski destination for the state's southwestern corner, serving the historic town of Durango well away from the more heavily trafficked I-70 corridor resorts. Its rolling, intermediate-weighted terrain and considerably lighter crowds have built a loyal following among skiers seeking a genuine, less commercialised Colorado mountain experience.
Purgatory opened in 1965, developed to bring destination skiing to the San Juan Mountains above Durango, itself a historic railroad and mining town founded in 1880. The resort's name derives from nearby Purgatory Creek and Purgatory Flats, themselves named by early Spanish explorers or settlers in the region.
Purgatory does not carry Epic or Ikon Pass affiliation, operating as an independently positioned resort serving its southwestern Colorado and destination visitor base. Adult daily tickets run from 89 to 129 US dollars.
2,028ft
Vertical
105
Runs
1,650 acres
Skiable
22ft
Annual snow
The Terrain
105 runs across 1,650 acres skiable
Purgatory spreads 105 runs across 1,650 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 45%, with 21 beginner runs to find your feet and 37 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
105
runs
105 runs across 4 grades
Beginner21 runs · 20%
Intermediate47 runs · 45%
Advanced32 runs · 30%
Expert5 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Purgatory
The 2025-26 season at Purgatory ran from 22 November 2025 to 5 April 2026, a roughly nineteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 260 inches. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather conditions in the San Juan Mountains.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to Purgatory's intermediate-weighted terrain. As an independently operated resort, Purgatory draws visitors from the Durango region and southwestern Colorado alongside destination travellers seeking a less crowded alternative to the I-70 corridor resorts.
Purgatory's rolling, approachable terrain continues to draw strong family and intermediate-skier visitation throughout the season, supported by the historic charm of nearby Durango. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given the resort's varied, welcoming terrain mix.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Purgatory continues to build on six decades of history since its 1965 founding in the San Juan Mountains. The resort's southwestern Colorado setting and comparatively uncrowded character remain central to its enduring appeal among destination skiers.
Season 2025 - 2026
16 Nov 2025
Opens
29 Mar 2026
Closes
133
Days open
22 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Purgatory, and where to stay
Purgatory sits near Durango, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains, with a base elevation of 8,793 feet and a summit at 10,822 feet across a 2,029-foot vertical drop over 1,635 acres. This setting in Colorado's remote southwestern corner places Purgatory well away from the Interstate 70 corridor that serves the state's other major resorts.
Durango, a historic railroad and mining town with a genuinely vibrant downtown, offers extensive lodging, dining and services within a short drive of the resort. The broader San Juan Mountains surround the area with substantial additional outdoor recreation.
US Highway 550 provides direct access to the resort from Durango. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, and the resort's remote location means travellers should allow additional time compared with more centrally located Colorado destinations. There is no direct public transport service beyond regional shuttle connections.
Durango-La Plata County Airport, a manageable drive from the resort, offers direct flights from several major US cities, providing a genuinely convenient gateway for visitors flying directly into this otherwise remote southwestern Colorado destination.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Purgatory, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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17 Sept 2026
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16 Sept 2026
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16 Sept 2026
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
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4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
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4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Purgatory Lift Tickets
Purgatory lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Purgatory closed on Mar 29, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$9, with peak rates up to US$89.
13 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 19–64
Adult Daily Lift Ticket
US$9up to US$89 peak
Experience Purgatory Resort's 107 trails across 1,600 acres in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Dynamic pricing starts at just $9 for advance purchase on select dates. Purgatory features excellent tree skiing, family-friendly terrain, and an average of 300 inches of snow annually near Durango.
Buy passYouth 13–18
Youth Daily Lift Ticket
US$9up to US$75 peak
Youth tickets at Purgatory Resort offer the same access to all 11 lifts and 107 trails with discounted pricing. Located in southwest Colorado near Durango, Purgatory provides a welcoming family atmosphere with excellent beginner and intermediate terrain perfect for developing skiers.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Daily Lift Ticket
Free
Free skiing for kids 12 and under at Purgatory Resort with the Power Kids Pass. Children enjoy full access to the mountain's family-friendly terrain, dedicated learning areas, and ski school programs. Purgatory is rated as one of Colorado's best ski areas for beginners and families.
Buy passSenior 65–74
Senior Daily Lift Ticket
US$40up to US$75 peak
Senior discounts available at Purgatory Resort with special Wednesday pricing at $40. Seniors 75+ ski free with the Super Senior Pass. Enjoy Purgatory's relaxed atmosphere, 2,029 feet of vertical, and stunning views of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado.
Buy passSenior 75–99
Super Senior Daily Lift Ticket
Free
Free skiing for seniors 75+ at Purgatory Resort. Super Seniors receive complimentary access to all terrain including the popular backside areas via the Hermosa Park Express. Purgatory offers one of Colorado's most generous senior programs with no restrictions or blackout dates.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 37–64
12-Day Power Pass
US$649
Limited access pass with 12 days at Purgatory Resort, Arizona Snowbowl, and Lee Canyon, plus unlimited access to 6 smaller mountains. Perfect for those who ski occasionally but want flexibility across multiple destinations with Power Pass benefits.
Buy passAdult 37–64
4-Day Power Pass
US$399
Budget-friendly option with 4 restricted days at Purgatory Resort and select mountains, plus unlimited access to smaller Power Pass mountains. Includes 3 free days at Monarch Mountain. Great starter pass for new skiers or occasional visitors.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 37–64
Power Pass Season Pass
US$949
Unlimited skiing at Purgatory Resort plus 8 other mountains including Arizona Snowbowl, Brian Head, and more. The Power Pass includes 10 free days at Valle Nevado, 3 free days at Monarch Mountain and Loveland, plus year-round bike park access. Best value for frequent skiers at Purgatory.
Buy passAdult 25–29
Young Adult Power Pass (25-29)
US$749
Discounted unlimited season access to Purgatory Resort and 8 additional mountains for young adults. Includes all Power Pass benefits including Valle Nevado days, partner mountain access, and mountain bike uplifts. Perfect for young professionals wanting maximum mountain access.
Buy passYouth 19–24
Young Adult Power Pass (19-24)
US$649
Most affordable unlimited season pass for college-age skiers at Purgatory Resort. Access to 9 total mountains with full Power Pass benefits. Ideal for students and young adults who want to ski frequently throughout Colorado and beyond without budget constraints.
Buy passYouth 13–18
Youth Power Pass (13-18)
US$549
Teen season pass for unlimited skiing at Purgatory Resort and 8 other mountains. Youth Power Pass holders enjoy the same benefits as adults including international skiing opportunities and bike park access. Great value for active teenagers and families.
Buy passChild 6–12
Power Kids Pass
Free
Free unlimited season pass for children 12 and under at Purgatory Resort and 8 other mountains. Kids also ski free at Valle Nevado and La Parva in Chile. No blackout dates or restrictions. The most generous kids program in North America, emphasizing Purgatory's family commitment.
Buy passAdult 19–99
Weekday Power Pass
US$225up to US$449 peak
Flexible weekday-only access to Purgatory Resort and all US Power Pass mountains. Choose 1-5 weekdays per week for the entire season. Perfect for retirees, remote workers, or anyone who can ski midweek at Purgatory and avoid weekend crowds.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Purgatory day pass cost?
Purgatory day passes range from US$9 to US$89 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Purgatory lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Purgatory lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Purgatory, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Purgatory lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Purgatory - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Purgatory lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Purgatory offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Purgatory directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Purgatory.
More Purgatory intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.