Purgatory Resort | Durango

Purgatory Resort is a ski area located in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Colorado. It offers winter sports and summer recreational activities.

Visual Characteristics

The resort base is situated at an elevation of 8,792 feet. The terrain features include a mix of open bowls, steep chutes, and forested slopes. The primary skiable area covers 1,600 acres, with a summit elevation of 10,900 feet. The resort's infrastructure includes several multi-story buildings constructed with wood and stone, painted in earth tones.

Location & Access Logistics

Purgatory Resort is located 25 miles north of Durango, Colorado, along U.S. Highway 550. The drive from downtown Durango takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Ample parking is available at the base area, with designated lots for day visitors and season pass holders. Public transportation options are limited; the Durango Transit system does not directly service the resort. Private shuttle services operate seasonally from Durango.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Purgatory Resort opened in 1965. It was developed on land previously used for logging and mining. The resort is situated within the San Juan National Forest, an area characterized by its alpine ecosystem and geological formations dating back millions of years, including volcanic rock and glacial moraines.

Key Highlights & Activities

Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding across 105 marked trails. Summer activities include mountain biking on over 50 miles of trails, scenic chairlift rides, and alpine slide operations. Guided snowshoe tours are available during winter months.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort base area provides restrooms, food service outlets, and retail shops. Several on-mountain lodges offer indoor seating and limited shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the base area and along main trails, but can be intermittent at higher elevations.

Best Time to Visit

For skiing and snowboarding, the season typically runs from late November through early April, dependent on snowfall. The best time for photography is during sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting on the mountain peaks. Summer activities are best from June through September.

Facts & Legends

The name "Purgatory" is attributed to early prospectors who found the area difficult to traverse, likening it to a purgatorial experience. A specific local legend speaks of a lost prospector's ghost said to wander the upper slopes during heavy snowfall.

Nearby Landmarks

• Silverton Mountain Ski Area (25km North)
• Molas Pass (15km North)
• San Juan National Forest (Surrounding)
• Animas River (30km South)