Purgatory Resort is located a short 30-minute drive from downtown Durango, Colorado, and is the perfect place to plan your Southwest ski vacation. With over 1,635 skiable acres, numerous activities and countless events, Purgatory is a go-to winter destination. Whether you’re bringing the whole family, organizing a friend trip or planning a romantic getaway, Purgatory Resort has a wide variety of activities that everyone will enjoy. Here’s our 3-day winter itinerary for your upcoming trip.
Settle In
The best way to experience Purgatory is to stay close to the action. By booking your lodging at Purgatory, you put yourself only steps away from the slopes and all of the other activities offered at Purgatory.
Day 1: Warming Up
Once you’re rested after a comfortable night’s sleep, spend your first day warming up on the slopes. For the first-timer, rentals and lessons are available (lessons are best booked at least 72 hours in advance). For those looking to head straight out, take the Lift 1 Purgatory Village Express Lift to the top of the frontside and work your way down countless green and blue trails to the base. A few of our favorites include Mercy, Sa’s Psyche, Lower Pandemonium, Limbo, West Fork, What and Demon. If you’re wanting to explore more challenging terrain by the end of the day, check out black diamond trails such as Catharsis, Pandemonium and Upper Hades.
Be sure to keep an eye on our conditions page, to see what lifts and runs are open and available.
Make sure to save a little time to check out the Inferno Mountain Coaster, a fun and thrilling experience perfect for the whole family. (Opens for the season on December 24, 2022)
Day 2: Go Big
Plan on spending your entire day skiing and exploring the rest of the mountain. Make your way to the backside and check out the terrain on Lifts 3 and 8. Stop at Dante’s on the backside or head back to the front and check out Powderhouse mid-mountain for lunch and a break. Both offer unsurpassed views of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and get into the backcountry, check out Purgatory Snowcat Adventures — Colorado’s largest backcountry skiing and snowboarding operation accessing over 35,000 acres. This is an all day excursion for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.
After a full day of skiing or snowboarding, unwind at the outdoor heated pool — complete with waterslide — and hot tub, and enjoy stunning views shrouded in alpenglow at sunset. When you’re done, head to Purgy’s Slopeside for a relaxing dinner.
Day 3: Relax
Your final day of vacation has arrived, so why not spend the day relaxing and soaking in the Purgatory experience?
In the morning, take a 2- or 3-hour snowmobile tour and explore more of the stunning scenery and history of the San Juan Mountains.
Take some time in the afternoon to relax at the Durango Hot Springs Spa which offers Swedish, deep tissue and therapeutic stone massages. This is the perfect way to treat those achy muscles after your ski getaway.
Conclude your trip with a walk around Village Plaza to check out our unique shops for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family members.
