about us
A Year-Round Paradise in the San Juan Mountains
Located in the rugged San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Purgatory Resort is only 25 miles north of historic downtown Durango. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Purgatory offers a unique blend of steep tree skiing trails and wide-open cruisers with stunning views. Averaging 260 inches of snow annually, Purgatory is known for consistent, dry powder from frequent storms which are followed by sunny, bluebird days — creating perfect conditions for pure alpine nirvana. Purgatory features over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 107 trails, 11 lifts, multiple terrain parks and a vertical drop of 2,029 feet. Renowned as a family-friendly resort, there are many ways to enjoy the incredible winter wonderland at Purgatory.
Come for the snow, stay for the summer!
Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, Purgatory is a cool destination for an authentic Colorado mountain experience. The Village Plaza base area features a vibrant assemblage of lodging, retail shops, restaurants and bars. Family-friendly activities offered in the summer include the Inferno Mountain Coaster, the area’s only alpine slide, lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and more.
The Land
From shifting oceans and spewing volcanos to ice fields and creeping glaciers, Mother Nature has been hard at work crafting the San Juan Mountains for millions of years. To better monitor the land, water, and wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service ensconced these gorges, ridgelines, and meadows into the San Juan National Forest in 1947. Today, the San Juan National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres, including Colorado’s largest, steepest mountain range, the mighty San Juans.
The Durango Area
At 6,512 feet above sea level, Durango, Colorado, might not be the easiest place to breathe but every inhale ensures you’re one step closer to finding that inimitable mountain town state of mind. Whether you’re here for a family reunion, girls getaway, or road trip, Durango and its hardy, healthy, happy citizens are here to help you live like a local.
Our “Why”
For nearly six decades, the visionaries, leaders, and stakeholders of Purgatory Resort have focused on one mission: to give people like you the freedom to ski. As the ultimate collaborative, creative project, the establishment of Purgatory and its evolution into the premier family ski destination in the Southwest is a story of camaraderie, community, and a commitment to inspiring change one mountain at a time.
