Announcing the Inferno Mountain Coaster
Earlier this year, Purgatory announced it was part of a $15 million, multi-mountain capital improvement plan, which included the addition of a new mountain coaster. Our team just unveiled the new name – and you’re the first to hear it:
Inferno Mountain Coaster!
The Inferno Mountain Coaster name follows a common theme unique to Purgatory: Dante’s Divine Comedy is subtly and not-so-subtly referenced throughout our resort (El Diablo, Upper and Lower Demon, Upper and Lower Hades, Styx and the Divine Comedy terrain park, to name a few), so it’s no surprise we’d return to Dante’s classic for inspiration for our newest attraction. READ: Durango Herald article about what else inspired trail names at Purgatory.
Earlier this summer, we broke ground on the new coaster project, which will be located near near Eolus Condominiums and Lift 4. With a length of 4,000 feet, the Inferno mountain coaster will zoom passengers through nine switchbacks, one 360-degree circle and multiple dips while covering over 300 vertical feet. The coaster will be open in both summer and winter, giving riders an adrenaline rush nearly all year.
PHOTO, above: These plans show the location of the new mountain coaster. Riders will load near Eolus Condominiums and then will be transported up 300 vertical feet before zipping down the mountainside.
While mountain coaster sounds similar to alpine slide or roller coaster, it’s a totally unique experience: Inferno will have carts made for 1 or 2 people that are securely connected to rails – these carts (and their occupants!) will careen down on an elevated steel track. Riders will wind through the trees and over the mountainside while remaining securely on the track at all times (riders will wear seatbelts).
Like Purgatory’s alpine slide, Inferno riders will control the speed of their individual car – which can reach up to nearly 30 miles per hour! So, whether you want to take your time while taking in the mountain views or want to go all out and reach top speeds, you will love this new way to experience Purgatory Resort.
Construction crews are currently digging and pouring the Inferno’s foundation, and the coaster track will be laid next.
(PHOTO, Left: The view riders will see from the first turn of Inferno)
As part of the capital improvement plan, Purgatory added a new summer tubing hill and air bag jump to its plaza activities – both debuted this summer. If you haven’t already tested those, be sure to check them out on Saturdays or Sundays through October 8. Learn more.
The colors are absolutely brilliant at Purgatory right now – every season offers its own beauty, but autumn is spectacular. To see how other prime locations throughout our forest are transforming, be sure to visit the San Juan National Forest Fall Color Report.
Lastly, don’t forget: this year Purgatory hosts American General Media’s annual Oktoberfest, and it happens Saturday, October 7th! We look forward to eating, drinking and celebrating with you then. Details.
