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Purgatory Faux’teener Challenge

September 6 @ 6:00 am 6:00 pm

Runners race up trails at Purgatory Resort in the summer

Welcome to the San Juans

This challenge begins where the rugged beauty of Colorado truly comes alive –  in the San Juan Mountains. Known for their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and remote wilderness, the San Juans are among the most awe-inspiring and unforgiving ranges in the state. Home to iconic 14ers and dramatic alpine terrain, they set the stage for a climbing challenge unlike any other.

This Year’s Featured Peak: Mount Eolus

Each year, the Faux’teener Challenge pays tribute to a different Colorado 14er, starting with peaks from our home range, the San Juans.

For 2025, we honor Mount Eolus, a 14,083-foot peak tucked deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Known for its exposure, knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking views, Eolus is considered one of Colorado’s more challenging climbs. Named after the Greek god of wind, this summit requires nerve, strength, and resolve – qualities you’ll need to channel on your quest to complete 14,083 vertical feet right here at Purgatory.

You won’t stand on Eolus’ summit, but after nine punishing laps, you’ll feel like you did.

Mount Eolus

Event Overview

Start/Finish Location: The Beach (Main Base Area Plaza)
Ascent Route: World Cup DH Trail

Descent: Lift 1 ride down after each ascent

  • Vertical Gain per Lap: Approximately 1,525 feet
  • Total Vertical Gain: 9 full laps (13,725 feet) plus a final 358-foot climb to match the elevation of Mount Eolus – 14,083 feet total
  • Total Ascent Distance: Approximately 15.5 miles
  • Cutoff Time: 12 hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
  • Estimated Ascent Time per Lap: 60 to 75 minutes at a moderate pace
  • Lift Ride Down: Approximately 10 minutes per lap

The final bonus climb ensures your total elevation gain matches the true summit of Mount Eolus – no shortcuts, no rounding down.

Registration

  • Solo Entry: $49
  • Team Entry (3 people): $99 per team

Limited spots available. Early registration is recommended.

Free camping is available the night before the event for registered participants only. A camping permit will be issued upon request for those who would like to camp onsite. 

Competition Classes

Solo Categories
Climb all 14,083 vertical feet on your own.

  • Open Men
  • Open Women
  • Masters Men (age 45 and up)
  • Masters Women (age 45 and up)
  • Under 25 (ages 18 to 24)

Masters of the Mountain
Fastest male and female soloists will have their names displayed on a permanent resort plaque until the next year’s event.

Team Relay Categories
Split the climb. Complete all 9+ laps however you choose.

  • Coed Team (at least one male and one female)
  • All-Women’s Team
  • All-Men’s Team
  • Masters Team (all members age 45 and up)
  • Family Team (at least one member under 18)
  • Youth Team (all members age 12 to 17)

Each team must complete the full course. You decide the lap order and division of work.

Short Course Options

Not ready for the full 14,083 feet? Choose a scaled challenge.

  • Faux’teener Light: 5 laps (7,625 vertical feet)
    Recommended for amateur mountain athletes or those short on time
  • Junior Climb: 3 laps (4,575 vertical feet)
    Ideal for youth under 12 or first-time endurance hikers

Awards and Recognition

  • Top finisher awards in every solo and team category
  • Masters of the Mountain plaque honors fastest male and female soloists
  • Beast Mode Award: Any soloist who completes all 9 laps in under 10 hours
  • Climbed Every Inch Patch: Earned by all soloists who complete the full course
  • Best Team Spirit: For costumes, creativity, and positive energy

Why Take It On?

The Faux’teener is more than an endurance event. It’s a personal summit, a mountain-sized test of determination, and a chance to push yourself in one of Colorado’s most inspiring landscapes.

Whether you’re chasing a time, a goal, or just a good story, this is your opportunity to finish the season with something unforgettable.

This year, you earn Mount Eolus. Next year, a new peak awaits.

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