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The Holiday Experience Gift Guide

A nighttime view of the Purgatory Base area lit up

Updated December 2023

Winter is a time of joy and delight. It’s a time to slow down, and appreciate quality time with family and friends. This year, instead of more things piled up under the tree, give your loved ones the gift of an experience. Here is the ultimate Purgatory holiday experience gift guide!

From the obvious skiing and snowboarding to other fun winter activities like snowshoeing and sipping hot cocoa by the fire, Purgatory Resort has some of the best holiday traditions. Come share them with your loved ones!

Slope-side Getaway

Steam rises from the heated pool at the purgatory lodge

Surprise your partner with a romantic escape to our little winter paradise, or plan a fun and exciting family vacation! We’ve got a wide variety of unit types that range from cozy, comfortable studios to roomy, luxurious townhomes. Plus, no two units are the same.

The Gift of Skiing

A family skis together on a groomer run

Lift Tickets

Get the skier or snowboarder in your life up on the slopes this season! Purchase tickets at least seven days in advance and save with our demand-based pricing.

Pro Tip: For those interested in purchasing three or more consecutive days of skiing, check out our Multi-day Tickets! With the Unlimited option, you can ski any 3-5 consecutive days during the season, with locked in rates and the flexibility to arrive whenever you’re ready.

Season Pass

Keep the powder turns and bluebird days coming all season long with one of our season pass options. Choose from our all access Power Pass, which offers unrestricted access to our collective of Power Pass resorts, to our Weekday Pass which provides restricted weekday access for a fraction of the cost.

Pro Tip: The deadline to purchase 2022/2023 season passes is December 17th so don’t delay on locking in this gift! 

Lessons & Rentals

There’s no greater feeling than progress. Help the skier or snowboarder in your life improve their skills with our expert ski and ride coaches. Rentals are available to add on, too.

Pro Tip: Get 1-on-1 guidance with a private lesson. These intimate sessions offer personalized feedback and guidance at a comfortable pace.

Christmas Trees and Snow Cat Trips

A scenic snowcat tour gives passengers a spectacular view of low clouds over the San Juans

Snowcat Ski Trip

Explore outside of the ski area boundary with Purgatory Snowcat Adventures! Colorado’s largest backcountry skiing & snowboarding operation offers access to over 35,000 acres of expansive San Juan Mountain backcountry terrain.

Pro Tip: Book a private cat for your friends or family and get in on the fun! Private cat trips fit up to 12 guests, and start at $4,999.

Snowcat Dining Excursion

Treat your partner to a romantic night out, or bring the kiddos on this family friendly date idea. A sunset snowcat ride whisks you away to our on-mountain restaurant, Powderhouse. From there,  you’ll revel in breathtaking views while savoring a unique five-course-meal prepared by our culinary team.

Pro Tip: Five dates are available for the 2022/2023 season, but we highly recommend booking early, as our Snowcat Dining Excursions sell out quickly!

Inferno Mountain Coaster

We like to call this the stocking stuffer of our gift options. An affordable option that is perfect for thrillseekers of all ages. Cars can hit speeds up to 25 MPH on a track with 9 switchbacks, one 360-degree loop and a vertical drop of 300 feet!  

Pro Tip: Pair this with a day of skiing/riding for an action-packed day the mountain.

Snowshoe Tours

Slow the pace down and book a snowshoe tour for the naturalist in your life. Our guided snowshoe tours are the perfect way to experience the outdoors as a guide shares their knowledge of wildlife, geology, flora and fauna. Morning and afternoon half-day tours available daily at 9am and 1pm.

Pro Tip: Pair a snowshoe tour experience with a gift card. The recipient can use the gift card to get a new beanie or pair of gloves from Purgatory Sports for the tour, or on a romantic dinner at Purgy’s afterward.

The Tubing Hill

Experience the thrill of sliding down Purgatory’s tubing hill, perfect for families and those young at heart! With specialty snow tubes, you’re guaranteed to get the speed you want! More information on dates and tickets will be provided soon.

Santaaaaa!

Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza at Purgatory Resort

Santa found some time out of his busy schedule to swing by the Purgatory Base area! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be giving out candy canes, and finding out who’s been naughty or nice. Make sure to come by from 2:00pm-3:30pm on Wednesday, December 22. The kids will love it!

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and FIREWORKS!

New years eve fireworks over the ski slopes

Purgatory’s favorite holiday tradition! From 6:00pm-6:30pm at the Base Area, patrollers and ski instructors will be coming down the mountain, lighting up the night with bright torchlights. Once the parade has finished, make sure you stick around for the fireworks show! Continue the celebration at Purgy’s, where the bar and cafeteria will be open until midnight and will conclude the festivities with a champagne toast.

Power Pass Resorts

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