As winter approaches, we want to share an update on the projects our teams are working to complete this week across the resort. Some are one-time upgrades and improvements while others will be part of ongoing efforts as we finish projects and their corresponding mitigation requirements over a period of years. Our purpose remains “to give people the freedom to ski” as we improve the guest experience while preserving our beautiful landscape within the San Juan Mountains.
Legends Snowmaking
The final hydrant installation, testing and reseeding of the project corridor should be completed this week. The nearly 2 mile long snowmaking line connects to the existing Boogie line near the top of Hermosa Park Express (Lift 3) and runs down the Legends trail to the Ray’s Ridge headwall where it descends to the base of Legends Express (Lift 8). Spur lines extend to provide snowmaking coverage on Legends Bypass as well, so we are looking forward to a much more enjoyable and reliable snow surface for lower-level skiers and snowboarders to access Lift 8 starting this year.
Gelande Chair & Trails
Although the chair will not be installed until next summer, the timber work for this fall will be completed this week. If natural snowfall permits, the ski terrain will be accessible to sample this winter. Crews are finishing by limbing and bedding logs which will be removed next summer. Skytrac has completed the lift components and they will spend the winter at the factory in Utah. Once spring takes hold in 2026 lift construction will resume.
Resort Projects
Numerous other projects are finishing up this week including kitchen equipment upgrades, snowcat and snowmaking system summer maintenance, IT system upgrades including bandwidth and connection improvements, and a complete overhaul of Purgatory Rentals including a new fleet of HEAD skis, boots and snowboards. The F&B team has worked hard to create more menu variety including Keto, gluten free and vegetarian options at every outlet. They have also reintroduced specialty coffees available at the Village Market and Deli (renovated last year), and we’ve added new restroom facilities at Columbine to improve convenience for guests in the teaching area.
Weather and Snowmaking Outlook
Our view into the WX crystal ball over the next 2 weeks is beginning to look more favorable for natural snowfall and colder temperatures, beginning this weekend. As soon as temperatures permit, we’ll be firing up snowmaking on our opening terrain down Westfork and Limbo to the bottom of Engineer Double Chair (Lift 2). Guns are set-up and ready to go to the bottom of Purgatory Express (Lift 1) in the base area as well. Make sure to stay up to date on our team’s progress toward opening by visiting Purgatory’s Snow & Weather page at www.purgatory.ski.
Here’s to another great season at Purgatory Resort…it’s time to begin the snow dances!
Best regards,
Dave Rathbun
General Manager
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