As we move toward the end of our 60th season, we wanted to share a bit more context around how this winter has played out and what’s been happening behind the scenes.
As many of you have seen or experienced, it’s been a bit of a yo-yo. We’ve seen 104” of total snowfall, which is well below average, along with extended stretches of unseasonably warm temperatures. Fewer storms and shorter cold windows limited when we could make snow, and those warmer periods have accelerated melt across the mountain. That combination takes constant coordination across teams to manage, especially this late in the season.
One thing we are proud of is how our teams have responded. We had a record amount of production hours this year and made snow longer than ever into the month of March as temperatures allowed. Each time temperatures dropped into range, crews were ready to move. Overnight production in short temperature windows helped rebuild surfaces, reinforce high traffic areas, and keep terrain connected. In a typical season, snowmaking is wrapped up by the end of December. Without that effort, we could not have made it this far.
The snowmaking expansion in the Legends Express (Lift 8) area continues to prove its value. The ability to consistently reinforce coverage on Legends, Legends Bypass, and lower Ray’s helped us maintain access and quality in that terrain pod. Without that investment, the experience on that side of the mountain would have looked very different this season.
At this point, warmer temperatures are continuing to impact conditions. Our grooming team has been working diligently to try and keep the mountain together by farming snow where they can find it, but with the temperatures we are experiencing, it has become clear this practice is about to come to an end.
As a result, we expect this Sunday, March 29 to be the final day of the 25/26 season at Purgatory. Mother Nature has had her say and we no longer can delay the inevitable.
We know the Pond Skim is the unofficial closing day for many pass holders at Purgatory, but given the current snowpack and ongoing melt, hosting this cherished event this spring is not in the cards.
Closing day festivities will now take place on March 29 with a spring sendoff that reflects where the season is right now, with a fun rail jam and color ski/ride run. We will have DJs, drink and food specials including $2 drafts, and a few other elements we have not tried before. It should be a fun way to wrap up the season, lean into spring, and celebrate another season that we will long remember, for the wrong reason, forever and together.
Costumes are encouraged, especially if you are looking to stand out. We will have prizes for some of the best looks.
At the same time, we are looking ahead. Season passes for 2026/2027 are now on sale with no price increase for the fourth straight year.
Beyond winter, we have a strong summer lined up. The Bike Park returns, the Gelande lift installation moves forward, and Purgatory Express (Lift 1) will be modernized. We will also continue expanding snowmaking coverage. We are also bringing back events like Total Archery Challenge and adding new ones like the Mountain States Cup bike races, along with a full summer calendar.
This has not been the easiest winter, but the work behind the scenes has been steady and intentional. We are focused on making the most of the remaining days and finishing the season strong.
We want to extend a sincere thank you to our guests, passholders, homeowners, partners, and the entire Purgatory team. From lift operations and ski patrol to snowmaking, grooming, food and beverage, ski & snowboard schools, events, and beyond, so many people have put in an incredible amount of effort to make this season happen. And to everyone who showed up, supported us, and rode with us through a challenging winter, we truly appreciate it.
We look forward to celebrating with you on March 29th and closing out the season together on a high note.
Best regards,
Dave Rathbun
General Manager
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