Purgatory Resort

Durango’s sunny family mountain with steep trees.

Purgatory sits 25 miles north of Durango, with steep tree runs on the front side, long cruisers and plenty of bluebird days. Kids 12 and under ski free, and advance tickets can be very cheap. Durango adds a historic downtown, breweries and the narrow-gauge railroad’s Polar Express at Christmas.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,029 ft

Summit

10,822 ft

Skiable terrain

1,600 acres

Trails

107

Lifts

11

Average snowfall

260″ a year

Longest run

1.3 mi

Snowmaking

15% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 22%
• Intermediate 35%
• Advanced 43%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Kids programs
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSelect dates, Nov 20, 2026–Jan 2, 2027

  The Polar Express, Durango

  About 65 minutes on a steam train to the “North Pole” with cocoa and Santa. The railroad’s most popular event; December dates sell out first.

• ChristmasDec 23 (annual)Usually

  Shred With Santa

  Santa skis around the mountain handing out gifts the day before Christmas Eve.

• New Year’sDec 31, about 6 pm (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Parade

  Purgatory’s traditional torchlight parade and fireworks over the base, with NYE dinners at Purgy’s that sell out early.

• Opening dayFri, Nov 20

  Opening Day

  Scheduled start of the 2026-27 season.

• FestivalJan 29–Feb 7, 2027

  Snowdown

  Durango’s 10-day winter costume festival, themed “Chillin’ With My Villains,” with a light parade, follies shows and a ski parade at Purgatory.

Where to stay

• slopesidePurgatory Lodge

  Resort-managed condos up to four bedrooms at the base, with a 24/7 front desk.

  Slopeside
• hotelStrater Hotel

  Durango’s landmark Victorian hotel downtown, with 88 rooms and the Diamond Belle Saloon.

  35 min drive
• condoCascade Village

  Condo complex just north of the resort, rented through Young Mountain Management.

  5 min drive
• innRochester Hotel

  Small boutique hotel in the heart of Durango.

  35 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• The Polar Express train · 35 min drive

  The Durango & Silverton’s steam train runs to the “North Pole” on winter evenings; wear pajamas and book early.

• Durango Nordic Center · Next to the resort

  Groomed classic and skate trails with ski and snowshoe rentals, open daily 9–4.

• Snowcat Dining Excursion

  An enclosed snowcat ride with mountain views, then dinner up the hill, on select winter nights.

• Ska Brewing · 35 min drive

  Durango’s best-known brewery, with a taproom and food.

• Steamworks Brewing · 35 min drive

  Big downtown brewpub, good for a post-ski dinner.

Après and nightlife

• Purgy’s

  Slopeside gastropub at the base of Lift 1 with an après hour and live music on the patio.

• The Bear Bar

  Red Adirondack chairs on the “Ski Beach” at the base, with live music some days.

• Diamond Belle Saloon

  Old West saloon in the Strater Hotel in downtown Durango.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Durango–La Plata County (DRO) · about 50 min drive
• Albuquerque · about 4.5 hr
• Phoenix · about 7.5 hr
• Denver · about 6.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps