The Skiers' Guide to Purgatory

Purgatory Ski Resort sits in the stunning San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, offering a genuine local mountain experience with far fewer crowds than Colorado's more famous eastern slope resorts. With an overall rating of 4.28/5 from our community, this hidden gem balances excellent skiing with affordability.

The resort spans from a bottom elevation of 2,680m to a top elevation of 3,298m, providing 107 diverse runs across varied terrain. Our reviewers mention that the resort offers something for everyone, from gentle learning slopes to challenging tree runs and powder pockets.

Purgatory particularly excels for family friendliness (4.78/5) and intermediates (5.00/5), making it a brilliant destination for mixed-ability groups. The mountain maintains a local vibe that's increasingly rare in Colorado's ski industry, with one Snomad community member describing it as "a true locals mountain, offering weekday season passes and payment plans for the paycheck to paycheck crowd."

Purgatory's 107 runs offer a balanced mix with 24 beginner trails, 37 intermediate runs, and 32 advanced descents. The terrain is serviced by 6 chairlifts which earn a solid 4.06/5 for efficiency.

The mountain scores brilliantly for groomed runs (4.39/5) and tree skiing (4.36/5). As one advanced skier noted, "Groomers, park, moguls, and trees are great when the mountain gets snow. Tree runs on the far side are a lot of fun."

Beginners will appreciate the well-designed learning areas, with Jacquelyn, an intermediate skier, commenting: "The bunny slopes are one of the best I've seen. Great area to practice as a beginner. They really get you prepared for the trails on the mountain."

For more advanced riders, Purgatory scores well for powder (4.19/5) with plenty of off-piste adventures to discover. Joshua, an expert snowboarder, recommends: "A great place for tree runs especially if you know a local... knowing your way and making short cuts just make the riding that much better."

The mountain layout does require some traversing, so snowboarders should be prepared, though the resort still scores a respectable 4.00/5 for snowboarding.

The dining options at Purgatory receive a modest 3.56/5 for eating out. While options aren't as plentiful as in larger resorts, there are some good choices available. Maya, a beginner snowboarder, mentioned that "the bar at the top of the mountain serves good cold beer," which is always a welcome trait for a mountain establishment.

Food prices follow the typical pattern of mountain resorts, with Adam noting that "food is a bit overpriced, as is the case in most places nowadays." For more dining variety, you might need to venture into Durango, about 30 minutes away, as Kyra points out that "lodging and basic amenities might have to be found about 30 minutes away in the nearby town."

Purgatory's après scene earns a 3.44/5 rating, reflecting its relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere rather than wild nightlife. Tyler, an expert skier, notes that "nightlife and dining options are limited," which fits with the resort's character as a place to focus on skiing rather than partying.

The resort maintains a friendly, low-key vibe after the slopes close, with more of a focus on relaxation than rowdy celebrations. Some users mention the hot tub and game room as evening entertainment options, highlighting the family-friendly nature of the resort's après offerings.

Purgatory shines as a family destination, earning an impressive 4.78/5 for family friendliness. Kyra explains that the resort "provides opportunities for people with disabilities and those wanting to try out skiing/snowboarding with many volunteer instructors from the neighboring town who are all kind and friendly."

The ski school quality (4.31/5) is highly rated, with Blair, an advanced skier who's been visiting since age 3, noting: "If you are a beginner they have a wonderful ski school program."

Families appreciate the resort's welcoming atmosphere and variety of terrain. Tyler describes Purgatory as offering a "welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere" with "activities like snow tubing and Nordic skiing" making it "a well-rounded winter destination."

Accommodation in Purgatory earns a solid 4.08/5 rating, with options both at the base area and in nearby Durango. The resort area itself has slope-side lodging that provides convenient access to the lifts, though the range of options expands if you're willing to stay in Durango, about 30 minutes away.

Blair mentions amenities like "a hot tub and game room," indicating the family-friendly nature of the base accommodations. While specific properties aren't covered in our reviews, the overall impression is of functional, comfortable lodging rather than luxury options, which aligns with the resort's excellent 4.00/5 for value for money.

Purgatory Resort has made some steps toward environmental stewardship in recent years, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint within the sensitive San Juan Mountain ecosystem. The resort participates in the National Ski Areas Association's Climate Challenge program and has implemented energy efficiency measures across operations.

Water conservation efforts include advanced snowmaking technology that reduces water usage. The resort also operates a shuttle service from Durango, helping to reduce traffic and carbon emissions. While not among the industry leaders in sustainability, Purgatory's efforts reflect a growing awareness of environmental responsibility in an area known for its natural beauty and wilderness.