Durango
Review of Durango Mountain Resort aka Purgatory Ski Resort
Durango Mountain Resort is also known by its former name of Purgatory Ski Resort by the locals. The name “Purgatory” is far from apt, as skiing there could never be considered as a place of temporary punishment, torment or suffering!
The resort doesn’t receive as much snowfall as some of its neighbouring resorts, and whilst you might not get the glamour and the celebrity sightings that you get at the big
Colorado ski resorts, the plus is that you don’t get the big crowds.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Even though 2009-10 saw the unveiling of 125 acres of new expert tree skiing, the reputation of Purgatory as a mountain that is mainly suited to beginners and intermediates still stands. Whilst 33% of the trails are rated as black or double black, the majority of these are bumps runs, so advanced riders will need to really, really love moguls to enjoy Durango Mountain Resort. Unfortunately the tree skiing is very limited and the ski area is completely below the tree line so there are no alpine bowls.
Durango a.k.a. Purgatory is particularly fabulous for strong intermediate skiers and boarders, and one of the stand-out characteristics of the ski area is the many terraces, rollers and banks. Some of the runs feel like a mini boarder cross course or a rollercoaster, and it’s fantastic to catch air off some of the lips (so long as that’s your intention!). Twin-tippers will also enjoy the three terrain parks and the halfpipe.
The 1,325 acres (536 hectares) of
ski terrain at Durango Mountain Resort is serviced by 10 lifts including one high speed 6-person lift and a high speed quad chair.
Where is Durango Mountain Resort?
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is hidden away in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado in the four corners area. The ski resort is 27 miles (about a 30 minute drive) north of the town of Durango, and there are shuttles between the town and resort.
Durango has its own airport, the La Plata County Airport, with flights from hubs such as Denver, Albuquerque, and Phoenix. See the
how to get to Durango page for more information.
Durango Accommodation
Durango Mountain Resort has a range of lodging options including condos, vacation homes and a hotel.
Durango Mountain Resort lodging can be rather expensive, but just down the road at the
Silverpick Lodge it’s possible to find quality accommodation at a fraction of the price. The other option is to stay in the historic town of Durango where there are a range of
Durango hotels as well as lots of very inexpensive motels.
Activities
Durango is a college town so it’s got plenty of life with great pubs, restaurants and shops. The ski resort has various activities such as
snowmobiling with Snowmobile Adventures, snow biking, tubing, and spa treatments. Other
Durango winter activities include fly fishing, museums, a soak in the Trimble hot springs, a historic train ride, or a trip to the Mesa Verde National Park. The park is home to fascinating ancient Indian cliff dwellings that date back more than 800 years.
Cat Skiing near Durango Mountain Resort
For powderhounds who are seeking fresh powder, Durango has the major drawcard of having two cat ski operations nearby.
Cat skiing is guided backcountry skiing serviced by a snowcat, a grooming machine with a cabin on the back.
San Juan Ski Co is conveniently based at Durango Mountain Resort and they have a massive 35,000 acres in which to play.
Silverton Powdercats (formerly El Diablo Snowcat Skiing) is only 20 minutes northeast of Durango Mountain Resort. Be warned though, powder skiing is very addictive!
Why Ski or Snowboard at Purgatory @ Durango Mountain Resort?
Whilst Powderhounds.com have not rated DMR particularly highly as a powderhound resort, the ability to mix resort skiing with cat skiing is a huge plus for those obsessed with powder.
And DMR does score really highly (5 out of 5 paws) for its family friendly approach. The ski resort is very family oriented with a great ski school programme, plenty of activities, inexpensive child care and low cost skiing. Students and others who appreciate an inexpensive ski vacation are also attracted to DMR, particularly if they stay in off-mountain accommodation.