Purgatory Resort

Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Purgatory Resort sits in the San Juan National Forest just outside Durango, offering a distinct blend of steep tree skiing and wide-open cruisers across more than 1,600 skiable acres. The mountain’s character is defined by 11 lifts, including the high-speed detachable quad on Legends Lift 8, which replaced its predecessor to serve some of the best terrain in Colorado. Local businessman James Coleman acquired the resort in 2015, restoring the original Purgatory name after it had been known as Durango Mountain Resort for decades. His leadership has prioritized a "skiing first" vision, adding new trails and investing in infrastructure to maintain the area's reputation as a leading family ski destination in the Southwest. The resort’s history stretches back six decades, with key developers like Forest Service snow ranger Chet Anderson and Olympic coach Dolph Kuss helping to shape the mountain into the treasured home slope it is today. Beyond the snow, Purgatory operates a mountain bike park from Thursday through Sunday during the summer season, hosting live music, racing, and festivities through October. Visitors can also explore San Juan Untracked options, including snowcat skiing and snowboarding, for an exclusive experience. The resort provides standard lodging amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking, ensuring comfort for guests exploring the 1.8 million-acre national forest surrounding the slopes.