The Purgatory Faux'teener Challenge presented by Pine Needle Mountaineering

A New Summit Every Year. One Mountain. Fourteen Thousand Feet. Welcome to the San Juans This challenge begins where the rugged beauty of Colorado truly comes alive -  in the San Juan Mountains. Known for their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and remote wilderness, the San Juans are among the most awe-inspiring and unforgiving ranges in the state. Home to iconic 14ers and dramatic alpine terrain, they set the stage for a climbing challenge unlike any other. This Year’s Featured Peak: Mount Eolus Each year, the Faux’teener Challenge pays tribute to a different Colorado 14er, starting with peaks from our home range, the San Juans. For 2025, we honor Mount Eolus, a 14,083-foot peak tucked deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Known for its exposure, knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking views, Eolus is considered one of Colorado’s more challenging climbs. Named after the Greek god of wind, this summit requires nerve, strength, and resolve - qualities you’ll need to channel on your quest to complete 14,083 vertical feet right here at Purgatory. You won’t stand on Eolus’ summit, but after nine punishing laps, you’ll feel like you did.   What It Entails: Purgatory Resort invites you to take on the Purgatory Faux’teener Challenge - a one-day endurance event that dares participants to climb 14,000 vertical feet without ever leaving the resort. Modeled after high-altitude “Everesting”-style events, this course takes you from the base area to the top of Lift 1 repeatedly, until you’ve earned that symbolic 14,000-foot summit. Whether you’re pushing yourself solo or splitting the grind with teammates, the Faux’teener is a true test of grit, stamina, and determination. With multiple class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions, it’s a challenge for everyone - from the hardcore to the just-curious. The Faux’teener is more than an endurance event. It’s a personal summit, a mountain-sized test of determination, and a chance to push yourself in one of Colorado’s most inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re chasing a time, a goal, or just a good story, this is your opportunity to finish the season with something unforgettable. This year, you earn Mount Eolus. Next year, a new peak awaits.