Columbine Ski Patrol cabin. Courtesy/Purgatory

PURGATORY News:

Purgatory, the US Forest Service, and La Plata County Historical Commission (LPCHC) are accepting proposals from third parties interested in relocating and restoring the Columbine Ski Patrol cabin.

Purgatory is redeveloping the land where the Columbine Ski Patrol cabin is now located to provide additional resort services.

Forest districts were established within the SJNF between 1920 and 1960, including La Plata County’s Columbine District, which covers over 403,000 acres of public lands. Over the years, the USFS constructed several ranger cabins, guard stations, and service buildings for forest management, including the Columbine Guard Station in 1940.

Today this cabin serves as Purgatory’s Ski Patrol locker room, while a second cabin is home to the Adaptive Sports Association Center. 

Although the US Forest Service and LPCHC have determined the cabin does not meet the criteria for historic preservation, all parties are in favor of a relocation and restoration effort.

Bids and proposals outlining the relocation and restoration project, as well as the purchase price, are now being accepted. Resort management and representatives from the USFS, Columbine Ranger District, and LPCHC will evaluate proposals and award the property as soon as possible. 

Visit purgatory.ski/usfs_cabin to learn more.