Purgatory Resort. Courtesy photoAfter picking up 8” of snow through Monday morning (with up to two feet expected through Thursday according to OpenSnow), Purgatory officials announced today it will open Lift 1, an expected 130 acres and one terrain park (conditions permitting) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Winter operations are expected to conclude after Sunday, May 26 and summer activities will continue to be open everyday.
Less than a dozen ski areas will be open in the U.S. this weekend – Purgatory is the southernmost resort.
2018-2019 and 2019-2020 season passes will be valid for skiing only and 2019 summer pass holders will be able to use their pass for winter and summer activities during the historic weekend. For non-passholders, discounted lift tickets will be available at the window: $29 for adults (18-64), $22 for teens (13-17), $19 for kids (ages 11-12) and $23 for seniors (ages 65-79). Guests ages 80 and older ski free, and kids 10 and younger receive a FREE Power Kids season pass that’s valid for skiing during the bonus weekend and everyday during the 2019/2020 winter, too.
In addition to Purgatory Village Express (Lift 1), the new Inferno Mountain Coaster, zip line, bungee trampoline, ropes course, scenic chairlift rides, treasure panning, gyro chair and bounce house will be operating as well. Additional activities, including Durango’s only alpine slide and the Purgatory bike park will open later in the season once the legendary snowpack (which brought over 30 feet of snow to Purgatory this year) subsides.
“Our guests and staff love living in and visiting Durango for the incredible recreational activities available, and this will be on full display beginning Saturday,” said Purgatory general manager Dave Rathbun. “This weekend, you can literally do everything you’re passionate about: skiing, biking, ziplining, coaster riding – and we are thrilled that Purgatory can be a base camp for it all.”