Courtesy/Purgatory Resort
PURGATORY News:
DURANGO — Purgatory Resort is capping off another successful ski season with a major honor: OnTheSnow.com users have named Purgatory the #1 ski area for beginners in North America in the 2024–2025 Visitors’ Choice Awards. The recognition, announced April 10, 2025 at the annual Mountain Travel Symposium, places Purgatory at the top among hundreds of resorts reviewed by millions of skiers and snowboarders who travel each winter and share ratings based on terrain, family friendliness, après-ski and more.
This accolade celebrates Purgatory’s deep commitment to accessible, welcoming instruction for all ages. From youth programs and multi-week clinics to adult group and private lessons, Purgatory’s Ski & Snowboard School offers something for every ability level. At the heart of the resort’s beginner-friendly approach is the Free Beginner Experience—a 45-minute introductory lesson offered throughout the winter to first-timers who purchase a lift ticket and rentals. Purgatory also proudly offers the Power Kids season pass, which provides free unlimited skiing and riding for all children 12 and under, making it easier than ever for families to introduce young skiers and riders to the sport.
“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by OnTheSnow users as the best ski area for beginners in North America,” said Dave Rathbun, general manager of Purgatory Resort. “This award reflects the hard work of our instructors and staff, who are committed to making the mountain welcoming for everyone. Most of all, we want to thank our guests—especially those who took their very first turns with us this winter—for being part of the Purgatory community.”
Now is the time to lock in the lowest prices of the year for 2025–26 season passes. The Power Pass, which includes unlimited skiing at Purgatory and more than a dozen partner resorts across North and South America, is on sale now through April 25. Beginning April 26, prices will increase. The 2025/26 Power Pass is on sale now, holding prices steady for a third consecutive year while adding new benefits for season passholders. Visit thepowerpass.ski to purchase and learn more.
Perks of buying early include:
- Free spring skiing (use your 25–26 pass now)
- Zero percent interest payment plans through January 2026
- Free Power Kids Passes (for kids 12 and under)
- 10 free days of skiing at Valle Nevado and La Parva in Chile
Purgatory will officially close for the 2024–25 ski season on Sunday, April 20, conditions permitting. The resort is currently offering weekend operations for spring skiing and encourages guests to check Lift & Terrain Status at Purgatory.ski for the most up-to-date information.
About Purgatory
Purgatory is tucked away between Durango and Silverton along the San Juan Skyway, on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains. One of Colorado’s most family-friendly and best value ski resorts, Purgatory’s Power Kids season pass is the only pass in North America that grants free unlimited skiing, riding and lift-served mountain biking for all kids ages 12 and under, no blackout days or purchase required. Purgatory features 107 trails, 4 terrain parks, 11 lifts, and 1,635 skiable acres of steep tree skiing and wide-open cruisers; plus year-round family-friendly activities, lodging, retail, restaurants, bars, and signature events. Home to Colorado’s largest guided snowcat operation, Purgatory Snowcat Adventures covers 35,000 acres of rolling glades, wide open bowls, cliffs, chutes, gullies and trees. Visit Purgatory.ski.