Purgatory Resort: Where To Stay & Things To Do
Durango's favorite mountain has fun things to do all year
A quick 30-minute drive from the heart of downtown Durango will get you to Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO where an annual snowfall of 260 inches blankets the mountain thoroughly, making sure that no matter what time in the season you find yourself there, you are sure to not only be completely satisfied, but also utterly amazed.
Year-Round Sports At Purgatory
Because the Durango ski resort offers such a variety of slopes and trails, covering more than 1,360 skiable acres, it has been ranked as the "second least crowded ski area on the continent.” If snow sports aren’t for you, feel free to check out Purgatory Resort in the summer too. During these months, the trails are clear for other family oriented activities such as hiking or mountain biking.
Purgatory Resort
Winter Activities
Purgatory offers winter activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether you want to shop and dine or adventure off to the mountain, there is an activity for you. Snow tubing is a popular activity for ages 3 and up. You can take a sleigh ride through the picturesque Colorado backcountry, take an adventurous tour on a snowmobile, or even try cross-country Nordic skiing.
Winter at Purgatory
Where to Stay
Purgatory Resort has convenient on-site lodging options. Luxury ski in/ski out condos and roomy townhomes right next to accessible lifts make a great option for winter visitors. There are plenty of great places to fit your needs. Of course, we don't want you to miss out on the town of Durango! There are lots of places in Durango that will accommodate you on your winter ski and snowboard trip.
Ski In/Ski Out Lodging
The Heart of Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Village offers just about everything you’ll need on your visit. Take in the majestic views of the San Juan Mountains while perusing a variety of shops and restaurants, and of course skiing or riding the beautiful mountain. The Village is the center of your vacation, where you can relax in a beach chair in front of Purgy’s or watch the evening alpenglow over the Needles Peaks.
Historic Downtown Durango is a fun way to spend your time not on the slopes. There is a lot of history mixed in with modern shops, cool restaurants and quaint coffee shops where you will enjoy the relaxed feel of downtown. You could also choose to stay in the between downtown and Purgatory Resort at a relaxed Bed & Breakfast.
Interesting Fact
Purgatory Mountain came into its modern day name in 1776 when several Spanish explorers were traveling on a nearby river. Some of their party got lost, and their bodies were never found. The other travelers believed the souls of the lost men would be relegated to Purgatory, and from this legend was born the designation, Purgatory Mountain, which originally opened as Purgatory Resort in 1965 and now operates as the year-round Purgatory Resort.
Following this legendary expedition, the river was named “El Rio de las Animas Perdidas” or the River of Lost Souls (now the Animas River).
