Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort: Colorado's adventure playground offering thrilling summer activities and affordable winter skiing with stunning mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh powder & fewer crowds
Purgatory Resort
Best Time
Fresh powder & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Purgatory Resort: Colorado's adventure playground offering thrilling summer activities and affordable winter skiing with stunning mountain views.
"The mountain coaster and alpine slide were so much fun! Beautiful place and friendly staff."
💰 Budget-Friendly Skiing
Purgatory is known for affordable prices and shorter lines compared to other Colorado resorts.
🚗 Drive from Durango
It's about a 30-minute drive from Durango. Consider this when planning your day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Slide & Mountain Coaster
Activity Hub
Race down the mountain on a gravity-powered slide or twist and turn on a thrilling mountain coaster. Pure adrenaline!
Scenic Chairlift Rides
Main Ski Area
Soar above the San Juan Mountains for breathtaking panoramic views. Perfect for photos and a peaceful escape.
Winter Skiing & Snowboarding
Ski Slopes
Hit the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Known for good groomed runs and park features.
Summer Mountain Biking
Mountain Trails
Explore scenic trails on two wheels. Purgatory transforms into a mountain biking paradise in the summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summer vs. Winter Fun
Accommodation & Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Skiing
Purgatory is known for affordable prices and shorter lines compared to other Colorado resorts.
🚗 Drive from Durango
It's about a 30-minute drive from Durango. Consider this when planning your day.
☀️ Summer Activities Pass
Get a summer pass for access to multiple attractions like the alpine slide and mountain coaster.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Colorado weather can change quickly. Layer up, especially during ski season.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Skiing
Purgatory is known for affordable prices and shorter lines compared to other Colorado resorts.
🚗 Drive from Durango
It's about a 30-minute drive from Durango. Consider this when planning your day.
☀️ Summer Activities Pass
Get a summer pass for access to multiple attractions like the alpine slide and mountain coaster.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Colorado weather can change quickly. Layer up, especially during ski season.
🏞️ Enjoy the Views
The San Juan Mountains offer stunning scenery year-round. Take time to soak it in!
⚠️ Check Closures
Some amenities may be closed during shoulder seasons or due to weather. Always check ahead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Purgatory Resort offers a mix of thrilling summer activities and affordable winter skiing, with many visitors praising the fun attractions like the alpine slide and mountain coaster. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the condition and cleanliness of on-site accommodations, suggesting nearby Durango as a potentially more comfortable lodging option.
"The place does offer cool views and some fun activities like the lift and alpine coaster. But, this was such a disappointment. We rented a two bedroom condo and as soon as we walked in, the place stunk. We immediately opened all windows and patio doors and started rubbing the fans. I found a can of sanitizing aerosol spray, but it didn’t mask the stink of the space. The carpet was disgusting, stains all throughout the floor from years of neglect. We were so excited initially, but the reality was gross. Our clothes stunk after we left. It’s also a hike from downtown Durango (we knew this), but there is an awesome Hot Springs facility nearby I’d highly recommend. As someone mentioned, many things at the resort are closed in the summer (naturally). For those reviewing before booking, I’d skip this place if I had high standards for where I stay. It needs some love (and renovation). Avoid the “I wish we’d have stayed somewhere else” feeling."
Turk Edwards
"Took my kids to their Oktoberfest....we had a blast! The mountain coaster and alpine slide were so much fun! Beautiful place and friendly staff."
Are Tee
"Came here for the summer fun activities. Naturally it starts raining. No big deal, not the parks fault. But you'd think while waiting you could go explore the shops And places to eat, ya know kill some time waiting on the weather. Except every place here is closed other than the pizza place. Which is crazy during summer season."
Jake Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Purgatory Resort is located about 30 minutes north of Durango, Colorado. You can drive via US-550 N. Many visitors find it convenient to stay in Durango and make day trips to the resort. 
While direct public transport options are limited, some shuttle services may operate seasonally. It's best to check local Durango transit information or consider ride-sharing services.
The drive is scenic, especially along the Million Dollar Highway. Be prepared for mountain driving conditions, particularly in winter.
It's challenging but possible. Some visitors arrange private transfers or look into local tour operators that might include transportation.
The nearest major airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), which is about an hour's drive from Purgatory Resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Purgatory is known for being more affordable than many other Colorado ski resorts, with competitive lift ticket prices.
Look for online deals, multi-day passes, or consider visiting during off-peak times for potential savings.
A summer pass offers access to multiple activities for a set price, which can be a good value if you plan to do several things.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the resort, but buying online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
While most attractions have a fee, enjoying the scenic views and hiking some trails can be free. Fort Lewis College students and visitors on tours may receive free day passes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular summer activities include the alpine slide, mountain coaster, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, and treasure panning.
The alpine slide is a gravity-powered cart you ride down a track on the mountain. It's a thrilling and fun experience for all ages. +1
Yes, Purgatory offers a variety of family-friendly activities, from the alpine slide and mountain coaster to tubing and scenic rides.
Purgatory offers a mix of groomed runs, suitable for beginners and intermediates, as well as park features. The backside and trees require more snow.
Yes, Purgatory has hiking trails, and in the summer, it becomes a popular spot for mountain biking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options can be limited, especially outside of peak season. The resort typically has a pizza place and other casual eateries.
For a wider variety of dining experiences, it's recommended to head back to Durango, which offers numerous restaurants and cafes.
During the summer season, some eateries are open, but reviews suggest that not all shops and dining spots are consistently available.
Expect typical resort fare like pizza, burgers, and casual American cuisine.
Resort dining is generally priced higher than in town. Packing snacks or planning meals in Durango can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic chairlift rides offer incredible panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, perfect for landscape photography.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos. Winter offers stunning snow-covered landscapes, while summer provides vibrant green scenery.
While it's possible to capture quick shots, it's best to focus on enjoying the ride. Some areas may have restrictions for safety.
Absolutely! Powder days offer dramatic snowy vistas, and the resort often has a festive atmosphere around the holidays. +2
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant peaks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Tubing is another popular winter activity for younger visitors. While the resort offers on-site lodging, consider the mixed reviews regarding condo conditions. Staying in Durango might offer more reliable family-friendly accommodations.
💰 Budget Travelers
This means you can enjoy a full day on the slopes without breaking the bank or spending excessive time waiting. For summer activities, purchasing a summer pass can offer good value if you plan to experience multiple attractions like the alpine slide and mountain coaster.
While on-site dining can be pricey, exploring Durango for meals can provide more economical options. 💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
Mountain biking in the summer or skiing/snowboarding in the winter offer active ways to explore the beautiful San Juan Mountains together. Consider a scenic chairlift ride for a romantic, panoramic view of the landscape, especially during sunset.
While on-site lodging has mixed reviews, booking a stay in Durango allows for romantic dinners and exploring the charming historic town after a day of adventure at the resort. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Summer Adventure at Purgatory
+1Beyond the gravity-fed rides, Purgatory offers extensive mountain biking trails for all skill levels, making it a destination for cyclists.
Other activities include go-karts, treasure panning, and exploring Twilight Lake. The resort's summer pass provides access to many of these attractions, making it a cost-effective way to experience multiple adventures. It's important to note that while summer is vibrant, some amenities might have limited operating hours or be closed during shoulder seasons. Always check the resort's official website for the most up-to-date information on activity schedules and availability.
Winter Wonderland: Skiing and Snowboarding
The resort offers a good mix of groomed runs, suitable for beginners and intermediates, and terrain park features. While the resort is known for its well-maintained slopes, the backside and tree skiing areas require a significant amount of snow to be truly enjoyable.
Purgatory can be a fantastic winter getaway, especially if you're looking for a more relaxed and less crowded ski experience. The Christmas season often brings a magical, festive atmosphere to the mountains.
Accommodation and Local Tips
Many visitors opt to stay in Durango, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Durango offers a wider array of lodging, dining, and entertainment options.
For those looking for a unique experience, the Hot Springs facility near Purgatory is highly recommended by visitors as a great place to relax after a day of activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit