Colorado is home to some of the best skiing in the world. Places like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge are world-class ski resorts that see visitors from around the globe. As lift ticket prices keep rising—some nearing $300 for a day pass—skiing at these and other Colorado resorts will cost you an arm and a leg. But Purgatory Resort near Durango still sticks to its demand-based pricing making affordable skiing in Colorado possible.
Ski for less than $10 at Purgatory Resort
If you’ve ever been skiing at Breckenridge or Keystone lately, you’ve probably noticed the slopes in Summit County are getting more crowded by the minute, not to mention a lift pass will cost you $269 a day (without an Epic Pass).
At Purgatory Resort, they buck the system by offering lift tickets for as low as $9 with their demand-based pricing strategy. The resort works on a rolling lift ticket price so that on any given day (based on demand) your lift ticket price could be as low as $9—making affordable skiing in Colorado possible. This dynamic model adjusts ticket prices in real-time based on demand, rewarding those who purchase early with the lowest prices available. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets as soon as possible to take advantage of the low prices.
Plus, if you’re skiing with your kids, Purgatory offers Power Kids, the only season pass in North America that provides unlimited free skiing for kids aged 12 and under, with no purchase required and no blackout dates.
Skiing at Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort, or “Purg” as the locals call it, is a true local’s mountain. Tucked away between Durango and Silverton along the San Juan Skyway, on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, Purgatory is a true hidden gem in Colorado. The modest resort feels like what skiing used to be back in the 70s and 80s. But not because of a lack of updates, but because of what independent ski resorts were like: fun, low-key, and chill.
The terrain
The resort features 107 trails, 4 terrain parks, 11 lifts, and 1,607 skiable acres of steep tree skiing and wide-open cruisers; plus year-round family-friendly activities, lodging, retail, restaurants, bars, and events. You’ll also find Colorado’s largest guided snowcat operation, Purgatory Snowcat Adventures, which covers 35,000 acres of rolling glades, wide open bowls, cliffs, chutes, gullies, and trees.
Averaging 260 inches of snow a year, Purgatory keeps consistent powder across its skiable terrain. The wide-open groomed cruisers with rolling hills, all without the massive crowds, make it one of my favorite places to ski in Colorado. While the resort is smaller compared to others, there are still 12 lifts that drop you in at some of the best ski terrain in the state with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet.
For the best views and some of the best expert terrain, head on over to Legend’s Lift. At the highest point at the resort at 10,822 feet, it’s where the views and runs are, well, legendary. Or ride the Hermosa Park Express Lift #3, which just received an upgrade in 2024, and enjoy a ride down Path to Peace for a chill but challenging run and incredible views.
First Tracks Brunch experience
If you’re someone who likes to wake up early for the first chair or likes to have the mountain to themselves, then you’ll want to try Purgatory’s First Tracks Brunch experience. On select dates, the resort offers a limited number of people to board Lift 1 at 7:30 am, before the resort opens to the public, and ski a few laps on Lift 3. Then top it off with a mountainside-plated champagne brunch at the Backside Bistro.
You’ll feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself. Make first tracks, dip through the trees and quiet corners as you enjoy the snow in solitude—how it was meant to be.
Tickets are only $39 + your lift ticket price.
Staying at Purgatory Village
For affordable skiing in Colorado staying at the Purgatory Village makes the most sense. You have everything you need at your fingertips. A variety of ski-in, and ski-out condo rentals and premium lodging options, including the Purgatory Lodge are available. Guests enjoy its heated outdoor pool and hot tub, free parking, private decks, and warming fireplaces for the perfect winter weekend getaway.
Purgatory also offers plenty of food and beverage options, both on and off the mountain. Slopeside you’ll find the Village Market & Deli for grab-and-go lunches, plus local and natural grocery items. Try the Waffle Cabin and Paradise Pizza for your choice of comfort foods after a long day on the mountain. The Powderhouse Lodge, Dante’s and Backside Bistro are the three on-mountain dining experiences.
Outside of the resort, I enjoyed an afternoon of apres at the local’s favorite: The Nugget. Located just down the road from the resort, The Nuggest is perfect if you’re looking for a good beer, burger, and shoot-the-shit conversation with locals.
A little further down the road, the James Ranch Grill is your go-to for farm-to-table dining. To-go options are available at the market if you’re looking for a slopeside snack.
Things to do near Purgatory Resort
Snowmobiling in the San Juan Mountains
If you need a break or prefer to skip skiing, then take a ride through the pristine San Juan National Forest with Snowmobile Adventures. Explore 35,000 acres of rugged landscape and 75 miles of trails in the untamed backcountry of the San Juan National Forest, beyond Purgatory’s boundaries.
A two-hour tour took me between towering pines, and pristine snowy landscapes, all to emerge at mountaintop viewpoints. In the end, you get to let her rip amongst the snowy meadow on the backside of the resort.
Cross Country Skiing at the Durango Nordic Center
While I love downhill skiing, I’ve recently picked up cross-country skiing as well. It’s a nice break for the knees, a little less intense, and it brings you close to some of the best winter landscapes without the crowds.
Across the highway from Purgatory, you’ll find the Durango Nordic Center. They feature roughly 14 miles of trails, groomed daily. Beginner trails guide you around Twilight Lake or head out on more intermediate trails that wind through the forest and more challenging terrain. Day passes and rental equipment are available at the center, making it easy to pick up your skis and go. Snowshoeing is also available with 5km of maintained trails.
Sleigh rides in Colorado
Can you think of anything better than affordable skiing in Colorado and a cozy sleigh ride amongst the snowy San Juan Mountains? Located just 10 minutes from the resort, Bears Ranch offers old-fashioned sleigh rides. Start with a cup of hot cocoa inside a rustic warming hut, then it’s off to the trails, where you’ll be led by a team of horses and glide through the wintery wilderness.
Relax at Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa
After all your winter adventures, be sure to follow up with a soak at the Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa. The newly renovated hot springs resort is located just 20 minutes up the road from Purgatory, making it easy to ski and soak in one day. Choose from 32 hot springs mineral pools, two cold plunge pools, a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service day spa, bathhouses, saunas, dining and drink options, botanic gardens in summer, and more.
My favorite experience at the hot springs was soaking in my own private Ofuro cedar tub. Reserve one of these private tubs, perfect for two or a single, and enjoy an hour of peace and quiet while you take in the mountain scenery. Epsom salt and water are provided for an enhanced soak, while personal temperature adjustments allow you to get it “just right.”
I would suggest to plan an entire day here. Book a massage appointment, relax in the sauna, reserve a private Ofuro tub, and kick back with a cocktail and food from the on-site bar and food truck. Plus, when you book any spa service, you gain access to the spa facilities – perfect for an elevated experience at the hot springs.
Affordable skiing in Colorado is available at Purgatory Resort. Open daily from November 16, 2024, to April 13, 2025, with weekend operations continuing Friday through Sunday until April 27, 2025.
