Purgatory Resort

Durango, Colorado

 

Purgatory's Total Ticket^TM lets you create a vacation with your lift ticket.

      A Purgatory lift ticket is better than any other lift ticket anywhere else.  That's because Purgatory lift tickets are complete vacation packages with Total Ticket^TM.

      Any four-day or more Purgatory lift ticket is a Total Ticket^TM, and you can exchange a day of skiing or snowboarding for any one of seven major vacation activities in Southwest Colorado.

      Few resorts can match Purgatory's variety of one-of-a-kind activities:

Ÿ    A scenic ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge winter train.

Ÿ    A tour of the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Ÿ    Cross country skiing including a lesson and nordic ski rentals.

Ÿ    Gambling at the Sky Ute Casino.

Ÿ    A romantic dinner sleigh ride at the base of the Purgatory ski mountain.

Ÿ    A guided snowmobile tour into the high country.

Ÿ    A soak and massage at Trimble Hot Springs.

      Total Ticket^TM is any four-day or more Purgatory lift ticket, and there's no premium price to pay.  The added bonus is freedom and flexibility:  Total Ticket^TM lets you choose an off-slope adventure on whatever day you want to do it.  Here's a look at Total Ticket^TM activities:

      The winter train-  The world-famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, established in 1881, begins its seventh year of scenic winter excursions with trips this season currently through May 8th.  The winter train departs Durango at 10:00 a.m. for a 52-mile sightseeing trip along the Animas Valley and into the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains.  The authentic coal-fired, steam-powered train arrives at the remote Cascade Canyon Wye for an hour-long stop, where you can take photographs, go for a short hike or enjoy a picnic lunch.  The train turns around, and at 1:00 p.m. begins the two-hour journey back to Durango.

      Dinner sleigh rides-  Buck's Livery offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods at the base of the Purgatory ski mountain.  The sleighs glide across the winter wonderland to a cozy mountain cabin where hot chocolate and a Western rib-eye steak dinner is waiting on the stove.  The dinner sleigh ride lasts about 2-1/2 hours, with departures at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. nightly.

      Snowmobile tours-  Ride high into the spectacular mountains with Snowmobile Adventures at Purgatory.  A variety of one to four-hour guided tours is available, and snowmobile riders can ride with a passenger or alone.  Tours begin as early as 9:00 a.m., and the last tour returns at 5:00 p.m.

      Trimble Hot Springs-  The natural mineral waters of Trimble Hot Springs can soothe away worries and sore muscles.  The hot springs, located between the town of Durango and the Purgatory Resort, have two outdoor mineral pools (102 to 108 degrees) and an Olympic-size heated outdoor swimming pool.  A Total Ticket^TM exchange includes admission to the hot springs and pool plus a half-hour therapeutic massage.  Trimble Hot Springs is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

      Mesa Verde National Park-  Explore the mysterious cliff dwelling of a long-lost civilization at Mesa Verde National Park.  Mesa Verde is one of the United Nation's original 12 designated World Heritage Sites, whose roll call includes the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt.  The Anasazi Indians ("the Ancient Ones") built magnificent stone houses perched in hidden alcoves along the mesa's many cliffs.  Around 1300 AD, the Anasazi abandoned their dwellings never to return.  The park, called "the crown jewel of Southwest archaeology," is open year round and located 37 miles west of Durango.  Mesa Verde attractions that are open in winter include the Spruce Tree House ruins and hiking trail, the Mesa Verde Museum, and the Ruins Road scenic drive and overlooks.

      The Purgatory Nordic Center-  The Purgatory Nordic Center, located at the base of the Purgatory ski mountain, is one of Colorado's most beautiful cross country ski centers, offering 16 kilometers of groomed trails for classic- and skating-style nordic skiing for beginners through experts.  The Total Ticket^TM exchange includes an all-day trail pass, a lesson and cross country rental equipment.

      The Sky Ute Casino-  You might return from your ski trip a little richer if Lady Luck is on your side.  The Sky Ute Casino & Lodge is 25 miles southeast of Durango on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Ignacio, Colorado.  The casino offers electronic and live poker and keno, bingo, blackjack and more than 300 slot machines.  Visitors can also dine at the Pino Nuche restaurant or learn about local Native American cultural at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum, which is adjacent to the casino.  Complimentary shuttle service is available from Durango.

      Total Ticket^TM exchanges can be made either at the Purgatory Resort ticket office or at Durango Central Reservations in downtown Durango.  The Resort Concierge also can assist guests in making arrangements for Total Ticket^TM activities that require reservations.  When guests exchange skiing for an activity, the ticket clerk will deduct a day of skiing from the multi-day lift ticket.  Guests then receive a voucher for their chosen activity.

March & April Events

March

Sundays:  Free guided nature tours

2nd                                                   Free telemark clinic

8th    Free mogul clinic

8-22nd  Spring Break

11th  Free kids' fun races

13th  Free kids' torchlight parade

13th  Snowboard halfpipe event

19th  Free kids' fun races

12-26th  North American Airlines Ski      Federation Ski Week

23rd  Free telemark clinic

27th  Boardercross race

28th  Terrain race (skiing)

April

5th    Spring Bump Off mogul contest

11th  Scheduled closing day

      Dates and events subject to change.  Call the Purgatory Special Events Department at 970-247-9000, ext. 267 to confirm.