Durango’s Purgatory Named “Great” Place to Ski with Kids
In the November 2007 edition of SKI magazine, two Colorado resorts are named to the list of “7 Great Mountains to Ski with Your Kids.”
One is Beaver Creek, and my regular readers know how much I love this exclusive high-alpine resort. (Catch up here, and read more about why it’s so great for kids in the wintertime here.)
The other is Durango Mountain Resort, a.k.a. Purgatory, which I also give high marks to, although I’ve only been there in the summertime, when the mountain morphs into a family-friendly playground with an alpine slide, climbing wall and mini-golf course. So, I guess it’s no wonder it comes recommended for families in the wintertime, as well.
In the article, Purgatory is hailed for its “rolling steps that are roller-coaster fun, but never intimidating.�
The resort is pinpointed as being a great location for kids because of the family-friendly atmosphere at both the resort and in town. “With the one-two combo of town and resort, families find great skiing, comfortable digs and an authentically Western experience,� says the magazine noting Mesa Verde and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as excellent side vacations for families.
One factor placing Durango Mountain Resort on this elite list of great mountains to ski with kids is the Mountain Master Plan that includes new condo accommodations, swimming facility, restaurants and retail outlets and more family-friendly amenities. Purgatory Lodge is the resort’s largest development in history and is currently taking shape in the heart of Purgatory Village.
With an expected completion of phase one in winter 2008-09, Purgatory Lodge will feature new skier services, including a ticket office, rental and retail outlets, bathrooms, lockers, a swimming pool and spa area and a new Purgy’s Day Lodge; perfect for parents watching their children come down the mountain.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is scheduled to begin the 2007-08 winter season December 1 with the 15th annual Benefit Day. (An earlier opening date is possible as winter weather moves into the area.) Benefit Day features $15 lift tickets with all proceeds going to local non-profit organizations; this year’s benefactors are Durango Nature Studies and the Durango Winter Sports Foundation. Season Passes and daily lift tickets begin December 2.
Photo by Scott W. Smith.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
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July 29th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
This comes as no surprise to me! My husband skied at Purg when he was a kid, and now our kids ski there every winter. When given the choice between Telluride, Wolf Creek, and Purg, the kids always choose Purg. Short lines, varied terrain, small, friendly atmosphere. It’s just perfect for families!