Purgatory Resort Opens For 60th Season Of Skiing in Durango

Purgatory Resort will open for the 2025-26 winter season at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 28, marking six decades of skiing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Opening day festivities include a first chair celebration and complimentary pancake breakfast at the Village Express (Lift 1).

“We’re excited to officially kick off Purgatory’s 60th season,” said Dave Rathbun, general manager. “Thanks to a combination of natural snowfall and a massive around-the-clock effort from our snowmaking crews, we're ready to welcome guests back on the slopes for another outstanding season.”

Opening day terrain includes the Westfork and Limbo trails serviced by the Engineer Lift (Lift 2). Guests will use the Purgatory Express (Lift 1) for both uphill access and downloading back to the base due to early-season conditions. Purgy’s Restaurant and Bar will be open for food and beverages, guest services will be available at the Purgatory Lodge, and rentals are offered at the Village Center.

For the 2025–26 season, the resort has added snowmaking on the lower sections of Ray’s Ridge, Blackburn’s Bash, and Legends Bypass to improve early and reliable access to backside terrain and Legends Express (Lift 8). Additional upgrades include new HEAD rental equipment, expanded Wi-Fi coverage, and an updated Purgatory app with several new features.

Purgatory is celebrating 60 years on the slopes, when adult lift tickets cost $4.50. Tickets for the 2025–26 season started at $9 on select dates, with many dates in December still available for under $30. Prices rise with demand, so purchasing early remains the best way to secure the lowest rates. Purgatory’s Power Kids Pass continues to offer free skiing and snowboarding for children 12 and under all season long, with no blackout dates. 

Purgatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 5, 2026, with weekend operations extending as conditions allow. For lift tickets, passes, and lodging details, visit purgatory.ski.