Durango Area - Community Overview

Swap – Shred – Repeat. Right at Expert Edge

Ski Brands: Armada, Elan, Head, K2, Line, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Volkl

Snowboard brands: Burton, Bataleon, Rome, Salomon

Located at Expert Edge, we are offering demos of some of the latest and greatest gear. Swing by, pick out your dream set up, and spend your day skiing on what’s meant for you.

From right here in our slice of heaven in Southwest Colorado, Black Diamond Breakdown brings the energy with bluegrass tunes sure to get your hips swayin and your toes tappin! The band consists of Greg Gemberling (guitar, harmonica), Renee Feigenbaum (doghouse bass), Craig Feigenbaum (banjo), and Aaron Cooklin (mandolin).

These talented musicians blend their Southwest roots and love for our mountain backyard, bringing us along for the ride. Their sound carries the spirit of the high country: funky, wild, and full of heart. With every tune, they remind us why music feels best when it’s born close to home.

Head up to Purgy’s Patio on January 10th for this live performance that’s sure to knock your ski boots off!

Kick up those boots and unwind with live music on Purgy’s patio! Sean and Chad with Horseshirt will be playing live on January 17th, from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Horseshirt is known for their iconic signature blend of cosmic Southwest country and rockin’ blues. Their sound rolls from mellow desert tones to gritty, foot-stompin’ riffs. It’s the perfect sound for a mid-run pick-me-up in the mountains.

Come hang out, grab a drink, and get down for a good après afternoon!

Join us for a special two-day event featuring the whiskeys of High West Distillery!

Elevate your experience with complimentary samplings of High West’s acclaimed spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or just curious, this is the perfect chance to discover your new favorite pour.

As a special gift, High West will be offering free engraving of your initials on a High West flask for guests. It’s the perfect, personalized keepsake to remember your visit to Purgatory!

Come watch some impressive skiing during this USSA Super G and Giant Slalom race event.

These races are great for spectating and allow ample opportunity to watch the competition unfold.

More details to come.

Dream of getting those first tracks? Well we have a special treat for you!

On select dates this winter, we’re offering the opportunity for a limited number of guests to board Lift 1 at 7:30 am and snag those early morning laps on Lift 3 and 8 before the mountain opens. First Tracks Access grants you early morning turns and the opportunity to claim first tracks on the mountain. First Tracks Brunch allows you to celebrate at the Backside Bistro after your early bird turns with Champagne, warm pastries and a buffet brunch, served up fresh. Learn more. Season pass or lift ticket required to participate.

What does the day look like?6:30am Check in is from 6:30am to 7:15am at the Ticket office. Check in must be complete before heading to Lift 1.7:30am Ride Lift 1 up the mountain (late arrivals will not be granted lift access).7:45am-9:00am Exclusive access to backside terrain via lifts 3 and 8! 9:15am Dante’s Backside Bistro will open to warm up and grab a hot cup of coffee.9:45am Food is served at Dante’s Backside Bistro for First Track Brunch attendees! (Brunch tickets will be required for entrance)

What’s on the menu?Complimentary glass of champagne and fresh brewed coffee.Buffet Brunch with hot breakfast classics, warm pastry baskets, fruit, and more! (Additional alcohol available for purchase)

**If you have any dietary restrictions, please email jfeely@purgatory.ski and cgemberling@purgatory.ski, prior to the date of your dining experience.

Reserve your spot now

Your chance to ski uphill at Purgatory!

Join us for the Annual Rando Race, a fantastic benefit event for the Know the Snow Fund! This incredible local nonprofit is committed to building a safer community and educating backcountry adventurers on avalanche safety.

Costumes are not just welcomed, but encouraged. Think fun, think funky, think “They’re wearing that for a ski race? And they’re that fast in it?”And what’s a good race without some swag?There will be prizes for…The fastest male and femaleBest dressedYoungest finisherHeaviest set up

There are two course options: a ~9.5 Miles option and a 5.5 mile option. No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome to participate! Come out for a morning filled with fun and support a great cause.

Registration coming soon

12:30 – Snowdown Ski Parade! Meet at the bottom of lift 1 at 12:30, wear your Snowdown costume or just come join the family-friendly fun! Kids welcome – we’ll ride the easy way down.1:00 – 2027 Snowdown Theme Announcement! We’ll be hanging out on Purgy’s patio with some great Snowdown prizes to give away. Plus, be the first to hear about the 2027 Snowdown theme.Family Friendly Competition! Head to the Bear Bar for a sprinkle of friendly competition, festive cheer, and prizes that’ll make you grin from ear to ear!

During the slopestyle event skiers and riders bring their best tricks to full runs through the terrain park using as many jumps and rail features as possible. The best run wins. It’s pretty awesome! Competitors will throw down on the rails and see if they’ve got what it takes to bring home first.

Slopestyle competition location: Pitchfork ParkRail Jam competition location: Headwaters or Pitchfork Park

This is part of The United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association’s (USASA) Southwest Colorado competition series. The USASA is a California based non-profit organization that is represented by 32 regional series across the USA. The USASA hosts 500+ Snowboard and Freeski events annually at approximately 120 ski resorts in the U.S. The USASA is the first step in the Olympic pipeline for snowboarding and freeskiing.

Kick up those boots and unwind with live music on Purgy’s patio! Sean and Chad with Horseshirt will be playing live on January 31st, from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Horseshirt is known for their iconic signature blend of cosmic Southwest country and rockin’ blues. Their sound rolls from mellow desert tones to gritty, foot-stompin’ riffs. It’s the perfect sound for a mid-run pick-me-up in the mountains.

Come hang out, grab a drink, and get down for a good après afternoon!

The only cure for a cold front: tequila and skiing! 🥳

Saturday, January 31st come hang out with us at Purgy’s Bar from 4-6 pm!

After you’ve tackled the slopes all day there’s no better way to melt the chill away with ice-cold tequila! It’s the perfect transition from a hard day’s skiing to an epic Saturday evening!

A Rare Culinary Adventure at 9,000 Feet

Back by popular demand, Purgatory Resort invites you to indulge in an unique dining experience combining alpine adventures and fine dining. Step aboard an enclosed snowcat for a scenic ride through the snowy trails, ending at the Powderhouse for a handcrafted five-course dining experience unlike any other.

The dinner begins with mulled wine or champagne while guests are allowed time to socialize and select their seats. This exclusive dining experience offers breathtaking views, exquisite cuisine, and a touch of adventure – perfect for sharing with someone special.

 Snowcat Dining Excursions:

Price$250 per personSizeMinimum 10 peopleLimited space available.AgesAges: 21+DatesJanuary 3rd, 2026, January 31st, 2026, February 28th, 2026, and March 28th, 2026These dates allow you to experience the mountain by the light of a full moon.

How It Works

Guests meet at the Purgatory Snowcat Adventures Office (Located in the Main Purgatory Plaza) no later than 4:30pm to pick up their tickets and will then be directed towards the Purgatory Beach area in front of Purgy’s Restaurant. Guests will see the snowcats pull up to the Beach area between 4:30pm and 4:45pm. Please allow the snowcats plenty of room to park and do not begin boarding until your operator has checked your ticket and given you permission to board. The excursion will depart at 5:00pm and return around 9:00pm. 

Reserve your spot now

The fine print

Terms: $250 per person, including snowcat ride, dinner, tax, and gratuity. Dinner menus will be available for viewing online 2 weeks prior to each dinner. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance of the day of the dinner excursion. A minimum of 10 dinner guests is required for each trip. Dining excursions are weather and condition-dependent. If weather or mechanical issues arise, Purgatory may choose to cancel and will provide a full refund. Reservations are otherwise non-refundable.