Derck steps down as Purgatory GM
Will continue to work with resort in consulting role

After 16 years as chief executive officer at Purgatory Resort, resort officials announced today that Gary Derck is leaving Purgatory to focus on his new real estate and consulting company, Mountainsprings, LLC.

Resort officials said they will begin a search for a new general manager. Twenty-two-year employee and Chief Financial Officer Mark Seiter will take over GM duties in the interim.

“Gary has been a tremendous leader, spearheading many of the initiatives to integrate our five resorts. His strategic vision, planning and financial discipline have been invaluable,” Purgatory owner James Coleman said in a press release Tuesday. “While I will miss his involvement in day-to-day operations, I understand his desire to pursue his own company, and am pleased to work with Gary in this new capacity at Mountainsprings, LLC.”

During his tenure, Derck managed all aspects of resort operations and real estate development for the more than 3,000-acre resort. He oversaw the development and approval of the resort’s Mountain Master Plan, which laid the foundation for improvements, including the Six Pack; the new high-speed Chair 8; the McCormack’s, Hoody’s and Ambassadors’ Glade expansions; the new Purgy’s lodge; enhanced snowmaking; and additional terrain park features. He also served on the executive team that oversees the other ski resorts and areas owned by Coleman, including Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu, Pajarito and, most recently, Hesperus.

The press release said Derck will work with Coleman’s investment group on several strategic projects and initiatives in Durango and at the other ski areas. In addition to helping recruit, hire and train his replacement, Derck will continue working at Purgatory’s new headquarters at 2615 Main Ave.

Derck’s new company will also support Chuck Cobb, owner of Durango Mountain Realty and the Durango Mountain Land. Cobb was the managing member of Purgatory’s previous ownership from 2000-15. When Coleman acquired the resort in 2015, Cobb retained ownership of the real estate assets.

“I want to thank James Coleman and Chuck Cobb for allowing me to serve as the CEO of Purgatory for so many years. It has truly been a privilege to work with such an amazing team,” Derck stated. “I also want to thank the community of Durango and La Plata County for embracing the changes and improvements our team has made to Purgatory over the years, and for loving Purgatory as much as we all do.”