Dropping the rope
Purg kicks off 2024-25 season with pancakes, perks and some (real!) snow

You’ve probably had Nov. 16 circled on your calendar as Purgatory’s opening date. Thanks to increased snowfall this past week, a bonus weekend Nov. 9-10 allowed skiers to hit the slopes a bit earlier than anticipated, albeit in a limited capacity.

The ski area will officially drop the rope on daily operations for the 2024-25 season at 9 a.m. this Saturday, with a complimentary pancake breakfast outside Purgy’s. The mountain has received 30 inches of snow so far this season and has a base of 25 inches. Crews have been blowing snow when weather permits, although the list of opening-day runs remains TBD. 

The mountain will be open through April 13, 2025, with weekend operations Friday - Sunday until April 27. 

As detailed in a recent Purgatory press release, faculty and staff have been working on capital improvements and new initiatives that will “enhance the overall experience and accessibility” of the mountain. These improvements include the renovation of several restaurants, upgrades to chairlifts, as well as expanded retail options and streamlined ticket purchases. 

Opening day tickets are on sale now for just $27, with prices dipping as low as $9 on select dates (a recent search found tickets as low as $11 in early April). Purgatory will continue to use the demand-based pricing model for lift tickets this season, so make sure to plan ahead and buy tickets early if you don’t have a season pass. In the event of unforeseen situations, folks who buy in advance will be able to exchange their tickets online up until the night before. Also, to ease powder-morning anxiety, there are four new ticket kiosks where people can scan their online confirmation, get their tickets and head to the lifts within 30 seconds, bypassing the ticket window altogether. 

For the mini shredders, Purgatory will once again offer free skiing to kids age 12 and under, with no blackout dates (the only ski area in America to do this.)

Over the summer, the trail maintenance team was busy improving tree skiing zones, focusing on the removal of fallen and standing dead trees, snags and ground obstacles, focusing on Mark’s Park, Hoody’s, McCormack’s Maze, as well as Who, When and What. In addition, Hermosa Park Express (aka Lift #3) was updated with a modernized low-voltage safety system, which is expected to increase reliability of the high-speed quad. 

Down at the base area, the Village Market and Deli has undergone a makeover, boasting new decor and a new local menu with an emphasis on natural, organic and healthy offerings. On the hill, the Powder House has also undergone updates to the interior and exterior with a “retro” theme.

However, perhaps the best upgrade to the ski season isn't on the actual mountain at all. La Plata County’s newly installed weather radar at the Durango La Plata County Airport recently became operational, which should make the game of accurately predicting weather a lot easier. Forecasts will be available through a public app – just search “La Plata County weather.”

According to Ted Holteen, public and governmental affairs manager for La Plata County, there are still some bugs being worked out, but the app is up and running on the Apple Store. The Google/Android version will be released once a few loose ends are tied up. 

Sam Collentine, OpenSnow Chief Operations Officer and meteorologist, thinks Purgatory is in for a promising season. 

“Purgatory is off to a great start at 475% compared to the 30-year average for early November,” he said. “They will continue to be in a great spot with multiple storms and cold temperatures over the next two weeks.”

Jeff Givens, also known as the Durango Weather Guy, predicts a few flurries this week, before giving way to dry and cold conditions.

So get ready, skiers! Those trails you’ve been missing will be open in just a few days. Always remember to check the weather before you go, be safe and aware, and have fun. Snow calls!