Purg acquires San Juan Untracked

Purgatory Resort continues to tear it up across the Southwest skiscape, announcing the purchase of San Juan Untracked today.

Billed as Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation with more than 35,000 acres of terrain, the operation, formerly owned Dennis and Amanda Martin, will be renamed Purgatory Snowcat Adventures. It will offer cat-guided skiing on more than 35,000 acres of permitted terrain outside the resort’s boundaries. 

“We’re excited that Purgatory Snowcat Adventures is joining our family of resorts in the southwest,” Coleman stated in a new release. “Adding Colorado’s largest cat skiing operation to our portfolio extends the powder skiing experience and elevates it to another level.”

Martin, who grew up in Durango, bought San Juan Untracked in 2013 from former owner, Bob Rule, and will serve as manager for Purgatory Snowcat.

“Amanda and I are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the new Purgatory team that has been consistently dedicated to the betterment of Durango’s and the San Juan Mountains’ skier experience,” Martin stated. “We are excited about the collaboration.  James and I both love skiing and love Durango, so this merger will help us accomplish what is important to me, and that’s putting Durango on the map for amazing backcountry skiing.” 

Martin’s guides and drivers will continue to work under the new banner, according to the press release.

“I’m pleased that Dennis and his team agreed to run Purgatory Snowcat Adventures,” stated Coleman. “His experience, energy and dedication to delivering a top-notch, memorable guest experience in the backcountry is essential to making this a success.”

The permitted area stretches from Purgatory to Rico and Cascade Creek and includes Grayrock Peak and Graysill Mountain.

Best of all, those who have a 2016/17 Power Pass will receive a 10% advance booking discount for Purg Snowcats as well as last-minute deals on drop-ins. A single seat with Purgatory Snowcats costs $350; call for special pricing for private cats.

Reservations can be made by calling Purgatory Snowcat Adventures at 800-208-1780.  Purgatory’s vacation reservationists provide a one-stop-shopping experience to book a complete vacation in Durango, including lodging, lift tickets, snowcat skiing, and other activities. 

Last month, Purg announced the purchase of nearby Hesperus ski area, bringing its total holdings to five, including the aforementioned as well as Sipapu, Arizona Snowbowl and Pajarito.

For more info, go to www.purgatoryskiresort.com.