Ready or not, here it comes
Purg announces opening day, new tree runs and Coleman Birthday Bash
Summer is officially over in Southwest Colorado: Purgatory has announced its opening day for the 2017-18 season. The bullwheel will be firing up Sat., Nov. 18 – a week before Thanksgiving.
“With cooler nighttime temperatures and the leaves already starting to change, everyone at Purgatory is getting excited to kick off the ski season,” Ed Youmans, vice president of Mountain Operations, said in a news release.
This year, the resort is unveiling even more ways to entertain oneself on a winter’s day. First and foremost in importance to local skiers will be the addition of two new tree runs on the front side, as well as a new run on the back, off of Vincent's. The backside run was part of the resort’s approved Master Development Plan.
“Our mountain crews have been removing dead and hazard trees in an effort to help maintain a healthy forest,” said Youmans. “These efforts help protect our forest while providing additional gladed tree skiing.”
In addition, front-side riders will have a new option with the formerly hibernating Needles 6 triple chair. The chair, which was resurrected a few days last season, will now run with a new mid-way loading zone providing easier access to the race course and terrain park (and, best of all, no skate over from the top of the Six-Pack).
The resort has also upgraded its snowmaking system, nearly doubling capacity on the frontside with new pipe, electrical access points and new energy-efficient snow guns and fans. The upgrades will will boost capacity at the top of Lift 1, the mid-way loading zone on Lift 6 and Lift 2, improving early-season conditions. Plans call for snow-making ops to start in October, weather permitting.
“By upgrading our snowmaking system and boosting our capacity and efficiency, we’re able to make more snow during a shorter amount of time,” said Youmans.
And for those who would rather take their winter sitting down, Purgatory also plans to open its new (and year-round!) Mountain Coaster in time for a winter debut. The coaster, which will be accessible from the base area just north of the Twilight Lift, will be 4,000 feet long with a 300-vertical drop, nine switchbacks and one loop, giving guests a whole other way to get dizzy in the mountains. Work has already begun on the coaster, with crews excavating footings and installing track over the coming weeks.
These projects are part of a $15 million multi-mountain capital improvement plan for the 2017/18 season for Purg and its four sister ski areas: Arizona Snowbowl; Sipapu; Pajarito; and Hesperus.
Speaking of which, night skiing at Hespie is scheduled to crank up Fri., Dec. 15. Crews there have been busy as well, adding additional lighting and building a new yurt to provide additional indoor space. In addition, the rental shop is being expanded and the rental gear upgraded.
Again, Purg passholders can ski Hesperus free (as well as the other ski areas.)
Other pass options include:
• Power Card - $50, includes first day free. After that, purchase up to five tickets at 30 percent off.
• Power Pack – six punches for $149 adult; $129 young adult (19-24); and $109 kids (8-18). Each Purgatory or Snowbowl visit equals two punches.
• Power Pack Plus - 10 punches, $229 adult; $199 young adult; $179 child. Again, each visit to Purg or Snowbowl is equal to two punches.
Kids 7 and younger ski free at all five ski areas,.
And for those not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, fear not. Purg will be holding one last shingdig, a 50th birthday bash for owner James Coleman from 4 - 8 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 7. The public is invited to join Coleman, his friends and family in celebrating with free food, drinks, cake, plaza activities and live entertainment. There will also be a giveaway for a free Stihl 441 Chainsaw – Coleman’s preferred tree-felling tool – as well as more prizes to celebrate his half-century mark. Attendees will also receive a FREE lift ticket valid for Sat., March 10, 2018. Best of all, for the over imbibers, there will be lodging specials starting at $50. For reservations, call 800-525-0892. For party details, visit the website.