Purgatory Resort
Ski resort · La Plata County ·
Ski, snowboard, and explore backcountry with snowcat adventures.
Ski, snowboard, and explore backcountry with snowcat adventures.
"Budget‑minded families love that lift tickets start at just $11, and kids under 12 can snag a free Power Kids Season Pass that works here, at 11 partner resorts, and even in the bike park during the off‑season. Lodging is flexible with condos and home rentals for all group sizes, and if you want to splurge, the five‑bedroom, five‑bathroom 23 Powder Ridge tops the list with breathtaking views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private hot tub for post‑slope soaks." - Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman (also known as Mr. Luxury Ski) is one of the world’s foremost experts on luxury travel, specifically the upper echelons of ski, alpine culture, and outdoor lifestyle. Brandon has been an editor at notable publications like Departures. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Framed by the San Juan Mountains just north of Durango, Purgatory blends steep tree skiing and wide cruisers away from I-70 crowds and appeals to families with perks like free skiing for kids 12 and younger plus on-mountain attractions such as a mountain coaster and snow tubing; adventurous skiers can book Purgatory Snowcat Adventures—the largest cat-skiing operation in Colorado with access to over 35,000 acres—while non-skiers can enjoy snowcat dinners, guided snowshoe tours, the Nordic Center, and nearby Durango Hot Springs." - Jen Murphy
"I found that Purgatory Resort offers lift tickets for as low as $9 when they first go on sale before the season, and the mountain is super family-friendly with a dedicated learning zone and free skiing for kids under 12; chances are the sun will be out, and Purg is known for its light, dry powder." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I see Purgatory listed among the 19 Colorado mountains included in Colorado Ski Country USA's expanded Ski Passport for kindergarten through sixth grade; the passport provides four ski days at each participating resort, includes two junior rental packages, and costs $67 for K–2 or $72 for grades 3–6, making these mountains well-suited for younger skiers while also being great spots for adults and ideal for a family ski getaway." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"An independently owned, budget-friendly mountain with roughly 1,600 acres of terrain, multiple snow parks, and nearby natural hot springs. It’s known for extremely affordable lift tickets (starting as low as $9 based on demand) and a kid-friendly policy where children under 12 always ski free; on-site childcare (The Den) accepts youngsters up to age four. Lodging at the base offers classic ski amenities—lockers and a heated pool—without hefty resort fees, and nearby Durango provides low-cost dining and memorable evening activities like the Polar Express train ride." - Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior engagement editor at Travel + Leisure, where she hosts short-form videos and leads content engagement initiatives. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines