The Drop In Series: Purgatory Resort

If you’re craving for a perfect mixture of skiable terrain, abundant snow, and breath-taking scenery, Purgatory Resort is your dream come true.

Introduction to Purgatory

Getting there

Where the locals are riding

The mountain is essentially divided into two sides - the front side and the backside. Most of the beginner terrain is located on the front side and accessed via the Twilight Lift (Lift 4) and Graduate Lift (Lift 7). If you’ve got your game down and are ready to ride the good stuff, start with a warm-up on Upper Hades, skier’s right of the main Purgatory Village Express (lift 1). Then, move it over one run and hit Styx- one of the front side’s most fun and challenging runs full of rollers, small drops and as steep of a pitch as you’ll find on most of the mountain.

Where to eat and drink

On Mountain

• Purgy’s, at the Purgatory Village base area, is the most popular drinking and eating spot on the hill. Cafeteria food is accompanied by both indoor and outdoor bars and a ‘beach’ style outdoor sitting area with great views of the mountain. A great après-ski spot, Purgy’s is generally bumping throughout the afternoon and features live music on weekends and holidays. Many employees hang out here for after-work drinks as well.

• Dante’s is a great spot to stop in for a drink on the backside. The building offers a cafeteria downstairs and sit-down dining upstairs. The long bar offers some of the best mountain views in La Plata County and is usually full of a mix of locals and tourists.

• Paradise Pizzeria and Ice Creamery sits in the heart of the Purgatory Village base. They are less crowded than Purgy’s, which makes it easier to get a seat at the bar. They crank out overpriced, mediocre ski resort food as well as anybody in the country- I like to head in there when I’m looking for something other than chicken fingers or cardboard box crust pizza slices.

In Town

• Steamworks Brewing Company, 801 E. 2 nd Ave, has great Cajun and American food and pizza with house-made brews and entertainment in the evenings. People often criticize their beer but to be honest, I never thought it was too bad. I lived right up the street for a few years and spent many Thursday nights in there for $ 1-pint night.
• Zia Taqueria, 3101 Main Ave, is a great place to stop for quick-service Mexican food on the way back from the mountain. They put Chipotle to shame- I love the Yucatan chicken tacos.
• Serious Texas BBQ, 3535 Main Ave, is a legend among locals. It is also the only place in town to get a Lone Star beer if that is your thing. I have never found better barbecue in the state of Colorado, and the sauce- oh my god. There is a reason why they have a jug on every table.

Where to stay

Where to party

Local tips

• If you ask locals where the Hermosa Park Express lift is, there is a good chance they won’t know. Locals call the lifts by their numbers, say Lift 3 and they will point you right at it.
• Local breweries are exceptionally popular in Durango and at the resort. Order a Pinstripe Red or Durango Wheat for starters. Then, move on to a Euphoria (Ska Brewing’s high-alcohol winter seasonal) and you’ll feel nice and toasty.
• Many tourists in the area come from Texas, and locals love to poke fun at Texans. Maybe leave that cowboy hat at home, and always remember: Cheney skis in jeans. Don’t be that guy.

Culture Guide: On-mountain and in town

Durango is a laid back place. There is no need to dress fancy- that flannel shirt or Patagonia pullover will do just fine. I made it through seven years. Usually dressed as a clueless punk rocker but still managed to have a girlfriend now and then. The town has a hippie vibe because of both the college and the outdoors culture. Residents are incredibly friendly and are more than willing to share drinks with people they meet. You’ll surely have fun here. If you aren’t a fan of outdoor activities, you will be by the time you leave.