Officials at Purgatory Resort announced opening day for ski season is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday week. Purgatorys crews have been working throughout the summer to get the mountain ready for another fantastic ski season.
Coming later in 2017, Purgatory will feature a new mountain coaster that will be accessible right from the base area. Located just north of the Twilight Lift 4, the coaster will operate during both winter and summer seasons. The mountain coaster will be 4,000 feet in length with a 300 foot-vertical, and will feature nine switchbacks and one loop, giving guests another fun activity snow or shine. Work has already begun on the mountain coaster project and crews will start excavating footings and installing track in the coming weeks for its winter debut.
Purgatory is also adding new intermediate and expert trails on the back- and front-sides of the mountain, including new gladed tree skiing terrain. A new trail on the backside of the mountain, included in the approved Master Development Plan, will open this winter. The triple chairlift, Needles Lift 6 will offer a new mid-way loading zone that provides an easier way to access terrain for ski teams, terrain park users, and skiers/riders who want to make laps on the upper half of the mountain.
Our mountain crews have been removing dead and hazard trees in an effort to help maintain a healthy forest, stated Ed Youmans, vice president of Mountain Operations at Purgatory Resort. These efforts help protect our forest while providing additional gladed tree skiing for our snow enthusiasts.
Improvements have been made to the snowmaking infrastructure, nearly doubling capacity on the frontside with new pipe, access to electricity, and additional energy efficient snow guns and fans. Crews have been boosting snowmaking capacity on the upper portion of the frontside, including the top of Lift 1, the mid-way loading zone on Lift 6, and the Lift 2 area to help produce a great skiable product especially during early season. The new snowmaking equipment improves Purgatorys ability to make snow and open the resort more efficiently. The mountain team plans to start making snow in October, weather permitting.
By upgrading our snowmaking system and boosting our capacity and efficiency, were able to make more snow during a shorter amount of time, which ultimately allows us to open the mountain earlier and maintain our solid base throughout the spring, stated Youmans.With cooler nighttime temperatures and the leaves already starting to change, everyone at Purgatory is getting excited to kick off the ski season.
These projects are part of a $15 million multi-mountain capital improvement plan for the 2017/2018 season that was announced earlier this year by resort officials with the largest ski area collective in the Southwest. The five mountains include: Purgatory Resort, Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, Pajarito Mountain, Hesperus Ski Area, and Colorados largest snowcat skiing operation, Purgatory Snowcat Adventures. The Southwests largest ski area collective has invested a grand total of $35 million over three consecutive seasons to make improvements to the guest experience, enhancements to the mountains, and to provide something new and exciting for locals and visitors alike.
Officials announced that Friday, Dec. 15 will be the start of ski season at Hesperus, the largest night skiing operation in the Four Corners region. This summer, crews have been installing additional lighting, which will increase the amount of terrain for night skiing. Also this winter, the mountain will re-open the rope tow and install a new yurt, which provides additional indoor space for guests. The rental shop is being expanded and reconfigured for a more customer-friendly experience, and the ski and snowboard rental equipment is being upgraded.
Back again this year are multi-day, multi-resort cards, which provides discounted lift tickets at Purgatory Resort, Hesperus Ski Area, Arizona Snowbowl, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. With no price increase over last year, get a Power Card or Power Pack at the guaranteed lowest price now through Sept. 29. Pay in full or choose the new no-interest monthly payment plan and pay by December 30, 2017.
Power Card For $50, the first day of skiing is FREE at any one of five resortsPurgatory, Hesperus, Arizona Snowbowl, Pajarito, and Sipapu. After the first FREE day on the slopes, enjoy up to five lift tickets at each resort at 30% off the adult lift ticket window price. This card is perfect for those who want a low commitment up front and dont mind paying as they go.
Power Pack A Power Pack comes pre-loaded with six punches. Each Purgatory or Snowbowl visit equals two punches, and each Hesperus, Sipapu or Pajarito visit equals one punch. Perfect for those who plan to ski at least three days at any of our five resorts. Prices are $149 adult (ages 25+); $129 young adult (ages 19-24); $109 child (ages 8-18).
Power Pack PLUS Each Power Pack PLUS comes pre-loaded with 10 punches, perfect for those who plan to ski at least five days at any of the five resorts. A visit to Purgatory or Snowbowl equals two punches, and each Hesperus, Sipapu or Pajarito visit equals one punch. Prices are $229 adult (ages 25+); $199 young adult (ages 19-24); $179 child (ages 8-18).
At all five resorts, children ages 7 and younger ski FREE every day.
Purchase these cards and season passes online, at Purgatory Sports 2615 Main Avenue, the Purgatory Ticket Office, or call (970) 385-2168. For more details, visitPurgatoryResort.com.
James Coleman, owner of Purgatory and managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners, is turning 50 on Thursday, Sept. 7, and Purgatory is throwing the party of the year! The public is invited to join James, his friends, and family in celebrating his birthday with FREE food, drinks, cake, Plaza activities, live entertainment, and giveaways at Purgatory Resort from 4 pm to 8 pm on Sept. 7. Giveaways include a Stihl 441 chainsaw, a favorite of James, along with more prizes to celebrate his half century mark. Everyone in attendance will also receive a FREE lift ticket valid for Saturday, Mar. 10. Lodging specials are available for the party (valid any time Sept. 6-8), starting at $50. For reservations, call 800-525-0892. For party details, visit the website.
