Purgatory Announces Capital Improvement Plans for Southwest Ski Areas

Purgatory Resort

 

Resort officials with the largest ski area collective in the Southwest unveiled plans for additional mountain improvements across four resorts, Purgatory Resort, Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort, and Pajarito Mountain. As part of todays announcement, it was revealed that the ski area collective is investing an additional $10 million for the 2016/2017 season, continuing the aggressive $10 million multi-mountain improvement campaign that began in 2015, for a grand total of $20 million over two consecutive seasons. In addition, officials released details on the 2016/2017 Power Pass, available now with no price increase, a new payment plan, and unlimited access to four mountains in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

With an additional $10 million for capital projects this coming year, we continue our commitment to transform the overall mountain experience for all our guests, at our resorts, stated James Coleman, managing partner. Adding new lifts, trails, snowmaking, and improving the overall skier experience continues to be our number one priority.

As part of the announcement of the additional $10 million in capital improvements across the four southwest ski areas, officials released details on the 2016/2017 Power Pass, available now at the lowest guaranteed price of the year with a new optional payment plan.

Power Pass No Price Increase, plus New Lower Prices for Families & Young Adults

The Power Pass returns for the 2016/2017 season at the same price as last year, with some pass categories decreasing in price. The Power Pass offers the most powerful season pass in the Southwest with unlimited skiing and snowboarding at four resorts: Purgatory Resort, Pajarito Mountain, Arizona Snowbowl, and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort. Available now for just $649 for adults (ages 37-64), the Power Pass is offered at the lowest price of the season when purchased by April 29. For details, visit Purgatorys website.

With the Power Pass, guests can enjoy endless mountain experiences throughout the year at a variety of resorts, including free summer and winter benefits, discounts on services and at retailers and restaurants in the Southwest. Power Passes are now available for purchase online, at skiPurg.com allowing guests to start planning their next summer and winter adventures.

New Payment Plan

New this year, the Power Pass may be purchased with a no interest payment plan. When purchased by April 29, guests receive the lowest guaranteed price and can pay off their Power Pass with eight monthly installments, each payment costs less than the price of a lift ticket at Purgatory.

New Lower Prices for Families

Skiing just got more affordable for families! In addition to prices not increasing over last year, some passes cost less! Unlimited skiing and snowboarding is available for only $199 ($119 less than last year) for kids ages 6 to 12, and $299 ($50 less than last year) for teens 13 to 17 years old. Parents with children 3 years old and younger have the option of buying a 5-day punch pass for only $199 when purchased with another adult Power Pass. Kids five and under always ski free with an adult who has a valid season pass or a lift ticket.

More Young Adults Save on 2016/2017 Power Passes

Following last years successful launch of the new Young Adult pass that reduced the cost of skiing for those 18-29 years old, a second young adult category for ages 30 to 36 is available for the 2016/2017 season for only $499, a $150 savings. Back by popular demand, the 18-29 Young Adult pass remains the same low price of $429. This year, the College Power Pass is reduced by $30 and available for $399 for those with nine or more credit hours.

Making skiing more affordable and providing a great value for our families and young skiers is always one of our goals, stated Coleman. Were pleased to announce these new lower prices and new Power Pass categories to help get more folks out enjoying the slopes.

More Great Benefits with the 2016/2017 Power Pass

The Power Pass offers free skiing at other partner resorts. Passholders can ski for free or at a discount at Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch, Skirama (Italy), Panorama Mountain Resort (Canada), Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Bogus Basin, Sunlight Mountain, Powderhorn, Grand Targhee (with lodging), Brian Head, and more.

The Power Pass offers guests the opportunity to experience their favorite ski resorts and try out new ones all under one pass, at a great value! said Gary Derck, CEO of Purgatory Resort. The Power Pass provides the ultimate flexibility and incredible savings when planning a ski vacation.

Other benefits include discounts at mountain retail shops, restaurants, on services such as rentals, childcare, ski and ride school, priority registration for Snowburners & All Terrain Pioneers, and more!

Summer is Freewith a Power Pass

Power Passholders enjoy free summer access to some of the best mountain experiences in the Southwest! Passholders can enjoy up to five free attractions per day (a value of $50 per day) this summer at Purgatory, which include the alpine slide, zipline, ropes obstacle course, scenic chairlift, mountain bike lift tickets, bungee trampoline, treasure panning, miniature golf, and more. Power Passholders can experience Arizona Snowbowls stunning views with a glimpse of the Grand Canyon from the scenic chairlift. Mountain enthusiasts can use their Power Pass for unlimited scenic chairlift rides and mountain bike uplifts at Parjarito with access to 25 epic trails.

Benefits to Purchasing the Power Pass by April 29

* Guaranteed lowest price of the year.

* Free summer activities at Purgatory, Arizona Snowbowl, and Pajarito.

* Low monthly payments with the new no interest payment plan.

* Pays for itself after just 8 days of skiing.

Pricing and more details on the Power Pass can be found online at PurgatoryResort.com.

The 2016/2017 mountain improvement plan outlines two new lifts, new trails, and snowmaking at four resorts:

• As part of a multi-year pre-approved Mountain Master Development Plan, Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colo. will feature a new two-way surface lift transporting skiers on the backside of the mountain, allowing access to some of the best fall line skiing on the mountain. The new Purgatory T-3 surface lift, modeled after similar types of surface lifts seen at European resorts, will allow skiers and snowboarders access heading either east or west from lower Bull Run to the bottom of the Lift 8 high-speed quad. New trail development is slated for the backside of the mountain, and enhancements to the snowmaking system that will allow snowmakers to make snow earlier in the season and improve energy efficiency. Purgatorys mountain team will also improve access from the previous midway loading station to the bottom of the Legends Lift 8 for intermediate skiers.

Purgatorys mountain team is committed to enhancing access to the bottom of Legends Lift 8 and is analyzing a variety of possible solutions for our guests who enjoy skiing Legends, Vincents, Sallys and Chets, stated Coleman. Our crew will also significantly improve the new Legends Bypass.

In 2015, Purgatory installed the new Legends Lift 8 high-speed quad, successfully completing one of the most ambitious and impactful changes to the Durango ski resort in 15 years.

• Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff will install its first high-speed lift, the only high-speed 6-pack in Arizona and the second chairlift of this capacity in the Southwest (Purgatory Resort also features a high-speed 6-pack). The new Grand Canyon Express is a 5.8 minute ride, and comes on the heels of Snowbowls first-ever quad chairlift, which debuted this past winter. New trails and snowmaking will also be added at Snowbowl for next ski season.

• Sipapus mountain crews will add the Howdy Extension for the coming winter, extending both Howdy and Lower Bambi while adding nearly 5 acres of skiable terrain. Skiers who ride Sipapus newest quad, which opened in 2015, will have access to these new trails. Sipapus historic lodge and day room will undergo a massive remodel and feature a multi-purpose gathering room while improving the lodges layout and function.

• Pajarito Mountain is working with the Los Alamos Ski Club to manage the ski areas 700 acres of trees, targeting those damaged by recent fires. This work, which includes future fire mitigation, will create new trails and improve the mountain experience. In 2015, Pajarito nearly filled its 10 million gallon holding pond with water for snowmaking, a first for the Los Alamos ski area. The additional water enabled mountain crews to make more snow and open its slopes earlier than in recent history. At least 6 million gallons of water has already been captured for snowmaking next winter and well on the way to filling the pond to capacity.

For details on the capital improvements, visit Purgatorys website.