With a foot of fresh snow from the recent storm, Purgatory Resorts 50th ski season begins today, Nov. 21, with top-to-bottom skiing off Lift 1, the 6-person Purgatory Village Express high-speed chairlift. Purgatory will be open daily Saturday Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 29 over the Thanksgiving holiday week.
Purgatory has already received a total of 32 inches of snow thus far this season, in addition to its snowmaking efforts that began Oct. 23, the earliest in 20 years. The mid-mountain base depth is 24 inches.
DC and Angels Tread Terrain Parks will be open, as well as restaurants, retail and rental shops in the base area. The Purgatory Snowsports School will also offer instruction for all ability levels. Visit skiPurg.com for details.
With the dry, colder temperatures, our crew was able to start producing snow the earliest in 20 years, and theyve been very productive in establishing a solid base that will last throughout the season, stated Mike McCormack, Sr. Vice President of Mountain Operations. Mother Nature has also helped us out with great natural snowfall, giving skiers and snowboarders a fantastic experience on opening day.
Purgatory is kicking off its 50th ski season with $50 lift tickets and fun festivities. For opening weekend, lift tickets are $50 adults (ages 18-64); $43 seniors (65-79 years); $40 teens (13-17 years); $31 children (6-12 years); $18 super seniors (80+). Purgatory Power Pass season passes, as well as weekday passes, will be honored throughout opening weekend. On opening day, Ska Brewing will tap a keg of Purgatory Pilsner in honor of Purgatorys 50th anniversary. There will be giveaways and other activities on the ski beach, including a corn hole tournament and music by DJ Aiko Aiko.
New this season Purgatory Resort is debuting its new high-speed detachable quad chairlift on the backside of the mountain, replacing the old triple. The new Legends Lift 8 grand opening will be Saturday, Dec. 19 with a ribbon cutting, champagne toast, and festivities at Dantes. In addition to the new lift project, Purgatory added 3 new trails and additional snowmaking infrastructure at the bottom of Lift 8.
With Purgatorys 50th anniversary, the new high-speed quad, and a strong El Nio, were ready to kick off the ski season, stated James Coleman, managing partner of Purgatory Resort. Purgatorys entire team has been hard at work to get the mountain open this Saturday and start celebrating our 50th season.
Purgatory is opening earlier this season than in recent history and will be open the entire week of Thanksgiving. For Thanksgiving dinner, Purgys Slopeside Restaurant will offer a special four-course menu of butternut squash bisque, mixed baby green salad, choice of entree turkey with stuffing, peppercorn demi-glace steak, pumpkin gnocchi, pan roasted Alaskan Salmon, and choice of dessert. Reservations are suggested, (970) 385-2121.
For the latest information on mountain operations, the snow report and other information, visit www.skipurg.com or call 970-247-9000.
