Purgatory Reopens with Mountain Biking, Alpine Slide & More Activities July 2
Purgatory Resort reopens for summer adventures today, Monday, July 2, and is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Our Purgatory team is so excited to be back to work, and they can’t wait to reopen the resort’s activities,” stated Elizabeth Howe, general manager of Purgatory Resort. “Everyone at Purgatory is looking forward to celebrating our community over the July 4th holiday week, and we can’t wait to see our friends, neighbors, and visitors at the resort.”
Purgatory Resort was forced to close shortly after the 416 Wildfire was first reported June 1.
The resort’s family-favorite activities are now open, including Purgatory’s classic alpine slide, zipline, bungee trampoline, scenic chairlift ride, climbing wall, ropes course, bounce house, other activities in the Village Plaza, and the new Kids Off-Road Track, located in the Columbine parking lot. Free guided nature hikes by the San Juan Mountains Association begin July 3 and will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday into August.
Across from the resort, cool off while paddling around Twilight Lake on a canoe, paddle board, and more. Experience incredible scenery via horseback riding, or for those under 6, enjoy the pony wheel with Buck’s Livery.
Restaurants at the resort are open, including the Bear Bar & Grille, Paradise Pizza, and Village Market & Deli. Purgatory Sports, Alpine Chic, Purgatory Cycle Works Bike Shop, and the Burton Store are open. The Purgatory Adventure Camp for Kids will start July 9. For a complete list of what to expect for the week starting July 2, visit Purgatory’s mountain blog on its website.
Lift-accessed mountain biking and hiking trails are available via Lift 1. Guests should note that only trails on the front side within the Purgatory Resort ski area boundary are open, including World’s Championship, 7th Heaven, Diggler, Divinity, Base Camp Loop, and Silverpick trails. Trails beyond Purgatory’s boundary, including Hermosa Creek, Big Lick Loop, Elbert Creek Trail, Little Elk Trail, Pinkerton/Dutch Creek Trail, and Purgatory’s backside mountain bike trails are closed due to the 416 Wildfire. Purgatory will require that anyone who wishes to use the trails, whether for sightseeing or mountain biking, receive a safety briefing in the Ticket Office and will be required to wear a wristband.
“Purgatory’s top priority is the safety of our guests and employees, and we want everyone to stay safe while enjoying all that the resort has to offer,” stated Howe. “We continue to work closely with the US Forest Service, the 416 Fire officials, and local officials since the wildfire remains active to the south of the resort. Please know that our operating plans could change should we determine that is necessary.”
Purgatory’s operations may be suspended at any time if conditions change due to the 416 Fire.
“With the change in weather conditions, the northern fire spread has also slowed its advance to the north, reducing the probability of impacting Purgatory Resort and associated recreational activities,” stated Operations Section Chief, Alex Robertson, from the Portland NIMO team, which is currently managing the 416 Fire.
Firefighter presence will continue to increase at Purgatory Resort over the next few days as fire managers take advantage of the improving fire weather pattern. Guests can expect to see fire crews and fire equipment working near Purgatory Resort as they improve and enhance existing fireline near the resort.
“Purgatory is very appreciative to the first responders, firefighters, and everyone involved with the 416 Fire for all their efforts in battling the wildfire,” stated Howe. “We are grateful for everything they are doing to keep our community safe.”
The San Juan National Forest is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which prohibit smoking outside, fireworks, campfires and charcoal grills, and more. La Plata County has issued Stage 3 Fire Restrictions.
Drones are prohibited at Purgatory Resort, in the area and anywhere near wildfires. It is illegal and can be deadly if flown near wildfires. Drones interfere with wildland fire air traffic, such as air tankers, helicopters, and other firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildland fires.
Purgatory Resort is hosting Carve Wars Festival presented by Alpine Bank, July 6-7. Carve Wars is a free family-friendly event where renowned chainsaw artists compete for prizes and awards while performing live shows and creating wooden masterpieces. Artwork of various sizes will be on display and available for purchase. For more information, visit the PurgatoryResort.com website.
Other events at Purgatory include Music in the Mountains at Purgatory Resort July 11- 30, Muck & Mire Mud Adventure Race August 5, Mushroom Festival August 18-19. For a complete listing, visit PurgatoryResort.com.
