Ratings and Rankings
Conde Nast Traveler - Top 20 Best Places to Ski (2006 and 2008)
Conde Nast Traveler, the worlds premier travel magazine ranked Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort as one of the top 20 resorts in North America in their December 2008 issue.
The list was selected by readers who were invited to evaluate 104 North American ski resorts that they had visited in the past three years, and rank the resorts on terrain and conditions, lifts and lines, town ambience, dining and après ski/activities. Only resorts that received a required minimum number of responses were eligible for inclusion in these rankings.
Purgatory received the 20th spot on the list, receiving an overall score of 73. Terrain and Conditions were the highest ranked area for the resort with a score of 85.5, with Lifts and Lines close behind with a score of 80 and Town Ambiance rounding out the top three with a score of 72.7.
Purgatory earned higher marks in each category this year, reflecting guests’ positive reviews as the resort continues to make significant upgrades to its base village facilities and prepares for future terrain expansion and mountain improvements.
The list was selected by readers who were invited to evaluate 104 North American ski resorts that they had visited in the past three years, and rank the resorts on terrain and conditions, lifts and lines, town ambience, dining and après ski/activities. Only resorts that received a required minimum number of responses were eligible for inclusion in these rankings.
Purgatory received the 20th spot on the list, receiving an overall score of 73. Terrain and Conditions were the highest ranked area for the resort with a score of 85.5, with Lifts and Lines close behind with a score of 80 and Town Ambiance rounding out the top three with a score of 72.7.
Purgatory earned higher marks in each category this year, reflecting guests’ positive reviews as the resort continues to make significant upgrades to its base village facilities and prepares for future terrain expansion and mountain improvements.
Ski Magazine - The Next Best Places to Ski, Live, Invest, Retire (Jan 2008)
Only seven resorts from North America were selected on this elite list of up-and-coming destinations; and Durango was the only Colorado town chosen. Durango Mountain Resort made the cut due to upgrades occurring as part of the resort’s 25 year Master Plan and the town of Durango’s unique amenities. The resort was noted for “1200 acres of fluff, including long, looping cruisers,” and a lack of crowds.
The overall appeal of Durango as a mountain destination with a genuine western mentality was enhanced by the numerous amenities that usually elude small mountain communities. Fort Lewis College, the new Mercy Regional Medical Center, and outgoing citizens who lend a hand at nearly every event set Durango apart from countless other Colorado resorts.
Ski Magazine - Seven Great Mountains to Ski with Your Kids (Nov 2007)
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort has long been known as a fun-family destination for skiers and snowboarders in Southwest Colorado, and now the secret is out. Ski Magazine selected Purgatory as one of the 7 Great Mountains to Ski With Your Kids in the November 2007 issue. One of only two resorts selected from Colorado, Purgatory is hailed for its “rolling steps that are roller-coaster fun, but never intimidating.”
The resort is pinpointed as being a great location for kids because of the family-friendly atmosphere at both the resort and in town. “With the one-two combo of town and resort, families find great skiing, comfortable digs and an authentically Western experience,” says the magazine, noting Mesa Verde and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as excellent side vacations for families.
One factor placing Durango Mountain Resort on this elite list of great mountains to ski with kids is the Mountain Master Plan that includes new condo accommodations, swimming facility, restaurants and retail outlets and more family-friendly amenities. Purgatory Lodge is the resort's largest development in history and has taken shape in the heart of Purgatory Village. Purgatory Lodge features new skier services, including a ticket office, rental and retail outlets, bathrooms, lockers, a swimming pool, spa area and a new Purgy's Day Lodge; perfect for parents watching their children come down the mountain.
