DMR Prepares for Biggest Day of Summer Yet

Resort announces packed lineup of events for weekend of August 14-15

Back-to-school is almost here, but there’s still time for some last-minute summer fun at Durango Mountain Resort. This Saturday, August 14, promises to be the resort’s biggest day of the summer, with a full lineup of events that offers something for everyone.

Family Movie Night

The weekend gets off to an early start on Thursday, August 12, with a free Family Movie Night in the festival tent. This week’s film, Up, starts at 7 p.m. Popcorn and soda will be available for purchase.

Mushroom & Wine Festival

DMR’s two-day Mushroom & Wine Festival begins on Friday, August 13, with a six-course, mushroom-themed dinner at the Durango Mountain Club. Dinner will be served in one, 6:30 p.m. seating and features wine pairings with each course. Dishes from the menu by head chef Charley Curtis include “Pan Seared Halibut with Chanterelle Ragout” and “Venison Wellington with Porcini Mushroom Duxelle.”

The Mushroon & Wine Festival continues on Saturday, August 14, with a mushroom-hunting hike, where guests will learn how to identify edible mushrooms. The hike package is $30 and includes transportation to and from the hunting area, a guided tour, cooking demonstration, and a box lunch. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Wear appropriate hiking attire and bring a rain coat. Reservations are required for all Mushroom & Wine Festival events and can be made by calling (970) 385-2121 before August 10.

Climb to Conquer Cancer

Also on Saturday, August 14, Durango Mountain Resort will host the third annual “Climb to Conquer Cancer,” a one-day event to benefit the American Cancer Society. Climb to Conquer Cancer represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. Participants will hike up and around the mountain on scenic routes of varying difficulty, from stroller-friendly to challenging. Everyone is welcome to start or join a team or to participate individually, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Durango Discovery Museum Solar Carnival & Family Fun Fest

An event for the whole family, the Durango Discovery Museum Solar Carnival & Family Fun Fest takes place on Saturday, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and includes magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, games, and more. Solar-powered activities, including solar-baked cookies, hands-on energy exhibits, and Wii skiing and snowboarding are $1 each, with proceeds to benefit the Durango Discovery Museum.

World Mountain Bike Championships 20th Anniversary Race

To round out the weekend, Purgatory has partnered with DEVO and Durango Coca-Cola to celebrate two decades of mountain biking history and the 20th anniversary of the inaugural World Mountain Bike Championships with a cross-country race on the original 1990 Worlds XC course, plus a newly redesigned section that opened in 2010.

The race is the third and final race of the new DEVO Durango Coca-Cola Triple Crown series, held this summer at Purgatory. The overall male and female winners of the three-race series each will receive a free season pass to Durango Mountain Resort. All entrants in Saturday’s event will receive a free lunch courtesy of Durango Coca-Cola.

The race is open to Beginner, Sport, and Pro/Expert ability categories and Junior U18, Senior, and Master age categories. Registration is $30 and can be completed online at www.active.com. Proceeds benefit Durango DEVO, Trails 2000, Durango Wheel Club, Fort Lewis Cycling, and Bicycle Lemonade. The race will be timed by 4 Corners Timing, and results will be posted at www.durangodevo.com.

Great Lodging Deals

For guests who don’t want to miss a minute of the fun, Durango Mountain Resort is offering lodging packages starting at just $59 per person, per night. The “Summer Getaway Package” includes lodging at the Purgatory Village Hotel and half-day Total Adventure Tickets good for four hours of fun on the Alpine Slide, miniature and disc golf courses, mountain bike uplift, and scenic chairlift ride, plus one session on the climbing wall and bungee trampoline.

* Price based on a two-night stay with double occupancy. Subject to availability/change. Rules and restrictions apply.