Purgatory to Open Backside of the Mountain on Saturday, Dec. 17!

Great Conditions and Terrain Ready for Action!

Durango, CO: With the recent storms blanketing the resort, Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort will open the backside of the mountain on Saturday, Dec. 17.

“Our mountain crews have been working hard to prepare the terrain on the backside for skiers and riders,” stated Mike McCormack, senior vice president of Mountain Operations at Durango Mountain Resort. “We have some of the best conditions in the country and we’re excited for skiers and riders to start making turns on the backside this weekend.”

The most recent storm brought an additional 17 inches this week, and the mid-mountain snow depth is currently 39 inches. Beginning tomorrow, all terrain on the mountain will be open with the exception of Hoody’s, McCormack’s Maze and Ambassadors Glade. More details on terrain and lift openings on the backside as well as the frontside will be provided in the daily snow report issued Saturday morning.

There’s a lot on tap at Durango Mountain Resort this weekend. On Dec. 17 and 18, there will be a lot of activity in the Plaza with the Backcountry Experience BrewSKI Demofest. Free demos of the latest in new winter sports equipment like alpine skis, tele skis, snowboards, snowbikes, snowshoes, backcountry skis, boots, accessories, avalanche safety gear and more. Experts will be on hand from Backcountry Access, Kling Mountain Guides, Scarpa Boots, Dynafit, Smith Optics, Osprey, Icelantic skis, Columbia Sportswear, Loki USA, Movement Skis, Black Diamond, Expert Edge, SPY Goggles, Adaptive Sports, K2 Snowboards, Never Summer, Union Bindings and San Juan Ski Company. There will be free avalanche clinics, contests and prize drawings held throughout the weekend. As part of the BrewSKI event, on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2pm, head to Purgy’s to talk with brewmasters from Steamworks Brewing and Ska Brewing companies and sample some of their award-winning craft beers.

Those participating in the free Demofest on Saturday can receive a 2-day discounted lift ticket for Dec. 17 & 18 for just $79. Skiers and riders just need to go to the BrewSKI Demofest event on Dec. 17 and sign up to receive this offer.

Purgatory’s Ski and Ride School is offering intermediate and advanced skiers and riders the chance to get a jump start on the season with the Early Season Tune Up Clinic on Dec. 17! Receive expert advice from the Ski and Ride School’s experienced instructors and get great tips from Expert Edge on taking care of your equipment. Limited space available. $85 Clinic is Saturday, 9:30am-3:30pm. 970-385-2149 www.skipurg.com/camps

Learn progressive techniques of Tele skiing at the Purgatory Tele Daze Clinic on Dec. 18, hosted by Purgatory Ski School. All ability levels welcome at the clinic which is from 9:30am-3:30 pm on Sunday. $85 Call for reservations as there is limited space.
(970) 385-2149 www.skipurg.com/camps

Sun., Dec. 18 is the first Locals Benefit Day of the season and the recipient is the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence (DFEE), which provides funding for projects and programs that are not included in the 9-R School District’s budget. Locals Benefit Day lift tickets are $40 adults; $32 students/seniors; and $25 children with coupon. Locals Benefit Day lift ticket coupons are available in the Durango Telegraph. Bring a school supply to Purgatory for donation to DFEE on Sunday as well which will help children who are not able to afford basic supplies.

Santa and Mrs. Claus kick off the holiday season at Durango Mountain Resort on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3:45pm. Greet them as they arrive at Purgatory Beach via horse-drawn sleigh. Be sure to check out the snow sculpture of Santa on skis in the Village Plaza by renowned sculpting artist, Keith Martin.

The Snow Coaster Tubing Hill at Durango Mountain Resort opens on Monday 2pm to 7pm and will be open daily through Dec. 31. Cost is $5 per tube per hour.
Window lift ticket prices are $75 adults; $42 kids (6-12 yrs); $58 students (13 yrs – high school); $60 seniors (62-69 yrs); and $45 goldens (70+ yrs). For the latest information on mountain operations, the snow report and other information, visit www.skipurg.com or call 970-247-9000.

Durango Mountain Resort is recognized as a top family-friendly resort. Purgatory provides snow enthusiasts many ways to enjoy the winter wonderland with 88 trails, five terrain parks and 1,360 skiable acres. With 10 chairlifts and rarely any lines, it’s simple to zip around the mountain and enjoy the spectacular scenery amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains. Other winter fun activities include snow tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ziplining, snowbiking, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and more! For more information or to book a vacation, call 800-525-0892, visit www.durangomountainresort.com, or follow us on www.facebook.com/skipurg and www.twitter.com/skipurg.