Skiers and snowboarders hoping to avoid the congested line of the main lift at Purgatory Resort may soon find relief via a new front-side chairlift, which is scheduled to be fully operational by next winter.
The resort announced this week it will install a new triple chairlift and develop skiable terrain as part of its summer upgrades. The lift will run from Gelande parking lot to the top of the mountain, providing an alternate access point.
According to a news release, up to five new trails and trail connectors will be built, expanding the resort’s advanced and expert-level terrain on the mountain’s front side.
“One of the other huge benefits, especially for our locals, is being able to park in our Gelande lot and getting on the mountain faster,” said Matt Ericksen, director of marketing for Purgatory Resort.
A new point of access will also improve skier circulation and reduce congestion on the Demon trail – the main exit path off the mountain – which can become hazardous during busy periods, according to the U.S. Forest Service’s 2018 Finding of No Significant Impact report for the proposed project.
Ericksen said the development of terrain is complex, making it difficult to comment on specifics of the new trails at this point. However, he said the trails will likely resemble Upper and Lower Hades – steep, ungroomed runs with varied natural features.
He was unable to comment on whether any snowmaking infrastructure will be constructed for the new trails, saying it is a “separate item” from the rest of the project.
For the past five years, Purgatory has been involved in a legal battle with the U.S. Forest Service over the resort’s access to water in the East Fork of Hermosa Creek. The resort has sought a special-use permit to capture water from the creek for snowmaking.
Ericksen said the resort will announce updates regarding its snowmaking capacity for the new terrain on its blog, The Purgspective.
As a result of the construction, Purgatory’s bike park will close for the summer.
Ericksen acknowledged there is disappointment among Purgatory staff members and the biking community, but said the closure is necessary given the scale of the winter upgrades.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it was the right choice,” he said.
Construction will involve tree removal, helicopter operations and the use of heavy equipment on new and existing mountain roads.
Keeping bikers and other summer recreational users off the mountain will be a challenge, Ericksen said, but it is essential for their safety and the safety of construction crews.
Although closures of the bike park and lifts will reduce seasonal employment opportunities in certain departments, such as lift operations, Ericksen said the project will also create new positions.
“We are in the process of creating two new groups of approximately 12 to 15 year-round employees, many of which are current, winter seasonal employees, to join our team and assist with this project,” said Dave Rathbun, Purgatory’s general manager, in the release.
Not all of the mountain’s summer activities will shut down. The mountain roller coaster will continue operating.
Even without snow, Purgatory plans to maintain the summer atmosphere and mountain vibes that draw visitors from across the region, Ericksen said.
The project timeline is still up in the air and will depend on several factors, primarily weather. The hope is to begin construction “as soon as Mother Nature allows,” Ericksen said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
