Purgatory Resort
From Adventure Inn: about 24 miles north
Purgatory Resort is Durango's home mountain, about 24 miles north of Adventure Inn on US 550, roughly a 25 minute drive. It has more than 1,500 skiable acres and over 100 trails, with a reputation for friendly, rolling terrain, tree skiing, and shorter lift lines than the big Front Range resorts.
In summer the mountain switches to scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking, hiking, and the Inferno Alpine Coaster, so it works as a day trip in any season.
Staying in Durango instead of on the mountain gives your group town restaurants and breweries in the evening, and Adventure Inn has free parking for every car, an in room bike and ski rack in every King room, and an outdoor cedar hot tub for sore legs.
Know Before You Go
- Distance from Adventure Inn
- About 24 miles north
- Travel time
- About 25 minute drive
- Best time to go
- Ski season runs roughly late November to early April; summer activities run June to September
- Best for
- Ski and snowboard groups, families, mountain bikers, and summer sightseers
Things to Do
- Ski or snowboard across terrain for beginners through experts
- Take a lesson or put the kids in ski school for the day
- Ride a scenic chairlift in summer for big San Juan Mountains views
- Try the Inferno Alpine Coaster and other summer activities at the base
- Ride the lift-served bike park or hike the mountain's summer trails
Getting There From Adventure Inn
From Adventure Inn, drive north on Main Avenue, which becomes US 550, and follow it about 24 miles to the resort entrance at 1 Skier Place. The drive takes about 25 minutes in good conditions. US 550 climbs into the mountains and can be snowpacked in winter, so allow extra time on storm days.
Practical Tips
- Check the Colorado Department of Transportation road conditions before you leave on snowy mornings
- Make sure your vehicle has good snow tires or all-wheel drive in winter; traction laws can be in effect on US 550
- Get there early on powder days for better parking and first chair
- Buy lift tickets online ahead of time; window prices are usually higher
- Book a Standard King for its in room bike and ski rack, so skis and boards stay inside overnight instead of on your car
Make Adventure Inn Your Basecamp
27 rooms on Main Avenue in Durango with free parking, a fire pit, an outdoor cedar hot tub, and an in room bike and ski rack in every King room. Spend the day at Purgatory Resort and come back to a soak under the stars.