Industry News
Purgatory Resort, Colorado, announced a major capital improvement project for this summer, including the construction of the new Gelande triple chairlift and the development of up to five new trails and trail connectors. Scheduled to debut for the 2025–26 winter season, the project will expand frontside terrain and enhance skier access to the top of the mountain, independent of the Columbine and Village base areas. Purgatory is located between Durango and Silverton along the San Juan Skyway, on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains.
The fixed-grip triple chairlift, manufactured by Skytrac, represents a significant investment in the resort’s on-mountain infrastructure and long-term commitment to improving the guest experience. The addition will also expand advanced and expert-level terrain on the mountain’s front side. Purgatory features 107 trails, four terrain parks, 11 lifts, and 1,635 skiable acres of steep tree skiing and wide-open cruisers. Home to Colorado’s largest guided snowcat operation, Purgatory Snowcat Adventures covers 35,000 acres of rolling glades, wide open bowls, cliffs, chutes, gullies, and trees.
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In support of the project, Purgatory is forming two new work groups, many of whom are transitioning from seasonal winter roles into year-round positions. These teams will be instrumental in building the new lift and trail network and will continue to support future capital projects year-round.
“This marks an exciting next chapter for Purgatory,” Dave Rathbun said, General Manager of Purgatory Resort. “We’re investing in meaningful improvements that will not only enhance the mountain experience but also strengthen our year-round workforce and operational capabilities. It’s about giving people the freedom to ski and making that experience better each season.”
In order to safely prioritize construction efforts, which will include heavy equipment and truck traffic on new and existing mountain roads, the Purgatory Bike Park will take a hiatus this summer. The resort will use the closure period to continue Bike Park trail maintenance and improvements in preparation for a future reopening. While details about summer operations are still coming together, the team is actively working on plans and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Visit the Purgspective Blog for real-time updates, photos, and insights from General Manager Dave Rathbun on this major infrastructure project and summer operations.
