Industry News
Purgatory Resort’s promise of a new front-side chairlift for the 2025-26 ski season is in question as the project remains stalled less than 100 days from opening day. Announced in April, the triple-seat lift was slated to connect the Gelande parking lot to the mountain’s summit, creating a new access point for advanced terrain. The resort planned to complete the work over the summer, but as of late August the lift towers remain stored in a parking lot with no ground broken on the project.
According to the Durango Herald, La Plata County officials say Purgatory has yet to submit a preliminary plan for the lift. Lynn Hyde, community development director for the county, confirmed with the Herald that the project is listed as anticipated but cannot move forward without a full application.
Purgatory spokesperson Matt Erickson disputed the characterization, telling the Herald that unanticipated permitting issues have slowed the timeline. Resort leadership had believed previous approvals—some dating back to 2018 with the U.S. Forest Service and a 2002 development agreement with La Plata County—would simplify the process in 2025. That assumption, Erickson said, proved incorrect. The U.S. Forest Service declined comment, citing agency policy.
While the lift remains unbuilt, Erickson said Purgatory has already invested $1.25 million in fabrication, equipment rental, and contractor services, along with 2,500 staff hours on pre-construction. He did not tell the Herald directly whether the project is still on track to open this winter, but emphasized the lift “remains a top priority.”
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The delays also forced Purgatory to close its downhill mountain bike park for the summer, frustrating local riders. Purgatory has said the closure was necessary regardless, as construction staging would have blocked access roads. But not all projects stalled. The Forest Service recently approved Purgatory’s new snowmaking permit, allowing the installation of infrastructure on the mountain’s backside, including Blackburn’s Bash, Ray’s Ridge, and the Legends Bypass. Resort leaders said the snowmaking upgrades are among 46 improvements planned for the season.
Whether the new lift will join them in time for skiers this winter, however, still remains uncertain.
