Any ski area can (or should) make its customers happy during the good times of deep and frequent snow.
Real character, however, is measured when Mother Nature is not so cooperative. So if you’re a skier or snowboarder who’s a bit bummed for the lack of storms, be thankful for what we do have. The few trails open at Purgatory are pretty darn good given the circumstances, the facilities are looking shiny, and smiles abound from the staff. They’ve even gone so far as to rig up night skiing in the Columbine area until Hesperus is open.
It’s not uncommon for ski areas to cut back and overly compensate in times like this. They already have the locals’ season ticket money, so why make extra effort if the out-of-towners aren’t here in droves? That’s not going on at Purgatory (as it has in past years).
So hats off (and suncreen on) to Purgatory. Get up there and check it out. Any day skiing is better than your best day at work.
Jack Turner
Durango
