There are two issues that need to be seriously addressed at Purgatory: Bullying and speeding in slow zones.
I have been snowboarding at Purgatory for 19 years. Ten years ago, I started to snowboard with poles to clear the flats and traverses. Since then, I have been bullied, insulted, heckled at and yelled at. I have endured this for almost 10 years now! Bullying and insulting has to stop! The resort should put signs reminding people to keep their opinions to themselves.
The second issue is a safety issue. There are local young adults, good skiers/snowboarders, who are systematically running down Demon at mag speed in the slow zone – it is terrifying. Several of my friends have been hit, including kids. I was hit several years ago by a snowboarder (his fault) who fled the scene while I laid down nearly unconscious (I had a severe concussion despite having a helmet). Since then, I have had people nearly hitting me (missed me by inches) several times. I have alerted ski patrol several times, but I have not seen any result. And I have not seen any mountain safety folks patrolling in a long time. A really bad accident is bound to happen if there is no enforcement. Slow zones need to be seriously enforced by pass removals!
I hope Purgatory can do something to take care of these two issues because the ski area seems to have become overrun by “gangs” of skiers/riders that seem to do whatever they please and ruin everybody else's enjoyment.
Florence Paillard
Durango
