Durango Winter Sports Club is hosting the Purgatory Classic, sponsored by Bronson Family McDonald’s, this weekend, Jan. 19-21, at Purgatory Resort.
The first event of three in the Southern Series is set to take place on Upper Hades featuring a Super G Race on Friday and Giant Slalom races on Saturday and Sunday. The event will host athletes from Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The community is invited to bring cowbells and cheer on youth athletes, learn about alpine ski racing and discover more about DWSC programs.
“This race venue has proven to be an excellent training ground given its range of terrain features,” said Tyler Hoyt, DWSC alpine director. “The kids love it, and as the first race of the year for many, it's a chance to get the race jitters out.”
The DWSC team looks to hold on to its status as Champions of the Southern Series of the Rocky Mountain Division for the fifth year in a row.
DWSC (formerly Purgatory Ski Team) has a long history of inspiring young skiers and bringing positive recognition to the Durango community. The club exists to instill a lifelong passion for winter sports through education, sportsmanship, friendship and personal achievement. As a member of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, USSA, they aim to develop athletes’ participation at the highest levels of competition.
The organization operates five unique teams. Accomplished skiers have the option to participate in alpine racing, freestyle skiing or freeride skiing, while younger skiers can access an introductory competition program known as Gromlins, as well as a competitive snowboard program. For the 2024 season, DWSC enrolled a record number of athletes, 300 kids across the teams, ages 5 to 18. DWSC athletes compete in regional and national competitions.
An aim of the nonprofit club is to improve access to all athletes. This season, DWSC granted over $27,000 in need-based scholarships. In addition to support from donors and sponsors, an all-volunteer board helps to keep tuition costs to families among the lowest for any competitive winter sports program in the United States. Through continued community support, the team plans to increase scholarship opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds, as well subsidize the cost of the program for all participants.
In addition to financial sponsors, the club works closely with Purgatory Resort and Chapman Hill to provide athletes with multiple training venues during weekends and evenings.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have strong support from our local ski areas and our sustaining partners including Bronson Family McDonald’s, Bank of the San Juans, Tegre, La Quinta Inn and Suites, LPEA, Riverview Animal Hospital, and Pine Needle Mountaineering,” said DWSC Board President Nate Pierantoni. “Without these supporters our programs would not be possible.”
For more information and opportunities to get involved, visit www.durangowintersportsclub.org
