Purgatory Resort is closer to constructing a new chairlift that was planned to be operable for the 2025-26 ski season but was delayed for lack of permitting approvals.
La Plata County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the preliminary plans for the new Gelande lift.
Purgatory Resort, 25 miles north of Durango, first announced plans in April 2025 to add a triple chairlift running from the Gelande parking lot to the top of the mountain on the front side.
The lift was initially expected to be completed in time for last year’s ski season, but permitting delays pushed construction back another year. By September 2025, the resort had yet to submit preliminary plans to the county.
The lift will span about 4,200 feet, extending from the southernmost portion of the existing ski area near the Gelande parking area to the top of a ridge within the resort boundary.
The project will affect about 16 acres – 11 acres on U.S. Forest Service land and about 5 acres on private land.
Resort officials say the lift is intended to reduce congestion on Lift 1, which can experience long wait times during peak periods. The project also includes plans for up to five new trails and connectors aimed at expanding advanced and expert terrain on the front side of the mountain.
Even with those additions, the increase in skiable terrain would be modest. The proposal estimates about 12 new acres, or roughly 0.8% of the resort’s total terrain.
No major new structures are planned on county-regulated land beyond a roughly 60-square-foot lift operations hut. No new restrooms or large buildings are included, and the project is not expected to increase overall skier capacity.
Commissioners also considered access and safety concerns related to Gelande Way, a gated emergency route serving nearby neighborhoods. One public comment raised questions about potential interference, but the Purgatory Metro District said the lift’s bottom terminal is designed to maintain emergency access, and commissioners accepted that explanation.
With preliminary approval in place, the resort must complete a final plan, confirming all required updates before land-use and building permits can be issued. County staff members said the final plan application was already submitted and is being processed concurrently to help expedite construction.
The project will also require final approval from the U.S. Forest Service, the San Juan National Forest and the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board. The Forest Service has already issued a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Purgatory Resort did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
