Purgatory Resort announced Wednesday that the ski area about 30 minutes north of Durango will stop spinning its lifts on Sunday.
Closing day for the 2025-26 season comes a week ahead of the originally scheduled date, which, according to a Wednesday news release, is because of a period of above-average heat melting out the mountain’s snow.
“We don’t take adjusting a closing date lightly, but the early heat this year is accelerating our timeline,” said Matt Ericksen, Purgatory’s marketing director.
The release said closing day will be a celebration of Purgatory’s 60th successful ski season, which lasted 127 days despite a winter fraught with little snowfall and warm temperatures.
“This season brought its share of challenges, and our team worked hard to keep the mountain running and deliver a great experience for our guests,” Ericksen said. “We’re proud of that effort, and we’re grateful for the incredibly positive feedback from guests who came out, enjoyed the skiing and made the most of every turn.”
To celebrate, the mountain is hosting the Purgatory Beach Ruckus, the release said. The party will include a rail jam near the Village Express Lift at the base area from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, DJ sets from DJ Noonz and Forest Thump, foam machines, a costume contest, face painting, a photo booth, $2 drafts and food specials.
“Costumes are encouraged – the louder, brighter, and more ridiculous, the better,” the release said. “The day builds toward a color throw that celebrates the end of another ski season in true Durango style.”
The color throw, which involves attendees tossing brightly-colored powder into the air, will be held at 3 p.m. and mark the end of the ski season at Purgatory.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
