With Arizona’s spring break in full swing and Texas’ spring break around the corner, allow me to officially say welcome to Durango and Purgatory Resort to all the tourists. Thank you for choosing Southwest Colorado as your destination to spend your week of vacation. Our local business owners and our hard working employees are grateful for your time and your dollars.
While it may seem quite obvious, there are a few misconceptions often witnessed at Purgatory. The mountain is not a trash can. There is not some snow genie that magically picks up beer cans dropped in the tree trails or that comes behind to clean up all the beautiful snow covered in chewing tobacco spit.
The trash left behind makes it’s way down the mountain into rivers and streams. It effects wildlife and the vegetation that feeds on it, so please show a little respect and put trash where it belongs. There are trash cans at the top and bottom of nearly every lift, so if there is a need to open a six pack on the lift, share the love with your neighbor, and please put it where it belongs when you exit the chair.
Equipment rentals are also used by others. Respect it by taking proper care and not taking it where it doesn’t belong. Just this week, I saw a student walking on concrete with both their skis and boots on their feet. The damage that type of treatment does to the bases and edges of the skis is extremely hard to repair. Those ski racks all over the mountain are there for good reason.
When it comes to terrain, stick to the slopes that fit your comfort level. If you don’t know how to make parallel turns on skis, don’t attempt to go straight down a black in a pizza/snowplow.
If you can’t link turns on a snowboard, don’t attempt to drop into a steep pitch that will require you to sideslip the whole thing and wipe off all the snow.
There’s nothing wrong with not being a great rider. Everyone starts as a novice, but take a lesson from one of the many certified instructors Purgatory has to offer and learn how to properly ride in all conditions.
Keep the Golden Rule in mind when you’re at the mountain this week, and please do unto the mountain and others as you would like them to do unto you.
If you have questions, comments or a specific topic you would like to see covered over the ski season, email Tex at justin@wellsgroupdurango.com.
