Total Area 1,200 acres Annual Snowfall 260 inches 1 high-speed quad, 4 triples, 4 doubles Lifts

This friendly resort in southwestern Colorado is a charmer with a reputation for the mildest, sunniest weather — but still good snow. The beguiling terrain ranges from a separate beginner area to mogul-dotted steeps. Purgatory's Total Ticket can be used for a day of Alpine or cross-country skiing, a snowmobile tour, hot springs visit, ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, dinner sleighride or casino tour. As an option to staying and apres-skiing right at the resort, the delightful town of Durango offers economical lodging and plenty of dining and nightlife. Mountain TranSport, a fleet of new buses, connects town and resort.

Where: 25 miles north of Durango, on U.S. 550.

What's There: 2,029-foot vertical drop, 75 trails, 1,200 acres, one high-speed quad chairlift, four triples, four doubles, snowboard park.

What's New: Backcountry snowcat skiing and snowboarding have arrived at Purgatory. Full-day guided trips are available for strong, advanced skiers and riders six days a week. Reservations are required. Purgatory now rents snowbikes, which resemble bicycles but with skis rather than wheels, for easy-to-learn downhill riding.

Season: End of November to Mid-April.

Snowboarding: Terrain park. Clinics are available.

Terrain: Beginner 23%, Intermediate 46%, Advanced/Expert 31%.

Average Annual Snowfall: Purgatory receives approximately 260 inches of snow per season.

Ski School: The ski school offers First Things First skiing and snowboarding lessons for beginners for $20. Ride, Slide, and Glide includes three half-hour lessons in skiing, snowboarding, or snow biking. The ski school offers a variety of lessons for skiers and riders of all levels. There are group and private lessons, full day and half day, plus many, many more. This resort offers handicap ski school lessons through the Adaptive Sports Association.

Mountain Contact: Purgatory, tel. (800) 525-0892.

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