•2 min read
Why We Chose Purgatory Over Vail (And Never Looked Back)
We could have bought near Vail or Breck — here is why Purgatory was the better choice.
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Stories from the Mountain
Tips, stories, and insights about skiing, Durango, and mountain living from Purgatory Resort.
•2 min read
Valentine's Day 2026 in Durango: Mountain Date Ideas
Valentine's Day 2026 in Durango — ski together, soak together, and dine by mountain light.
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•2 min read
February at Purgatory: Deep Snow and Fewer Crowds
February might be the best month to ski Purgatory — deep snowpack and post-holiday quiet.
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•2 min read
Snowshoeing Near Purgatory: Three Trails to Try
Three great snowshoe trails near Purgatory for when you need a break from the slopes.
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•2 min read
Winter Road Trip to Durango: Routes, Chains, and Tips
Driving to Durango in winter requires preparation — here is how to handle the mountain roads.
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•2 min read
The Case for a Hot Tub After Skiing (Science Optional)
The post-skiing hot tub soak is not just indulgent — it might actually help your legs recover.
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•2 min read
Intermediate Skier's Guide to Purgatory
Purgatory's intermediate terrain is its best-kept secret — over half the mountain is blue runs.
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•2 min read
Snowdown 2026: Durango's Craziest Winter Festival
Snowdown 2026 is coming — Durango's beloved five-day winter festival returns in late January.
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•2 min read
January at Purgatory: Peak Season Skiing Tips
January is peak season at Purgatory — cold temps, deep snow, and the mountain at full capacity.
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•2 min read
New Year's Eve in Durango 2026: Where to Celebrate
Ring in 2026 in Durango — fireworks, live music, and mountain-town celebrations.
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•2 min read
Christmas at Purgatory 2025: Your Holiday Ski Vacation
Christmas 2025 at Purgatory is the mountain holiday your family deserves.
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•2 min read
Holiday Gift Guide: Durango-Made Gifts for Everyone
Skip Amazon — Durango's local shops have unique gifts that actually mean something.
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•2 min read
First Snow Report: Purgatory Gets Its White Coat
The first real snow of the 2025-2026 season has hit Purgatory — here is the report.
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•2 min read
Skip Black Friday: Go Skiing Instead
Forget the mall — Black Friday at Purgatory is the only shopping-free post-Thanksgiving move.
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•2 min read
Thanksgiving 2025 in Durango: Feast and Fresh Air
Thanksgiving 2025 in Durango means mountain air, great food, and possibly first turns at Purgatory.
Thanksgiving 2025 Durangoholiday DurangoNovember DurangoThanksgiving dining
•2 min read
Pre-Ski Season Fitness: Get Your Legs Ready for Purgatory
Start these exercises a few weeks before your ski trip to avoid day-two leg meltdown.
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•2 min read
Getting Ready for Winter in Durango: Trip Planning Guide
Planning a winter trip to Durango? Here is everything you need to know before you book.
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•2 min read
Halloween 2025 in Durango: Events and Costumes at Altitude
Halloween 2025 in Durango has trick-or-treating, costume parades, and mountain-town charm.
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•2 min read
The Perfect Fall Family Weekend in Durango
A fall weekend in Durango with kids is magical — golden aspens, hot springs, and cozy dinners.
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•2 min read
Purgatory Opening Day 2025: The Countdown Is On
Purgatory's 2025-2026 ski season is almost here — what to expect for opening day.
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•2 min read
Haunted Durango: Ghost Tours and Spooky History
Durango's Victorian-era buildings and mining history make it one of Colorado's spookiest towns.
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•2 min read
Durango Film Festival 2025: What to Watch
The 2025 Durango Film Festival brings independent cinema to the mountains — here is your guide.
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•2 min read
Ouray Hot Springs: The Perfect Fall Day Trip
Combine a fall color drive with a soak at Ouray Hot Springs for the perfect October day trip.
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•2 min read
Fall Mountain Biking in Durango: Best Season Best Trails
Fall is the best mountain biking season in Durango — perfect temps, dry trails, and golden aspens.
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•2 min read
Fall Foliage 2025: Peak Color Predictions for Durango
When and where to see peak fall colors near Durango in 2025 — timing tips and best drives.
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•2 min read
Labor Day Weekend Durango 2025: Summer's Final Bow
Labor Day 2025 in Durango wraps up summer with one last weekend of river fun and mountain adventure.
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•2 min read
End of Summer in Durango: Squeezing Out Every Last Drop
Late August and early September in Durango offer perfect weather and thinning crowds.
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•2 min read
Altitude Sickness in Durango: How to Adjust Quickly
Coming from sea level? Here is how to handle the altitude in Durango and Purgatory.
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•2 min read
The Million Dollar Highway in Summer: Stops You Shouldn't Skip
The Million Dollar Highway in summer is one of America's greatest drives — here are the must-stops.
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•2 min read
Family-Friendly Bike Trails in Durango
Durango has great bike trails for families — here are the easiest and most scenic rides.
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•2 min read
Best Sunset Spots in Durango and Purgatory
The sunsets in Durango and Purgatory are world-class — here are the best spots to watch them.
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•2 min read
Rainy Day in Durango? Here's What to Do
July and August thunderstorms are daily in Durango — here is how to make the most of a rainy afternoon.
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•2 min read
Serious Texas BBQ and Animas Brewing: Durango Comfort Food
Serious Texas BBQ and Animas Brewing are two Durango staples for comfort food and craft beer.
Serious Texas BBQAnimas BrewingDurango restaurantsDurango breweries
•2 min read
Horseback Riding Near Durango: Trail Ride Guide
Horseback riding through the San Juan Mountains near Durango is a classic Western experience.
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•2 min read
Music in the Mountains 2025: This Summer's Lineup
Music in the Mountains returns for 2025 — weeks of world-class performances in the San Juans.
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•2 min read
Fourth of July in Durango 2025: Your Holiday Weekend Guide
Fourth of July 2025 in Durango — parades, fireworks, and mountain-town patriotism at its best.
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•2 min read
Silverton Jeep Trails: An Off-Road Adventure from Durango
Silverton's jeep trails are legendary — here is how to experience them from Durango.
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•2 min read
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Near Durango: Lake Guide
The lakes near Durango are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding — calm water and mountain views.
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•2 min read
The Alpine Slide at Purgatory: Everything You Need to Know
The alpine slide at Purgatory is a summer highlight — fast, fun, and suitable for all ages.
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•2 min read
Oscar's Cafe and East by Southwest: Durango Brunch Battle
Oscar's Cafe and East by Southwest are two of Durango's best restaurants — here is how they compare.
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•2 min read
Best Playgrounds and Parks in Durango for Kids
Durango has great parks and playgrounds for kids — here are the best ones for families.
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•2 min read
What to Pack for Summer in Durango
Durango summers mean sunshine, thunderstorms, and big temperature swings — pack accordingly.
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•2 min read
Durango Farmers Market: Saturday Morning Done Right
The Durango Farmers Market is a Saturday morning institution — local produce, food, and community.
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•2 min read
White Water Rafting the Animas: Your Complete Guide
The Animas River offers world-class whitewater right through Durango — here is how to ride it.
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•2 min read
Memorial Day Weekend in Durango 2025
Memorial Day weekend in Durango 2025 means Iron Horse, river fun, and the start of summer.
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•2 min read
Best Coffee Shops in Durango for Remote Workers
Working remotely from Durango? Here are the best coffee shops with wifi and good vibes.
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•2 min read
Last Chance at the Ouray Ice Park: Late Season Climbing
The Ouray Ice Park is one of the coolest winter attractions near Durango — catch it before it melts.
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•2 min read
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown 2025: Your Weekend Guide
The 2025 Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is coming — here is how to plan your music weekend.
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•2 min read
Hiking Animas Mountain: Durango's Backyard Trail
Animas Mountain is Durango's go-to local hike — great views, easy access, and a solid workout.
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•2 min read
Mud Season in Durango: What Locals Actually Do
Mud season in Durango is the quiet shoulder period between ski and summer — here is why locals love it.
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•2 min read
Closing Day at Purgatory: How to Send Off Ski Season
Closing day at Purgatory is a celebration — costumes, pond skims, and one last run.
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•2 min read
March Skiing 2025: Why Late Season Rules at Purgatory
March 2025 at Purgatory means spring skiing at its finest — warm days, deep snow, thin crowds.
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•2 min read
Lemon Reservoir in Winter: Ice Fishing and Snowshoeing
Lemon Reservoir is a quiet winter escape near Durango for ice fishing and snowshoeing.
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•2 min read
How to Score a Powder Day at Purgatory
Powder days at Purgatory are pure magic — here is how to maximize your chances and your turns.
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•2 min read
EV Road Trip to Purgatory: Charging Stations and Route Tips
Driving an EV to Purgatory? Here is the charging infrastructure and route planning you need.
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•2 min read
Valentine's Day in Durango: Mountain Romance Done Right
Valentine's Day in Durango means mountain views, great restaurants, and hot tub stargazing.
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•2 min read
Skiing with Kids at Purgatory: Everything You Need to Know
Purgatory is one of the best family ski resorts in Colorado — here is how to plan a trip with kids.
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•2 min read
Cozy Winter Dining in Durango: Our Top Picks
Cold nights call for warm restaurants — here are Durango's coziest spots for winter dining.
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•2 min read
Does Purgatory Have Night Skiing? Your Evening Options
Purgatory does not offer night skiing, but there is plenty to do after the lifts stop spinning.
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•2 min read
Snowdown Is Coming: Durango's Wackiest Week
Snowdown is back — Durango's beloved winter festival brings costumes, competitions, and controlled chaos.
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•2 min read
Best Beginner Runs at Purgatory Resort
New to skiing? Here are the best beginner-friendly runs at Purgatory to build your confidence.
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•2 min read
Purgatory Terrain Guide: From Bunny Slopes to Double Blacks
A run-by-run breakdown of what Purgatory Resort has to offer every skill level.
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•2 min read
New Year's Eve in Durango: Ring It In Mountain Style
New Year's Eve in Durango is low-key and fun — mountain-style celebrations beat city chaos.
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•2 min read
Christmas Week at Purgatory: A Magical Time to Visit
Christmas week at Purgatory combines great skiing with genuine mountain-town holiday magic.
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•2 min read
Your Winter Packing List for a Purgatory Ski Trip
Everything you need to pack for a winter ski trip to Purgatory — and what to leave at home.
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•2 min read
Early Season Skiing at Purgatory: What to Expect
Purgatory's opening day is always exciting — here is what early season skiing looks like.
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•2 min read
Thanksgiving in Durango: Where to Eat and What to Do
Spending Thanksgiving in Durango? Here is where to eat and what to do over the holiday.
Thanksgiving Durangoholiday dining DurangoNovember DurangoDurango restaurants
•2 min read
Telluride Day Trip from Durango: Fall Edition
Telluride is a stunning day trip from Durango — fall makes it even more spectacular.
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•2 min read
Hot Springs Near Durango: Soaking After the Trail
After a day on the trails, nothing beats soaking in hot springs near Durango.
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•2 min read
Elk Season in Durango: Where to Watch the Rut
Fall elk season near Durango is spectacular — here is where and how to watch the rut safely.
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•2 min read
Halloween in Durango: Trick-or-Treating and Trunk-or-Treat
Halloween in Durango is family-friendly and festive — here is what to do with kids.
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•2 min read
What to Pack for Fall in Durango
Fall in Durango means big temperature swings — here is how to pack smart for the season.
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•2 min read
Chimney Rock National Monument: A Durango Day Trip
Chimney Rock National Monument is a fascinating archaeological site just 45 minutes from Durango.
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•2 min read
Durango Film Festival: A Weekend of Indie Cinema
The Durango Film Festival brings independent films and filmmakers to the mountains every October.
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•2 min read
Kennebec Pass: The Fall Drive Nobody Talks About
Kennebec Pass is a stunning fall drive near Durango that most visitors never discover.
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•2 min read
Hiking Engineer Mountain: Durango's Iconic Peak
Engineer Mountain is one of the most recognizable peaks near Durango — here is how to hike it.
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•2 min read
Fall Colors in Durango: When, Where, and How to See Them
Durango's fall colors are spectacular — here is when and where to catch peak foliage.
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•2 min read
Labor Day Weekend in Durango: Last Blast of Summer
Labor Day weekend in Durango is summer's last hurrah — here is how to make it count.
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•2 min read
Steamworks vs. Ore House: The Durango Dinner Debate
Steamworks or Ore House? Two of Durango's best restaurants go head to head.
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•2 min read
Vallecito Lake: Durango's Hidden Swimming Hole
Vallecito Lake is a gorgeous mountain lake just 30 minutes from Durango — perfect for a summer day.
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•2 min read
Durango with Toddlers: Yes, It's Totally Doable
Bringing toddlers to Durango? It is easier than you think — here are the best activities for little ones.
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•2 min read
Fly Fishing the Animas River: A Beginner's Guide
The Animas River is a gold-medal trout fishery running right through Durango — here is how to fish it.
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•2 min read
Purgatory Flats Trail: The Easiest Epic Hike Near the Resort
Purgatory Flats Trail is an easy creekside hike right by the resort — perfect for families.
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•2 min read
Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a bucket-list ride through the San Juan Mountains.
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•2 min read
Mesa Verde Day Trip from Durango: A Complete Guide
Mesa Verde National Park is just an hour from Durango — here is how to make the most of a day trip.
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•2 min read
Day Hiking the Colorado Trail from Molas Pass
The Colorado Trail segment from Molas Pass is one of the best day hikes in the entire state.
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•2 min read
Music in the Mountains: Durango's Summer Concert Series
Music in the Mountains brings world-class classical and contemporary performances to Durango all summer.
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•2 min read
Fourth of July in Durango: Fireworks, Parades, and Mountains
Durango goes all out for the Fourth of July — fireworks over the mountains are worth the trip alone.
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•2 min read
The Durango Brewery Trail: A Pint-by-Pint Guide
Durango has more breweries per capita than most Colorado towns — here is how to hit them all.
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•2 min read
Mountain Biking at Purgatory: Trails for Every Level
Purgatory's lift-served bike park has trails for beginners to experts — here is the breakdown.
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•2 min read
The Durango Summer Bucket List: 15 Things You Can't Miss
Fifteen must-do summer experiences in Durango from river floats to alpine sunsets.
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•2 min read
Summer Is Coming: What Opens at Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort is not just for winter — here is what opens when the snow melts.
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•2 min read
Zia Taqueria and Ska Brewing: A Durango Power Combo
Zia Taqueria and Ska Brewing are two Durango staples that pair perfectly together.
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•2 min read
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic: Durango's Legendary Race
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is Durango's legendary Memorial Day race — bikes vs. train.
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•2 min read
The Animas River Wakes Up: Spring in Durango
The Animas River comes alive in spring — here is what is happening on the water in Durango.
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•2 min read
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown: Tunes and Trails
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown brings world-class pickers to the mountains every April.
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•2 min read
How the Free Purgatory Shuttle Actually Works
The free Purgatory shuttle takes the stress out of parking — here is exactly how to use it.
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•2 min read
What to Pack for Spring Skiing in Colorado
Spring skiing at Purgatory means sunshine and storms — here is what to pack for both.
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•2 min read
Spring Break at Purgatory: Your Family Game Plan
Purgatory is a laid-back, affordable spring break pick for families who want to ski without the chaos.
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•2 min read
Driving the Million Dollar Highway in Spring
Spring is the perfect time to drive the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray.
Million Dollar Highwayroad trips from DurangoOurayColorado scenic drives
•2 min read
The Ultimate Durango Après-Ski Food Crawl
The best places to eat in Durango after a day on the mountain at Purgatory.
Durango restaurantsaprès-skiDurango diningPurgatory food
•2 min read
Snowshoeing Hermosa Creek Trail: A Winter Wonderland
Hermosa Creek is one of the best snowshoe trails near Durango — peaceful, scenic, and uncrowded.
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•2 min read
Snowdown Festival: Durango's Wildest Winter Party
Snowdown is Durango's wildest winter festival — five days of costumes, competitions, and chaos.
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•2 min read
Welcome to Purgatory: Your Ultimate Mountain Getaway
Discover why Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado is the perfect destination for your next ski vacation. From world-class slopes to charming mountain town vibes, we've got everything you need.
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•2 min read
Spring Skiing at Purgatory: Why March Is the Sweet Spot
March is the best-kept secret for skiing Purgatory — here is why locals love it.
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