Intermediate Skier's Guide to Purgatory
If you're an intermediate skier, Purgatory might be the best mountain in Colorado for you. Over 51% of the terrain is rated intermediate, and the quality of those runs is excellent.
Why Purgatory Works for Intermediates
The blue runs here are long, well-groomed, and varied. You won't get bored skiing the same three blues all day — there are enough intermediate runs across different aspects of the mountain to explore for a full week without repeating.
The pitch is consistent and confidence-building. You can carry speed, practice carving, and work on technique without worrying about sudden steeps or unexpected terrain changes.
Progression Runs
Start your day on the wider, mellower blues near the base to warm up. As your confidence builds, work toward the steeper blues higher on the mountain. By mid-afternoon, you might find yourself eyeing an easy black.
Taking the Next Step
Ready to push into advanced terrain? The transition from blue to easy black at Purgatory is gradual. Several runs marked black are barely more aggressive than steep blues. Bumps (moguls) build on some runs naturally — hitting a few mogul turns on a run you know well is a great way to develop advanced skills.
Lessons
Even experienced intermediates benefit from a lesson. A half-day with an instructor can identify specific technique improvements that accelerate your progression. Purgatory's instructors are skilled at coaching intermediates through the plateau.
Our townhome Basecamp sleeps eight, has a hot tub and pool table, and is right across from the resort with a free shuttle to the lift.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatory.pretzinger.com
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.