Purgatory Terrain Guide: From Bunny Slopes to Double Blacks
Purgatory Resort covers 1,600 acres with over 100 runs served by 8 lifts. The terrain breakdown is roughly 23% beginner, 51% intermediate, and 26% advanced/expert. Here's what that actually means on the ground.
Beginner Terrain
Purgatory's beginner area near the base is well-designed and separate from faster traffic. The bunny slopes are wide and gentle, and the beginner chair serves longer green runs that let new skiers build confidence without feeling rushed.
Intermediate Terrain
This is where Purgatory shines. The mountain is loaded with long, groomed blue runs that let you carve turns and build speed without worrying about cliffs or mogul fields. The intermediate terrain spans multiple pods across the mountain, so you can explore different aspects and never ski the same run twice in a day.
Advanced Terrain
The upper mountain and the trees are where experts play. Purgatory has legitimate steep terrain, glades, and a few runs that'll make you earn your turns. The Hades area and the runs off the top of Lift 8 offer sustained steeps and challenging conditions.
The Trees
Purgatory's tree skiing is underrated. When it snows, the glades between runs hold powder long after the groomed runs get tracked out. If you're comfortable in trees, there's a lot of terrain to discover.
The Layout
The mountain flows well from top to bottom, and you can access most of it without long traverses or confusing connections. It's a well-designed mountain that doesn't require a sherpa to navigate.
Our townhome Timberline is right across from Purgatory — three bedrooms, a hot tub, a fireplace, and 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.