We live in the great state of Texas, so we do not see a lot of snow, especially during the Holiday season. This year we decided we wanted snow for Christmas and immediately knew where we wanted to go! We have been taking winter vacations since our kids were toddlers and have always loved Durango, Colorado! We have checked out other places over the years, but are always drawn back to the small town charm and gorgeous beauty of this destination. In today’s blog I will be sharing some of the highlights of the Ski Resort and the surrounding area.
We prefer to fly in to Albuquerque and make the three and half hour drive to Durango by car because the views are simply breath taking. (In addition to our love of the Albuquerque landscape). When driving in to Durango, you see the little town literally nestled down at the bottom of the mountains. You can see the entire town from the mountain as you are coming down. It’s a view that you just don’t forget. We always choose to rent a condo at the Purgatory Ski resort , which is located about a 30 minute drive up the other side of the mountain. We normally make two stops in town on our way through before heading up to the ski resort. We stop at the local Walmart (that’s right, there is one and only one!) to stock up on groceries for the condo! The next stop is at the ACE store to pick up a sled! We love having one for the evenings when the slopes close. The kids especially have a lot of fun racing them down the bunny slopes! (which are only feet away from the condo)
Now, on and up the mountain we go to the Purgatory Ski Resort. This resort is a little know gem! They have multiple lifts that run daily (they literally run everyday of the year there is snow!) We use Premier Vacation Rentals to book our condo and they do not disappoint! Our condo was beyond gorgeous! They think of every amenity from dishes, to toiletries, towels, and even fire wood! Below are some of the photos of the specific condo we rented.
The Ski Resort offers ski and snow board lessons for every level. You can get private one on one lessons or have lessons in a group setting. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and keep it fun. Our kids took private lessons here when they were toddlers and had such a good time! There is a special offer on their website currently for first time snow boarders or first time skiers that purchase a full day lift ticket, to get four hours of group lessons for free! What a great deal! The resort offers bunny slopes at the base of the mountain where the resort is located for those that like to take it easy. There are also lifts that take you all the way up the mountain where they offer runs for every level. Our kids started out on skis, but as they got older, switched to snowboarding. For those that enjoy snow boarding , there are several jumps, pipes, etc located at the base of the mountain that the kids and adults too, love to try their skills on!
Some of the other fun activities offered at the resort are the snow coaster, Inferno Mountain (newly added) and the snow tubes! Unlike some of the other, bigger resorts in Colorado, you do not have to reserve a time slot for the snow tubing! You can go and pay for the time and go as many times as you like! The new roller coaster is a blast!!! My son and I road it and I was literally laughing the whole way down out of pure enjoyment! I felt like a kid again! I would highly recommend it for everyone!
We can’t talk about the resort, without talking food! You will definitely need to refuel while having all this fun! There is a café/bar located at the base of the mountain, Purgy’s. They serve everything from burgers, to chicken strips , etc to keep you full while playing on the mountain. In addition, they have an outdoor bar that is perfect to grab a nice beverage and sit at the base of the mountain and just relax and watch for a spell. I highly recommend the bloody Mary’s! They really warm you right up!
You can also take the lift up, just to eat at the restaurant located up at the top of mountain, Dante’s. They offer stunning pasta and burgers among other delicious items to refuel you. In addition you get to enjoy the stunning views of the mountain while eating!
Nestled in the middle of the ski resort are multiple shops to buy souvenirs for your friends, loved ones, and co-workers! There are also a few more eateries, including the amazing Paradise Pizzeria! This is one of our favorite places to eat at the resort!
The other detail I wanted to mention was that we reserve our ski equipment before our trip at a place in town called “The Ski Barn“. We have been using them for 20 plus years and they are the best people! They are super friendly and literally work with you to decide on the best equipment and fit for your ability, comfort and needs. The link to the website is below:
There are live webcams on the website for the Ski Resort, so you can go check them out and get a look at the views of the slopes and the mountain! We have stayed on the property and we have also rented vacation homes off the property in the area, but in our experience it is just so much easier if you intend on skiing or snow boarding to rent a home on property. The lifts are all centrally located to the homes, condos and lodge so you don’t have far to go! In addition to the tons of other activities to enjoy at the resort, this is the best bang for your buck! In my next blog, I will go into further detail about the little town of Durango and all there is to see and do there!
I would love to hear about your favorite vacation spots, so please feel free to leave comments! Happy travels to you all and much love! xoxo – SheShe
