Purgatory Resort Altitude: Ski Durango & Avoid Altitude Sickness

Purgatory ski resort, located in Durango, Colorado, boasts a base elevation of 8,793 feet and a summit elevation of 10,822 feet. Purgatory Colorado is known for its ski resort, which offers a variety of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. The resort boasts 1,605 acres of skiable terrain with 105 runs. However, due to its high altitude, visitors should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions to prevent it. 

What altitude is Purgatory ski resort? (10,822 feet, 3,299 meters)

Purgatory ski resort is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, USA, and has a base elevation of 8,793 feet (2,680 meters) and a summit elevation of 10,822 feet (3,299 meters).

What is the vertical drop of Purgatory ski resort?

The vertical drop of Purgatory ski resort is 2,029 feet (618 meters).

How high above sea level elevation is Durango Colorado?

The town of Durango, Colorado has an elevation of 6,512 feet (1,985 meters) above sea level.

Is Durango high altitude?

Yes, Durango is considered a high altitude city. It sits at an elevation of 6,512 feet (1,986 meters) above sea level.

Do people get altitude sickness in Purgatory?

Yes, people can get altitude sickness in Purgatory as it is located at an elevation of 8,793 feet (2,680 meters) above sea level. However, the risk of developing altitude sickness depends on individual factors such as age, health status, and previous altitude exposure. It is recommended to acclimate properly by gradually ascending to higher elevations and staying hydrated to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when you travel to high-altitude places. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue or weakness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath with exertion. In severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) or cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), which can be life-threatening. It’s important to take precautions when traveling to high-altitude places and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

How long does it take to adjust to altitude in Colorado?

The length of time it takes to adjust to altitude in Colorado can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes 1-3 days for the body to adjust to an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level. However, for altitudes higher than this, such as popular ski resorts like Breckenridge or Vail, which are over 9,000 feet (2,743 meters), it may take several days or even a week for the body to fully acclimate. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion during this adjustment period to prevent altitude sickness.

How to prevent altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can be prevented by following these measures:

1. Gradual acclimatization: It is recommended to gradually ascend to higher altitudes and allow your body time to adapt to the change in altitude.

2. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

3. Proper nutrition: Eat a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle repair, and fats for warmth.

4. Avoid overexertion: Allow your body time to rest and adjust during the first few days at higher altitudes.

5. Medication: Some medications, such as Diamox (Acetazolamide), can help prevent altitude sickness but should only be taken under medical supervision.

6. Oxygen therapy: In severe cases of altitude sickness, oxygen therapy may be necessary to alleviate symptoms.

It’s important to remember that altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or physical fitness level, so it’s essential to take precautions when traveling to high-altitude destinations.

How hard is Purgatory to ski?

Purgatory ski resort has a range of difficulty levels for skiing, with 23% of its trails being easy and 77% being more difficult. Therefore, Purgatory may be challenging for some skiers, particularly those less experienced or not accustomed to skiing in more difficult terrain. However, the resort is also beginner-friendly, so there are plenty of easier runs available for those who need them. Ultimately, the level of difficulty at Purgatory will depend on the individual skier’s skill level and experience.

What is the longest run at Purgatory?

The longest run at Purgatory Resort is the “El Diablo” which is 1.3 miles long (2.1 km) and has an elevation change of 1,700 feet.

How much snow does Purgatory get a year? (260 inches annual snowfall)

Purgatory Resort, located in Durango, Colorado, receives an average of 260 inches (660 cm) of annual snowfall.

Where is Purgatory ski resort?

Purgatory ski resort is located in the San Juan Mountains and is 25 miles north of downtown Durango, Colorado.

Why is Durango called Purgatory? (Town of Durango)

Durango is called Purgatory because of the ski resort located near the historic town of Durango. The resort was originally named “Purgatory Ski Area” when it opened in 1965. The Purgatory Ski Area was renamed Durango Mountain Resort in 2000, but the name was changed back to Purgatory in 2015.

The name “Purgatory” was inspired by the rugged and isolated location of the resort, which was seen as a kind of Purgatory for skiers seeking an intense and challenging experience. Over time, the name became associated with both the ski resort and the surrounding area, and today Durango is often referred to as “Purgatory” by locals and visitors alike.

Purgatory ski resort lift tickets

Lift tickets for the Purgatory ski resort can be purchased at the mountain ticket office or online through their website. Prices for lift tickets are $70 for Juniors aged 13-17, $89 for Adults aged 18-64, and $75 for Seniors aged 65+. Kids aged 12 and under always ski for free at Purgatory ski resort. Additionally, season passes are available for $525 for those aged 13-18, $625 for those aged 19-24, $899 for adults aged 25-64, and $675 for Seniors aged 65+.

Purgatory ski hours

The lifts at Purgatory ski resort are open from 9 am-4 pm.

Purgatory ski resort weather

To find the current weather conditions for Purgatory ski resort, you can visit their official website or download their mobile app. You can also check online weather websites and apps such as Weather.com, Accuweather.com, or Weather Underground, which will provide you with real-time updates on temperature, wind speed, snowfall, and other weather-related information at the ski resort. Additionally, you can call the resort’s main office or consult with a local tourism agency to inquire about current weather conditions in the area.

Purgatory lodging

There are a range of lodging options at Purgatory ski resort, including hotels, condos, townhomes, and vacation rentals. The resort offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Some popular lodging options include the Purgatory Lodge, the Cascade Village Condos, and the Durango Mountain Resort. Additionally, several off-site lodging options are available in nearby towns, such as Durango and Silverton.

Purgatory Ski Area statistics

Purgatory Ski Area is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, about 26 miles north of Durango. The resort offers 1,605 acres of skiable terrain with 101 trails and 7 terrain parks. The resort features a variety of runs, including 23% beginner runs, 35% intermediate runs, 30% advanced runs, and 12% expert runs.

Purgatory has a total of 11 lifts with one high-speed sixes, two high-speed quads, three triple chairs, three double chairs, and two surface lifts. The resort’s elevation ranges from a summit height of 10,822 ft to a base height of 8,793 ft resulting in a vertical drop of approximately 2,029 ft. Purgatory has an average annual snowfall of around 260 inches and can make snow on approximately 250 acres if needed.

The projected opening date for the upcoming season is November 18th, with a projected closing date of May 14th after being open for an estimated 137 days. Last year the resort was open for approximately 130 days. Purgatory Ski Area has been in operation for over 58 years.

What ski resorts are best for altitude sickness?

If you are prone to altitude sickness, ski resorts with lower altitudes are generally better. Some of the best ski resorts for altitude sickness include Stevens Pass, Schweitzer, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Mission Ridge, and Crystal Mountain. These resorts have base elevations below 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) and offer an enjoyable skiing experience without the risk of altitude sickness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while altitude sickness is possible at Purgatory ski resort due to its high elevations, it is not a common occurrence with proper planning and precautions. Remember always to prioritize your health during your visit by drinking lots of water and taking breaks as needed. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Purgatory ski resort!