Closing Day at Purgatory: How to Send Off Ski Season

Closing day at Purgatory is part ski day, part costume party, part farewell ceremony. It's the mountain's way of saying goodbye to winter, and everyone shows up to send it off properly. If you've never experienced closing day at a ski resort, you're missing out on one of the most fun traditions in skiing culture.

When Closing Day Happens

Purgatory's closing day typically falls in mid-April, though the exact date varies year to year based on snowfall and conditions. For the 2024-2025 season, Purgatory closed daily operations on April 13, 2025, with select weekend operations extending through late April. The resort announces closing dates well in advance on their events calendar, so you can plan accordingly.

Spring skiing in the San Juan Mountains is often excellent — warm temperatures, blue skies, and soft corn snow that's forgiving and fun. Closing day weather is usually in the 40s to 50s at the base, which means t-shirts and sunglasses are standard gear.

What Happens on Closing Day

The highlight of closing day is the pond skim — a man-made pond set up at the base of the mountain that skiers and snowboarders attempt to cross at full speed. The physics are simple: enough speed and you glide across the surface. Not enough speed and you crash spectacularly into cold water in front of a cheering crowd.

Some people make it. Most don't. The crowd loves every spectacular crash, and nobody is embarrassed about failing — the wipeouts are half the fun. If you're brave enough to sign up for the pond skim, bring a change of clothes and expect to get soaked.

Costumes are encouraged. You'll see everything from banana suits to full tuxedos to creative group themes. Nobody is skiing in normal gear on closing day. The parking lot looks like Comic-Con meets the slopes. Past years have featured pirates, dinosaurs, inflatable T-Rexes, and entire groups dressed as characters from movies or TV shows. The more ridiculous, the better.

The Skiing Itself

The skiing on closing day is usually excellent. Late March or early April snow is soft and forgiving — what skiers call "corn snow" — and the festive atmosphere makes every run feel celebratory. The mountain typically has full or near-full terrain open, though icy patches in the shade and soft slush in the sun mean conditions vary by aspect and time of day.

Early morning runs are firm and fast. By noon, the snow softens into buttery corn that's perfect for carving. By mid-afternoon, some lower runs can get slushy and sticky, but nobody cares. You're not here for perfect conditions — you're here to soak in one last day of the season with the community.

The Aftermath: Music, Food, and Community

After the lifts stop spinning, the base area transforms into a full-on party. Purgatory's Spring Fling Festival typically runs through closing day weekend with live music, beer and food specials, and a general atmosphere of celebration. It's a community gathering — locals, regulars, and visitors all mixing together for one last mountain moment.

This is when the real vibe of closing day sets in. People swap stories from the season, talk about their favorite powder days, and make tentative plans for next winter. There's a bittersweet edge to it — skiing is over for the season — but mostly it's just gratitude and joy.

Tips for Making the Most of Closing Day

Get there early. Parking fills up fast on closing day, and you want to be there for the full experience. Arriving by 8:30am gives you time to find parking, grab a coffee, and soak in the atmosphere before the lifts start spinning.

Bring a costume or something ridiculous to wear. You don't need a full outfit — even a funny hat or bright sunglasses counts. The point is to not look like a regular ski day. Go wild.

Check Purgatory's website for the exact closing date. It varies year to year based on conditions. Sign up for the resort's email list or follow them on social media for announcements.

Take that one last run slowly. Soak it in. Look around at the peaks, feel the sun on your face, and appreciate the fact that you're skiing in April in Colorado. There's something special about closing day that makes even a routine run feel meaningful.

Stick around for the after-party. The base area is where the real magic happens once the lifts close. Grab a beer, listen to the band, watch the pond skim highlights on the big screen, and just hang out with people who love skiing as much as you do.

Where to Stay for Closing Day

If you're planning a trip for closing day, book early — lodging near Purgatory fills up for the final weekend of the season. Our townhome Timberline is right across from Purgatory — three bedrooms, a hot tub, a fireplace, and a free shuttle to the lift. After a long day celebrating the end of ski season, that hot tub hits different.

Both Timberline and our other property Basecamp (which sleeps eight and has a pool table) offer ski-in/ski-out convenience, full kitchens, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Check availability at purgatoryunlocked.com.

Why Closing Day Matters

Closing day is one of those traditions that reminds you why skiing is more than just a sport — it's a culture, a community, and a way of life for the people who care about it. It's a chance to celebrate a season well-spent, to send off winter properly, and to mark the transition to summer adventures in the mountains.

Whether you made it out twice or fifty times this season, closing day is for you. Show up, wear something ridiculous, take a few runs, and soak in the vibe. Ski season will be back before you know it.

Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.