Summer at Purgatory Resort: What Opens When the Snow Melts
Most people think of Purgatory Resort as a ski destination. And it is — 1,600 acres of terrain and an average of 260 inches of snowfall per year make it one of the best ski resorts in southwest Colorado. But when the snow melts, the resort transforms into a summer playground worth a trip on its own.
Here's what opens at Purgatory in the summer months (typically late May through early September).
Inferno Mountain Coaster
This is the headline attraction. The Inferno Mountain Coaster is a 3,800-foot-long track winding down the mountain through the trees. You sit in a wheeled cart with a hand brake that lets you control your speed — go as fast or as slow as you want.
Kids love it. Adults love it more than they'll admit.
It's open to riders as young as 3 (with an adult), and single riders need to be at least 54 inches tall. The track has banked turns, dips, and straightaways where you can really pick up speed if you let off the brake. Or take it slow and enjoy the forest views.
This is the kind of activity that's worth doing twice — once to figure out the track, and once to go full speed.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
Purgatory runs its six-person chairlift in summer for sightseers and hikers. Ride up to 10,000+ feet for panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, the Needle Range, and the Animas Valley below. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
The ride takes about 15 minutes each way. At the top, you can ride back down or hike one of the resort's trails. The views from the summit are worth the ticket price alone — especially in late summer when wildflowers blanket the high country.
The chairlift is open to all ages (minimum age 3 with an adult). Bring a light jacket even in July — it's noticeably cooler at the top.
Mountain Biking
Purgatory's bike park opens in summer with lift-served downhill trails for all levels. Beginners can take mellow, flowy trails through the trees. Intermediate and advanced riders have access to jump lines, technical rock sections, and steep descents.
If you didn't bring your own bike, the resort has rentals available at the base — full-suspension mountain bikes, helmets, and pads. The rental staff will help you pick the right bike and point you toward trails that match your skill level.
Lift-served biking is a game-changer if you've never tried it. You get all the fun of the descent without grinding uphill for an hour first.
Hiking
Several trails start from the Purgatory base area, and the scenic chairlift gives you access to higher elevation trails without the uphill slog.
Purgatory Flats Trail is an easy, beautiful walk along Hermosa Creek — perfect for families or anyone looking for a mellow morning hike. The trail is mostly flat, shaded by aspens and pines, and offers great spots to sit by the creek.
More ambitious hikers can access higher trails from the top of the chairlift, including routes that lead into the Weminuche Wilderness. Check with the resort for trail maps and current conditions.
Base Area Activities
The resort also offers a handful of other activities at the base:
- Mini golf — 18-hole course, perfect for kids or a low-key afternoon
- Bungee trampoline — strap in and bounce 20 feet in the air
- Climbing wall — about 25 feet tall, good for kids and beginners
- Disc golf — free course on the mountain
These activities aren't going to change your life, but they're fun add-ons if you've got kids or you want to fill a full day without driving anywhere.
Practical Info
Season: Late May through early September (check the resort website for exact dates — they vary by year based on snowpack and weather).
Tickets: You can buy individual activity tickets or combo passes. The combo passes save money if you're doing multiple activities.
Food: The base area has a few casual dining options — burgers, sandwiches, pizza. Nothing fancy, but convenient if you're spending the day at the resort.
Parking: Free parking at the base area. It fills up on weekends in July and August, so arrive early (before 10 AM) if you can.
Why Summer at Purgatory Matters
Purgatory in summer is underrated. Most tourists stick to downtown Durango or drive up to Silverton, which means the resort is quieter than you'd expect. You get the mountain experience — views, activities, thin air — without the crowds.
If you're staying at the resort (like at our townhomes Basecamp or Timberline), you can walk out your door and be on the Inferno Mountain Coaster or the chairlift within minutes. After a morning of activities, walk back for lunch, then hit the hot tub or explore more trails in the afternoon.
It's a full day of fun without getting in the car.
Where to Stay
Both of our Purgatory townhomes — Basecamp (110 Door2Lift, sleeps 8, hot tub, pool table) and Timberline (122 Ski Home, sleeps 6, hot tub, fireplace) — are right across from the resort with free shuttle access. Full kitchens, washer/dryer, EV chargers, and mountain views. You're close enough to walk to the resort in about 5 minutes.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatoryunlocked.com.
Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.
