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Why We Chose Purgatory Over Vail (And Never Looked Back)

Why We Chose Purgatory Over Vail (And Never Looked Back)

ByCraig Pretzinger
••5 min read
Purgatory vs Vailbest Colorado ski resortaffordable skiing ColoradoPurgatory Resort review

When we started looking at places to invest in vacation rental properties near a Colorado ski resort, we did our homework. Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Telluride — we looked at all the usual suspects. We ended up at Purgatory Resort near Durango, and we've never second-guessed it. Here's why.

The Value Proposition

Let's start with the most obvious factor: cost. Everything at Purgatory costs significantly less than the big-name I-70 resorts. Lift tickets, lodging, dining, gas, parking — all of it. A family of four can realistically do a full week at Purgatory for what they'd spend on three days at Vail. That's not an exaggeration.

For 2024-2025, Purgatory's walk-up lift ticket prices hover around $150-170 on peak days. Vail? Try $250+. Add in lodging — a comparable condo near Vail runs 2-3x what you'd pay in Durango. Multiply that across a week-long trip for a family, and the difference is staggering.

This value equation matters both as a property owner and as a guest. Our properties — Basecamp and Timberline — attract guests who appreciate quality without paying resort-village premiums. They're families, groups of friends, couples who want a real ski vacation without the financial stress.

The Mountain Itself

Purgatory has 1,605 acres of skiable terrain, 105 trails, and 11 lifts. It's not as massive as Vail's 5,300 acres, but it's plenty big enough for a full week without getting bored. The terrain is well-distributed across ability levels — 23% beginner, 51% intermediate, 26% advanced/expert. That balance works for mixed-ability groups.

The mountain is well-designed with logical flow. You don't get lost on confusing traverses or stuck on the wrong side of the mountain. The lift network makes sense. First-timers can navigate it without a trail map, and experts can find challenging terrain without hiking.

Purgatory's summit sits at 10,822 feet with a vertical drop of 2,029 feet. The base elevation of 8,793 feet means excellent snow quality without excessive altitude sickness for sea-level visitors. Average annual snowfall runs around 260 inches — less than some Colorado resorts, but snowmaking covers 270 acres to ensure consistent conditions.

Durango: A Real Town with Real Character

This might be the biggest differentiator. Durango is an actual town with a year-round population of about 19,000 people. It has a historic downtown, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (a National Historic Landmark operating since 1882), the Animas River running through town, and a thriving local culture that exists independent of tourism.

Downtown Durango has legitimate breweries like Steamworks Brewing Company (operating since 1996) and a food scene that serves locals, not just tourists. You'll find real coffee shops, independent bookstores, gear shops that aren't resort-branded, and restaurants that stay open year-round.

Compare that to Vail Village — a purpose-built resort town that feels more like an upscale mall than a community. It's beautiful and well-executed, but it lacks authenticity. Durango feels like a place where people actually live, work, and build lives. That matters when you're spending a week there.

The Vibe and the Culture

Purgatory is unpretentious. People show up in gear from five seasons ago, and nobody cares. Locals are genuinely welcoming. Lift lines are conversational. The base area doesn't feel exclusive or intimidating. It's a mountain where regular people ski.

At Vail, there's a performative element to the experience. Designer ski wear, expensive lodges, exclusive restaurants. It's impressive, but it can feel like you're supposed to be impressed. For some people, that's the appeal. For us, it's exhausting.

Purgatory attracts families, locals, serious skiers who prioritize the mountain over the scene, and people who want a quality experience without the pretense. That's the guest profile that books our properties, and it's exactly the vibe we want to support.

The San Juan Mountains: World-Class Setting

Purgatory sits in the San Juan Mountains, arguably the most scenic mountain range in Colorado. The jagged peaks, dramatic geology, and raw beauty rival anywhere in the Rockies. Durango is positioned perfectly for day trips to iconic destinations:

  • Silverton — 50 miles north, a historic mining town frozen in time
  • Ouray — the "Switzerland of America" with natural hot springs
  • Telluride — if you want big-resort skiing for a day
  • Mesa Verde National Park — ancient cliff dwellings, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) — one of America's most scenic drives

The location gives you access to a full week of varied experiences beyond just skiing. That diversity keeps guests engaged and coming back.

The Investment Math

From a pure investment standpoint, Purgatory made sense. Property prices were (and still are) a fraction of comparable ski-in/ski-out properties near major resorts. Cap rates are better. Occupancy has been strong because we offer quality at a price point that works for middle-income families, not just high earners.

Our two townhomes — Basecamp (sleeps 8) and Timberline (sleeps 6) — are right across from Purgatory Resort with ski-in/ski-out access via the free shuttle. They have hot tubs, full kitchens, EV chargers, and everything needed for a comfortable week. Guests get a premium experience without premium prices.

The Bottom Line

Big-name resorts are great if brand recognition matters to you. Purgatory is great if the actual skiing, the town, the value, and the experience matter more. We chose substance over status, and it's worked out exactly as we hoped.

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