photos by David Halterman

After 32 years and one of the best seasons in recent memory, Purgys sang its swan song on Sunday to the tune of hundreds of sun-starved partygoers. In bidding farewell to the resorts most recognizable landmark, wellwishers sported some of Durangos finest retro fashion while downing Bloody Marys and PBR tall-boys. In between runs, the crowd was kept moving to the music of Purgys mainstays the Hounds of Purg. Of course, no season finale would be complete without a ceremonial bonfire, to show thanks to the snow gods and take care of some excess wood pallets. The blaze was only dampened slightly by the late afternoon snowball onslaught, and even though the flame at Purgys has gone out, it will live on in the hearts of local ski bums forever.