New lifts, trails and improved snowmaking will be all on tap at Purgatory in coming years. After four years of review, the Forest Service recently approved a Durango Mountain Resort proposal to improve the local skiing experience.

Numerous upgrades are planned for the mountain, and skier and snowboarders will see some of the biggest changes to the resort since the master plan was last visited in 1979. Much of DMR’s focus will be on the Chair 8, or Legends Area, of the mountain. As a first move, the resort plans to upgrade the existing fixed-grip triple chair to a high-speed quad. In addition, the majority of new trails and the new gladed areas would be created at Purgatory’s western end, around Chair 8.

Other approved on-mountain improvements include:

• A fixed-triple upgrade for Chair 4

• The installation of the Gelande Lift for direct access to the mountain

• A Gelande Parking Lot expansion and new ticket office

• New gladed trails in the Legends Area

• New trails on the backside of the mountain for all levels

• A “subway” surface lift system improving access between Chairs 3, 5 and 8

• Expanded snowmaking on the frontside and new snowmaking capabilities on backside

The recent decision will also allow for summer and winter improvements on the east side of U.S. Hwy. 550. A new trailhead, summer and winter trails, parking and toilets will be built in the vicinity of the Durango Nordic Center. The improvements should enhance the experience for Nordic skiers and sleigh rides in the winter, and hikers and guided horseback riders in the summer.

– Will Sands