FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 24, 2013
For more information contact:
Kim Oyler, director of communications
(970) 385-2131 koyler@durangomountain.com
What’s New for Durango Mountain Resort in 2013/2014!
DURANGO, Colo. – Durango Mountain Resort is already gearing up for winter and continues to elevate the experience of guests at the resort both on and off the slopes.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is adding more snowmaking equipment to the frontside of the mountain to improve its ability to provide top-to-bottom skiing from the Purgatory Village Express, six-person high-speed chairlift, even if Mother Nature is stingy with natural snowfall early in the season. Purgatory is adding 16 new energy-efficient snowmaking tower guns along with a state-of-the-art, high-output fan gun and two new snowcat grooming machines, making the mountain operations team more efficient during the early season and establishing a solid base to last throughout the entire ski season.
Also new this year, the Durango Dog Ranch will offer dog sledding from Durango Mountain Resort’s base, providing another way to enjoy the winter wonderland. Get whisked through the forest on the Old Flume Trail by Siberian and Alaskan huskies and view stunning scenery of the snowy Rocky Mountains while encountering camaraderie with these dedicated canines. These hour-long dog sled adventures provide a personalized hands-on experience which includes harnessing the dogs and interacting with them, as well as plenty of photo opportunities. The terrain is perfect for all ages with breathtaking views of Engineer Mountain and the Needles Mountains.
Paradise Pizzeria and Ice Creamery will debut in Purgatory Village Plaza this winter in the former Creekside Italian Kitchen location, providing guests with delicious lunch and dinner options and locally-produced artisan ice cream. The recently renovated restaurant features a full-service bar and a new menu of freshly baked pizzas, calzones, hot sandwiches, fresh salads, kids’ meals, scrumptious ice cream and desserts. With a family-friendly atmosphere that includes a play corner for kids, Paradise showcases ski movies and sporting events on the big screen.
While the San Juan Ski Company is now under new ownership and a new name: San Juan Untracked, headquartered at Durango Mountain Resort, will continue to provide an epic experience as Colorado’s largest cat skiing and snowboarding operation, offering new packages and elevating guests’ experiences. With 35,000 acres of pristine terrain from rolling glades to wide open bowls, cliffs and chutes, along with abundant snowfall, San Juan Untracked offers an exceptional backcountry experience to skiers and riders of all abilities through daily guided trips departing from the base of Durango Mountain Resort.
New and enhanced events are happening this winter at Durango Mountain Resort! New to the annual Winterfest celebration, January 18-19, 2014, is the US Airbag Demo, which gives skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to experience big air with a soft landing. Beginners and seasoned athletes will have confidence to try a new trick off a 14 foot kicker while landing on a giant 50 square foot inflated airbag. The annual Winterfest event celebrates winter activities at Durango Mountain Resort, allowing all ages to try ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and more at a very low cost.
Other on-mountain enhancements include rebuilt lift houses and improvements to the Purgatory Village Express lift ramp that will assist skiers and riders when loading, especially during busy time periods. A new deck is being installed at the Powderhouse on-mountain restaurant and bar, which provides the quintessential outdoor winter mountain experience for those taking advantage of Colorado’s ample blue skies and sunshine. New top-of-the-line Burton and Venture Snowboard demos are available at Expert Edge, providing snowboarders with state-of-the-art equipment and the chance to try before you buy. Expert Edge is a slopeside demo, retail and full service shop, also carrying the latest in men’s & women’s skis from Dynastar, K2, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon & Volkl available for demo and purchase as well as boots, bindings, poles, goggles and ski luggage. Custom boot fitting is available for Lange, Nordica & Salomon. This full-service shop has trained technicians to tune skis and snowboards and offers convenient overnight tuning.
New this season, Guest Services moved its facility to the front of the Village Plaza area, which provides easier access for visitors as they approach Purgatory Village Plaza from the parking lots. DMR’s friendly Guest Services staff helps visitors make the most out of their trip. New this year, Guest Services will provide a complimentary ski corral to guests who wish to unload their car in the arrival court before they park.
Book a Lodging and Lift Ticket Package at Purgatory and Save!
New this year, Durango Mountain Resort is providing convenient ways to book your ski vacation while saving you money! Simply go online to www.SkiPurg.com and book your lodging and lift tickets, make reservations for Ski & Ride School, ski and snowboard rentals and more winter activities. With just a click of a button, book your next ski vacation online starting on October 28, 2013.
Rocky Mountain Stay & Ski Getaway at Durango Mountain Resort
Escape to the scenic Colorado Rocky Mountains for only $94 per person/per night* with the Rocky Mountain Getaway! Package includes 2 days of lift tickets and 2 nights lodging at Durango Mountain Resort. Plan your winter ski getaway by calling 800-525-0892 and make your reservations today!
*Some restrictions apply. Taxes and fees not included. Not valid 12/26/13 - 1/4/14 and 3/7/14 - 3/15/14.
Kids Ski Free
Create this winter’s family memories with the Kids Ski Free package. Enjoy four nights lodging, four days lift tickets for mom and dad, and get the kids’ lift tickets for FREE, starting at $229 per family/per night.* Call 800-525-0892 for your Kids Ski Free package today!
*Some restrictions apply. Taxes and fees not included. Not valid 12/26/13 – 1/4/14 and 3/7/14 -- 3/15/14.
Important dates and events:
November 29 Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort Opening Day
December 14 & 15 Demo Fest at Durango Mountain Resort
December 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks & Torchlight Parade at Durango Mountain Resort
December 31 Purgy’s New Year’s Eve Bash with Live Music by West Water Outlaws
January 18 & 19 Winterfest Celebration at Durango Mountain Resort
January 24-26 SheRide Snowboard Camp at Durango Mountain Resort
January 29-February 2 Snowdown – Durango, Colorado’s Winter Festival
February 4 Mardi Gras Celebration at 9,000 feet - Durango Mountain Resort
March 14 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Durango Mountain Resort
March 30 Season Celebration - Party at Purgatory
For more information on what’s new at Durango Mountain Resort, log on to www.skipurg.com.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was named as the best value ski spot by TripAdvisor for 2012/2013 and is recognized as a top family-friendly resort. National Geographic recognized Durango as a “Top 10 Emerging Ski Town in North America.” Purgatory provides snow enthusiasts many ways to enjoy the winter wonderland with 88 trails, five terrain parks and 1,360 skiable acres. With 10 chairlifts and rarely any lines, it’s simple to zip around the mountain and enjoy the spectacular scenery amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains. Other winter fun activities include snow tubing, dog sledding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowbiking, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and more! For more information or to book a vacation, call 800-525-0892, visit www.skipurg.com, or follow us on www.facebook.com/skipurg, www.twitter.com/skipurg and www.instagram.com/skipurg.
