This Southwest Colorado Mountain Is Opening 40 Steep Acres This Winter
Purgatory debuts the Colorado Couloir lift with about 40 acres of advanced and expert terrain, aiming for a Nov. 20, 2026 opening.
Purgatory Resort is putting a new steep-terrain lift into service for 2026-27, and the acreage is the detail destination skiers have been waiting on. The Colorado Couloir lift debuts this winter with roughly 40 acres of new advanced and expert skiing: five new trails, extensive gladed tree skiing, and two connector routes that fold the zone into the main mountain. CEO Dave Rathbun framed the project as a Southwest Colorado answer to a strengthening El Niño winter, with more reasons to plan Durango days before the crowds chase bigger nameplates.
The lift also changes morning circulation. From the Gelande parking area, skiers will be able to ride directly to the upper mountain and backside terrain, cutting the shuttle transfer that used to start a Gelande day. Purgatory is also adding 13 acres of new snowmaking on Divinity Trail from the top of Twilight Chair (Lift 4) to its mid-station, aimed at earlier beginner connectivity when natural snow is late. The resort is targeting a Friday, November 20, 2026 opening, weather permitting.
Affordable tickets and the Power Pass lane
Purgatory says lift tickets will price below $50 on 95 days of the 2026-27 season, about 70 percent of planned operating days, with select $9 ticket dates and advance-purchase tickets that include $10 in Purgatory Cash. Children 12 and under ski free all season on the Power Kids Pass with no blackout dates. For multi-mountain shoppers, Purgatory sits on the Power Pass, which also ties into partner days at hills like Loveland. That network math matters more than a single Durango weekend when you are already comparing Southwest independents against Epic or Ikon circuits.
Advanced and expert skiers get the clearest win: new steep acreage in one of Purgatory's steepest sectors without needing a helicopter or a hike-only gate. Pair that with cheaper midweek tickets and nonstop air chatter from markets like Houston, and the mountain is pitching itself as a Southwest value destination rather than a pass afterthought. Soft close: start with the Purgatory encyclopedia page for terrain and lodging notes, then weigh Power Pass unlimited access if Durango is becoming a home-mountain habit.
Source: Purgatory Colorado Couloir lift coverage via Snow-Forecast.