Hi - It's me, James, your humble web guy at Purgatory. This is where I will tell you about all kinds of fun things, cool pictures (I think...I take them) and trivia...and sometimes I ramble. If you see me out on the mountain, be sure to say hi and since I will probably have a camera with me, feel free to pose!
Usually what I put in here is also what I send to the news stations and to all my coworkers at Purgatory. If you are one of those that would also like to receive these photos via email in the morning, give me a shout and I'll put you on the list (jbunten@durangomountain.com or 970.385.2115). Keep in mind that the photos I send out are 1920 x 1080...perfect for screen savers (and news stations). I decided to start putting all the images in our photo gallery. Go to http://www.durangomountainresort.com/index.cfm/fa/PhotoGallery.home&galleryID=6 for to view them.
Monday & Tuesday 2/22 & 2/23 2010
I didn’t get a chance to send out my blurb yesterday as I was riding a snowcat to somewhere around 11,000 ft. to ski some of the most incredible powder that I’ve ever skied in my life. There’s a company located at Durango Mountain Resort right next to my office called San Juan Ski Company (http://www.sanjuanski.com/). What they do is take people up, up, up and away via snowcats to the most epic (sorry I had to use that word) Powder to be found. The powder was deep, the sun was out, the smiles were everywhere, and all of us were gliding down untracked slopes with people whooping and hollering all the way down...and the reason I was able to do this, was because two good friends of mine were married yesterday...and I was honored to be photographing all of it. Check out the photos on the picture of the day. Now how’s that for a backdrop?! I could go on for a long time about what a perfect day it was, but I won’t. What I will do is HIGHLY recommend this experience to anyone who loves to ski.
Also, we have all these chairlifts that take people to the top of some of the best skiing conditions to be found...yes, I’m bragging. It’s not bragging if it’s the truth...a great person once said.
And ...congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Van Busch. You guys rock. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the best day ever. I will never forget it. Ever.
Friday Feb 19.
I’m a little tardy with my daily blurb today...got in from Denver late last night. In Denver yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet some very nice folks from many of the news stations in the state. (On a personal note, it was a pleasure to meet all of you, and I thank you for all the kind words and hospitality.) Last night, my co-worker (and Communications Manager extraordinaire) Beth Holland, got to sit on the tarmac while our plane was de-iced. Now, I’ve never experienced de-icing before and was a bit surprised how they do it. They drive up along side the plane with big flashing lights and two guys get out and start yelling, while another two guys open up two big cages. One by one, the giant ice-eating leaches make their way toward the plane, sucking all the ice off....ok, I’ll stop there. They spray the plane with something that takes 45 minutes, and the kids behind us were screaming, as if to test the frequency range of the human voice, as well as the decibel threshold of pain.
It’s snowing right now at Purgatory, and we’re expecting quite a bit from this storm. I’ll send more pictures as it piles up. It’s Friday Afternoon Club today at DMR, and lots of other great things going on. Check the site for more at skipurg.com.Wed 2/17/2010 8:14 AM
Did that bird just talk to me?
I usually go about my way, working and trying to meet deadlines...sometimes I have to just pause and take a look around. What I see everyday is incredible. The mountains covered in snow, blue skies...a little bird chirping, as if to say “Hey, you’ve been standing there for 10 minutes, aren’t you supposed to be doing something?”
There are plenty of incredible views that I would like to share with you. All you have to do is get to DMR. I can’t promise talking birds.
Tue 2/16/2010 8:22 AM
Road Trip, Baby!
When was the last time you took the family to do something fun? I mean, REALLY fun!? You could always take them to some amusement park with a Kazillion other people and stand in line for hours for a ride that takes 5 minutes...OR, you could come to Durango Mountain Resort, save a bundle by getting a lodging package, get the kids a lesson, and take your significant other up to the top of the mountain and just have fun...isn’t that what it’s all about? We offer just about everything for every member of the family...refresher courses, sleigh rides, spa treatments, fine dining, snowshoeing; snowmobiling...I’m going to stop there because this list is very long. Our motto is Colorado-Family-Heaven. If you haven’t been to DMR lately, you’re missing out on some of the best conditions in North America, and a place that’s made for families...oh and I almost forgot about the lift lines...THERE AREN’T ANY!
Create some memories, call 800.525.0892. Don’t forget your camera.
Good morning - I took the day off on Sunday to go appreciate some outdoorsy stuff. Did some snowshoeing, played find-the-buried-ball with the dog and saw some horses and elk getting along and having a meal together. Also got to see some kite boarders doing their thing. I hope you all had a good Valentine’s Day and since most of you have this day off from work, come to DMR and make it a super snow-filled day. The snow is perfect, and there’s a ton of fun stuff to do.
Fri 2/12/2010 8:24 AM
Easy
Holidays have a way of stressing you out. Certain expectations have been made, and you’re expected to follow through. Problem is, us guys usually don’t remember birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or other important dates. Why would you let someone know that you care about them on only one day?...that’s just ridiculous. If you let them know EVERYDAY, you should be good to go...however, the makers of greeting cards, candy manufacturers, rose growers, and every form of media would like for you to think otherwise. That is where we step in.
I have some numbers for you. These numbers are where to take someone you care about for an unbelievable ski-in/ski-out dining experience. Purgy’s: 970.385.2121. Backside Bistro: 970.385.2175. Creekside Italian Kitchen: 970.385.2134. Call and make a reservation now, because they’re filling up fast. Check out the website at skipurg.com for all the events happening at DMR this President’s/Valentine’s Day Weekend...and have some fun, have a great meal, and even save a few bucks. Why? Because Durango Mountain Resort has the best skiing and riding conditions, the best restaurants and many other bests.
One more number...800.525.0892. This is our lodging reservations center. Why not stay at DMR and enjoy all the amenities? See? We make it easy.
OR – Call Guest Services at 970.2147 to get info on EVERYTHING going on at DMR. But wait, there’s more! Act now and have the time of your life at Purgatory!
Thu 2/11/2010 9:11 AM
Postcards & Parking Lots
Yes, these things have nothing to do with each other...but, this is what you see when you get out of your car at Purgatory. Many of you already know this, however consider this ...if this is what the view is from the parking lot, just think what the view is from the top of the mountain!
Wed 2/10/2010 8:31 AM
The Perfect Day
I have written many times about how awesome the conditions are at Purgatory...and today is no exception. Blue skies, fresh powder. That about sums it up. If you haven’t been to DMR lately, you’re missing out!
Days like this makes it easy to take good pictures.
Tue 2/9/2010 8:12 AM
What a Season
Over a foot of snow in the last 72 hours... I met a gentleman yesterday who traveled all the way from Australia to ski at Purgatory. I asked him what he thought about the conditions and he said they’re some of the best he’s ever skied. I would have to agree. So I was wondering exactly how far someone would go for epic snow...so I Googled the distance between Sydney Australia and Durango Colorado and came up with 14,602 miles(this is by way of driving, not the direct distance) (or 23,500 km for all you metric types). The thing I thought funny, is that if you look a little closer at the directions, it says: “124. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean. Entering United States (Hawaii) 6,243 km.” I like a good sense of humor. How far would YOU go for great snow? Most of you receiving this email don’t have to worry about kayaking the pacific.
Mon 2/8/2010 8:00 AM
Calling in "Well"
There is a terrible flu going around, and everyone is doing everything they can to not get it. There is also another ailment that you may have heard of...it’s called Needtoskiitis...and it is very contagious. Some of the symptoms of Needtoskiitis are: Daydreaming of snow, making Rice Krispy treats in bulk, staring at your skis, standing with your knees slightly bent...these are just a few. If you see anyone with Needtoskiitis, immediately get them to Purgatory and they should be ok. If you start to have symptoms, call in “well” and get to Purg fast...if this does not work at first, repeat often. This has been a public service announcement from your friends at Durango Mountain Resort.
Sunday 2/7
Woke up to snow...quite a bit of it. Today is Locals Day at DMR, and the conditions are powder/packed powder...and it's super-fun.
Saturday 2/6
Went skiing today. It was epic.
Friday 2/5
If I could figure out a way, without surgery, to capture what I see with my eyes, I believe I would be a very rich man. The sky this morning was awesome and Mother Nature’s way of saying, “You’re going to have a great day.”
If you are skiing/riding at Purgatory today, this WILL be a great day. The conditions are so good; I cannot do them justice by my meager attempt to describe them. So, you’ll have to get to DMR and ski for yourself...I mean see for yourself. Both.
Thursday 2/4
For the most part, I’m a morning kind of guy. This is when everything is quiet, my mind is sharp and the coffee is hot. For some reason I have a Paul Simon song stuck in my head.
We received an inch of snow at Purgatory over night, and everything has a soft white cover over it this morning. By the looks of the forecast, we’re in for more snow.
At Purgatory, we have a bunch of ski runs named after some of the folks who were instrumental in making this ski area a success. We call them “The Legends”...and we put up a display at Dante’s which has photos and descriptions as well as some memorabilia. Next time you are at Dante’s restaurant on the back side of the mountain, be sure to check it out. Dante’s is also where the backside webcam is located. You can eat lunch and see one of the most beautiful views around.
The first photo is of low lying clouds on the southern part of the Needles Mountains...and it was too dark, it came out weird (but I still sent it, I thought it was cool) and the other is of the Legends of Purgatory display at Dante’s.
Wed 2/3/2010 9:46 AM
I know I’m late today with my little blurb....it’s busy, what can I say? The conditions here are incredible, so why not race down the hill...or at least check out all the intense racing action at DMR? Check out the events tab at skipurg.com for a full listing. Events are being updated and added daily, so check it often.
So you’re out on the mountain having the time of your life...and you’re wondering where to kick back and watch the fun for awhile. Wonder no more! Just kick back on The Beach at the base area and treat yourself to some eats from Purgy’s or a cool (or warm) beverage from the Bear Bar. (The Beach is also the perfect spot to watch some terrain park action at Devine Comedy)
Ahhh, see? Now that’s what I call a perfect end to a perfect day. The only thing missing here is you...and you...and you.
Tue 2/2/2010 8:34 AM
Yesterday I received a call from our Terrain Park Guru Josh Hamill, “James, you have to get up on the hill and take some shots of the Paradise Freestyle Arena...” So, while heading up the mountain on Lift 1, I took a bunch of shots. This freestyle park is more like an air park. Josh and his team are simply some of the best terrain park creators around, and when they talk about big air, they’re talking about 40 and 50+ feet. I will be updating you all on the progress...and photos of big air.
Here is the lineup of the Paradise Freestyle Arena, top to bottom (these may change)20 foot street rail, 20 foot up box, 35 foot jump, 35 foot flat-to-down rail, 25 A-frame rail, 40 foot jump, 50 foot jump, 20 foot C-box, 15 foot high wall ride...
I was able to get on the mountain a little yesterday and the conditions are the best. Nicely groomed, packed powder and powder stashes everywhere. Get to Purg!
Mon 2/1/2010 7:58 AM
Many of you who receive my emails may have no idea what Snowdown is. Snowdown occurs every January and the little town of
Durango
becomes one HUGE-MONGUS party (think Mardi Gras). Everything from beer-pong to a parade, live music, comedy...and then some. On Friday evening, the Snowdown parade kicked-off the weekend festivities, and Durango Mountain Resort was there...along with thousands of screaming good-timers. The DMR float was a hit, with
Durango
’s own Hounds of Purg rockin’ and rolling down
Main Street
.
I hope you all have a good Monday. If you’re having a bad Monday, call in sick (or call in well) and come ski & ride at DMR. The conditions are epic.
Thu 1/28/2010 8:10 AM
At my home in Hermosa (between Durango and DMR), the snow was wet and heavy...so I’m thinking it’s going to be a mess at the mountain, NOT SO. The consistency of the snow is light and powder. Just the way we like it. We got 4 inches and we could get another 4...ski Purg! Photo by Scott D.W. Smith
