Resort prepares for winter with upgrades

News Release
October 2, 2007
Loryn Kasten
970-385-2131
lkasten@durangomountain.com

BEACON PARK PART OF RESORTS UPGRADES FOR 07-08
New snowmaking fleet, upgrades for Dante’s and more top the list

Durango, CO – Now that the first snow of the season has come and gone, Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is gearing up in full force for another exciting winter season of fun in Durango. While the resort is still in the midst of its 25-year master plan, with the most noticeable changes taking place in Purgatory Village, big upgrades are occurring on the mountain.

Partnering with Fort Lewis Outdoor Pursuits, Southwest Adventure Guides and San Juan Ski Co., Purgatory is proud to announce the opening of Beacon Basin, the resort’s first avalanche beacon-training park located at the base of Chair 3. The park will be free to any skier or snowboarder with a lift ticket and their own avalanche equipment; and will provide an opportunity for backcountry enthusiasts to test out their skills before heading out for the day.

 Beacon Basin will feature 13 buried beacons, accessible through a switchboard at the entrance to the park. Guests can select a buried beacon, turn it on and then test their skills in locating and unburying the beacon. Southwest Adventure Guides will offer beacon-training classes, and resort courses may be available during the season.

Beacon Basin is only one reason to get excited about the winter season; the resort’s upgraded snowmaking fleet is another. Newly purchased snowmaking machines and equipment are more energy efficient increasing the uphill snowmaking capacity by 50 percent this season. Therefore, the resort will be able to cover the same area of terrain with the same depth of snow in a record pace. With faster, more energy efficient equipment Purgatory hopes to have the backside of the mountain open in mid-December, just two short weeks after the December 1st opening day.

Other exciting news on the backside of the mountain is the recent upgrades made to Dante’s and the former Café de los Pinos. Crews worked hard this summer to repaint and repair the local’s hangout at the top of Chair 5; and upstairs guests will notice the new Backside Bistro. The Bistro will feature local and regional menu items paired with local libations including Steamworks’ Backside Stout.

For more information on all the exciting upgrades this winter at Purgatory Mountain including the new Purgatory Lodge, visit www.durangomountainresort.com.

-www.durangomountainresort.com-