22 inches new snow at Purgatory

News Release
December 1, 2007
Loryn Kasten
970-385-2131
lkasten@durangomountain.com

20 INCHES NEW SNOW ALLOWS PURGATORY TO OPEN SUNDAY
December starts off with a big bang, more snow expected today

Durango, CO –  Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort woke up to 20 inches of fresh snow this morning, and big snowflakes continue to fall at the southwest Colorado resort. The natural snowfall combined with cold temperatures utilized by the resort’s snowmaking crews will allow Purgatory to open for the 2007-08 winter season tomorrow, Sunday, December 2nd. The first day of the season will be the 15th annual Benefit Day, with $15 lift tickets and all proceeds going directly to the Durango Winter Sports Foundation and Durango Nature Studies.

The storm moved into the area on Friday morning bringing cold temperatures and light snow.  By mid-day the snow was picking up in force and piling up at higher elevations.  The bulk of accumulation came over night with 20 inches at mid-mountain and huge snowflakes continue to fall in heavy abundance. The forecast is calling for an additional 6-12 inches of accumulation today and through tonight. 

The resort will open with Chairs 1 and 2 providing access to 8 trails on the frontside of the mountain including El Diablo, Nirvana, Westfork and Sa’s Psyche. Eighteen percent of the mountain is open with nearly 100 acres of skiable terrain available.

“We are so excited that this storm system developed and brought the snow we needed to get the season going,” says Loryn Kasten, resort spokeswoman. “It’s still dumping snow up at higher elevations and another foot of snow before opening day would be icing on the cake.”

Regular lift tickets and season passes will begin on Monday, December 2nd. Visit www.durangomountainresort.com or call the resort’s Snow Phone at 970-247-9000 x1 for up-to-date information about snowfall, on-mountain conditions and more.

-www.durangomountainresort.com-