The new Colorado Couloir lift line. Image Credit: Purgatory Resort.

Durango, Colorado — It’s been a bumpy past few years for Purgatory Resort. Two straight La Niña winters have delivered below-average snowpacks, resulting in underwhelming visitation and staff cuts in 2025. Then came a delayed chairlift project due to permitting issues. However, this offseason is off to a good start.

The Durango Herald reported earlier this month that La Plata County gave its preliminary approval to the Gelande chairlift project. To formally begin installing the chairlift, Purgatory will need final approvals from the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board, La Plata County, and the U.S. Forest Service.

New Chairlift Update

Purgatory Resort gave an update this week on Gelande, which appears to be making headway. Helicopter crews have been clearing trees from the future lift line, and parts are being assembled in a staging area.

They also announced the lift’s new name this week. Originally named the Gelande lift, it will be known as the Colorado Couloir lift. Not gonna lie, the name goes pretty hard.

The fixed-grip triple chairlift will travel from the base of the Gelande parking lot to a ridge near the top of Lift 6. It will be approximately 4,200 feet long. Because it’s a fixed-grip chairlift, it won’t be the fastest trip up. The lift will start at the Gelande parking lot, and conclude at a ride near the top of Lift 6. The plan is to debut the lift during the 2026-27 season.

This chairlift will also give access to new terrain. Several new runs and new glades are scheduled to open with the lift next winter. This will be of the advanced and expert variety.

Some of the other referenced offseason projects include a water utility replacement project for the Village Center and Eolus buildings, trail maintenance, and drainage updates.

Summer operations, which will begin on June 20th, will be centered on the mountain biking park. Some of the big events include the Total Archery Challenge from July 10-12th, and the Mountain States Cup at Purgatory from August 27-30th.

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With an El Niño winter likely coming, and this project well underway, it’s shaping up to be a great 2026-27 season at Purgatory Resort.

Image/Video Credits: Purgatory Resort

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...