SNowshoe
Tours
Guided Snowshoe Tours
Twice Daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Our guided snowshoe tours offer a peaceful and breathtaking outdoor experience at 10,500 feet, near the top of Purgatory Resort. The tour starts with a ride up Lift 1, ascending 1,500 feet to the start of a two-mile loop through alpine forests and to vistas of the San Juan Mountains. The tour ends with a ride down Lift 1 back to the base area. Beginners are welcome.
Tours are contingent upon weather, course conditions, and staffing availability, and may be canceled the day-of.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance at the Guest Services Office by the arrival court. Tickets can be purchased at the time of the tour at the Guest Services Office.
DETAILS
What to bring
Temperatures and weather can be very different at the top than at the bottom! So dress appropriately, with long underwear, ski pants, a warm jacket, thick gloves/mittens, and a hat. Sunscreen and a hat with a brim are also a good idea.
Bringing extra layers in a day pack is recommended. Also bring water and snacks in your pack.
You will be snowshoeing two miles on snow and over rolling terrain – wear warm, waterproof, and sturdy boots suitable for walking, and warm socks.
Snowshoes are included, but ski poles are not available – bring your own ski poles, if desired.
| Cost (Winter 2023/2024) | $45/person Ticket price includes snowshoes, a lift ticket up and down the mountain and a guided tour. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Guest Services office by the Arrival Court. Credit Card only. |
| Phone | (970) 385-2147 |
| Dates (Winter 2023/2024) | Closed for the season See you next winter! |
| Ages | 12+ Beginners welcome |
| Departure Times | 9:30am & 1:00pm Meet at the Guest Services office, next to the shuttle stop at the plaza |
| Trip Duration | 2 – 2.5 hours total |
Alpenglow Snowshoe Tours
with wine tasting and appetizers
Alpenglow Snowshoe Tours are an evening top-to-bottom full-moon guided walk down the Front Side of Purgatory Resort. The tour route descends from the top of Lift 1 to the Main Base along ski runs, with a stop at the Powderhouse Restaurant for appetizers and wine-tasting along the way.
This is an intermediate-level tour, and requires good fitness, proper attire, and experience with snowshoes.
Tours require clear skies and moonlight – so they are contingent upon weather and terrain conditions, and may be canceled up to four hours in advance.
Be sure to tag us on social media with your photos: @skipurg
What to bring
Temperatures can drop sharply after sunset – the sun won’t be there to warm you like skiing during the day! So dress appropriately, with long underwear, ski pants, a warm jacket or layers, thick gloves/mittens, and a warm hat.
Bringing extra layers in a day pack is recommended. A headlamp is helpful. Also bring water and snacks in your pack.
You will be snowshoeing long distances on snow and over sloped terrain – wear warm, waterproof, and sturdy boots suitable for walking. And warm ski socks!
| Time | 2:45pm – 7:00pm Please plan to arrive at the resort by 2:30pm to ensure you can find parking and to allow time to get fitted for snowshoes and be on the lift by 3:00pm. |
| Cost | $70 Snowshoes and poles are provided (You are welcome to bring your own, but there is no discount for using your own gear.) Appetizers and 2 glasses of wine are included. |
| Dates (Weather and conditions permitting) | |
| Trip Duration | 4 hours |
| Meeting Place | Guest Services office by the Arrival Court |
Snowshoe Rentals
$15/pair for 24 hours – Purgatory Nordic Center
If you’re looking to explore on your own, visit the Purgatory Nordic Center. Snowshoes may not be used in-bounds at the resort except with a guided tour. If you’d like to continue using your rented snowshoes for the duration of the rental period, we recommend checking out Purgatory Flats across the highway from the resort. Molas Lake and Andrews Lake are also great options, just 15 minutes north of Purgatory on highway 550.
A lovely alpine diversion
These daily scheduled group outings are a great way to mix it up in the middle of winter! Check back next season and ask about a private tour. Availability varies.
The fine print
- Trips canceled 48 hours or more in advance will receive a full refund
- Trips canceled less than 48 hours prior to scheduled tour will receive a 50% refund or the option to reschedule during the same season for a $50 fee
- No service animals are permitted on the lift.
- No refunds will be given for late arrivals or no shows
- Purgatory Snowcat Adventures reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time due to weather, safety concerns or mechanical issues. Refunds and the option to reschedule is at the discretion of PSA and on a trip by trip basis
- Minimum of 5 guests are required for Scenic Trips to operate.
