What's New at Durango Mountain Resort in 2013/2014

DURANGO, CO--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2013) - Durango Mountain Resort is gearing up for winter and continues to elevate guests' experiences at the resort, both on and off the slopes. 

Durango Mountain Resort is adding more snowmaking equipment to the frontside of the mountain to improve its ability to provide top-to-bottom skiing from the six-person high-speed chairlift, even if Mother Nature is stingy with natural snowfall early in the season. Purgatory is adding 16 new energy-efficient snowmaking tower guns, a state-of-the-art, high-output fan gun and two new snowcat grooming machines, making the mountain operations team more efficient to establish a solid base that lasts throughout the entire ski season.

Also new this year, the Durango Dog Ranch will offer dog sledding from the resort's base. Get whisked through the forest on the Old Flume Trail by Siberian and Alaskan huskies and view stunning scenery while encountering camaraderie with these dedicated canines. The hour-long dog sled adventures provide a personalized hands-on experience which includes harnessing the dogs and plenty of photo opportunities. Terrain is perfect for all ages with breathtaking views.

Paradise Pizzeria and Ice Creamery will debut in Village Plaza this winter in the former Creekside Italian Kitchen location, providing guests with lunch and dinner options and locally-produced artisan ice cream. The recently renovated restaurant features a full-service bar and a new menu of freshly-baked pizzas, calzones, hot sandwiches, fresh salads, kids' meals, ice cream and desserts. With a family-friendly atmosphere that includes a play corner for kids, Paradise will showcase ski movies and sporting events on its big screen. 

The San Juan Ski Company is now under new ownership and a new name, San Juan Untracked. SJU will continue to provide an epic experience as Colorado's largest cat skiing and snowboarding operation headquartered at Durango Mountain Resort, and will offer new packages, elevating guests' experiences. With 35,000 acres of pristine terrain from rolling glades to wide open bowls, cliffs and chutes, along with abundant snowfall, SJU offers backcountry experiences to skiers and riders of all abilities through daily guided trips departing from the base of Durango Mountain Resort.

New to the annual Durango Mountain Resort Winterfest celebration, January 18-19, 2014, is the US Airbag Demo, which gives skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to experience big air with a soft landing. Beginners and seasoned athletes will have confidence to try a new trick off a 14-foot kicker while landing on a giant 50-square foot inflated airbag. The event celebrates winter by featuring ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and more at a very low cost.

Expert Edge now offers new top-of-the-line Burton and Venture Snowboard demos, providing snowboarders with the chance to try before you buy. Expert Edge is a slopeside demo, retail and full service shop, and carries the latest in men's & women's skis and snowboards, boots, bindings, poles and ski luggage. This full-service shop has trained technicians to tune skis and snowboards with overnight tuning service, and provides custom boot fitting.

Guest Services has relocated its facility to the front of Purgatory Village Plaza, providing easier access for visitors as they approach from the parking lots. New this year, guests who wish to unload their car in the arrival court before they park can utilize a complimentary Guest Service's ski corral.

Durango Mountain Resort is now providing convenient ways to book a ski vacation. Simply go online to www.SkiPurg.com and book lodging and lift tickets, Ski & Ride School, ski and snowboard rentals and more at significant savings.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was named as the best value ski spot by TripAdvisor for 2012/2013 and is recognized as a top family-friendly resort. National Geographic recognized Durango, Colorado as a "Top 10 Emerging Ski Town in North America." www.SkiPurg.com