We just recently returned from a family vacation down to Durango and stayed at the
Purgatory Ski Area at Durango Mountain Resort. The village was quaint and very relaxed with plenty to do to keep us busy.We stayed in a nice 2 bedroom Village Center condo that was very comfortable and conveniently located. It proved to be a great visit and there was lots to do that we did not get to.
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| A view of the Village at Purgatory from our balcony |
My 3 sons and I had traveled down as they had never been to the Southwest part of Colorado. The start of this vacation was to visit Durango, Mesa Verde, Silverton and the area. The first day after we arrived, we planned a hike above Silverton and visiting that nearby historic town which is located about 30 minutes from the resort.
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| Camp ground and trail head for our hike to Ice Lakes |
Our hike for the first day was to try and make it to the Ice Lakes out of the South Mineral Campground. Yes we encountered snow, and did not quite make it to the top. I had never been to Mesa Verde and day 2 was already planned for visiting Mesa Verde National Park and the Pueblo ruins and cliff dwellings.
The third day we decided to enjoy the resort activities at the village. This included alpine slide, putt putt golf, zip lines, climbing walls, lift serviced mountain biking, chair lift rides to the top, pool and more. It was a great time and we had never done this before. My boys are 15, 13 and 10 and we had no problem staying busy and enjoying the mountain.
Durango Mountain Resort had just opened the zip line and continues to add more summer activities for their guests. Be sure to check out the coupons for Total Adventure Ticket and lodging packages. The Total Adventure Ticket is an exceptional value and the one coupon is a Buy One, Get One Half Price Total Adventure Ticket (TAT), Save $20.
The Durango Total Adventure Ticket™ - Best value for your day in the mountains, the Total Adventure Ticket gives you unlimited access to our most popular activities:
- Unlimited Alpine Slide rides
- Unlimited Scenic Chairlift rides
- Unlimited Mountain Bike Uplift
- Miniature Golf
- Two of the following: Bungee Tramp, Climbing Wall or Mechanical Bull
Total Adventure Ticket (4 Hours): $40
Additional Hour: $10
Closed-toe footwear is recommended when riding the chairlift and the Alpine Slide. Children must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride the chairlift. Children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride solo on the Alpine Slide.The above detail is from the resort.
That evening we went downtown to Durango and joined friends from in town at the Ska Brewery. There was live music and specials for the Taqueria and on beers in an outside setting. What a perfect evening and way to end a fun filled day. A wide selection of the award winning micro brews provided options for everyone. My boys were pleased as the inside pub had big screen TV's and sports for their viewing pleasure.
The mountains have a very different feel in this part of the state compared to the mountains in the central Rockies. My boys noticed and commented on this during our drive down.With all the snow this year we knew we would find snow on the trails and peaks and that proved true all week.
