We may not have seen snow yet in Durango, but local ski resorts are beginning to open for the season.
Purgatory Resort opened Saturday, and skiers and snowboarders – and mountain bikers – were ready.
The resort was scheduled to open at 9 a.m., but people started lining up at 5 a.m., Kim Oyler, Purg’s director of communications, said in a news release.
“Some (were) even cooking bacon and eggs on the ski beach in anticipation of making first chair for the opening of ski season,” Oyler said.
The resort was also open for mountain biking, using lifts for both groups: Lifts 1 and 2 for skiing and Lift 4 for lift-served mountain bike trails this weekend, Oyler said.
“Many riders had both their mountain bike gear and skis – combining two of Durango’s favorite activities on the same day!”
Wolf Creek Ski Area opened Saturday. It plans to be open for the Thanksgiving holiday, Wednesday through Sunday.
As of Saturday, the ski area has received 12 inches from the latest storm, bringing the settled midway base to 14 inches, the area said in a news release.
Nova Lift, Wolf Creek’s beginner double chairlift, is operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with both natural and manmade snow, the release said. Nova and Susan’s runs are open for skiing and snowboarding with lift tickets – $28 for adults, seniors and children.
Treasure and Bonanza Lifts are operating with very early season conditions. Tickets to access Treasure and Bonanza Lifts cost $48 for adults, $31 for seniors and $26 for children. Expect unmarked obstacles, the relase said.
More terrain will open as conditions become available.
katie@durangoherald.com