Purgatory To Get New Name, Other Changes
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Durango, CO, Feb. 1–Purgatory Ski Resort, in southern Colorado, may soon be known by another name, such as Durango ski.
“The new owners are looking at the possibility of changing the name of Purgatory Resort,” said company spokesperson, Ken Hulick. “They are considering the new name to include Durango because of its’ high recognition.”
Although Purgatory has a name within the ski scene, the owners don’t feel the name carries recognition with destination skiers outside of Colorado. The name “Durango,” however, has a stronger national presence among travel agents and travelers alike. The town of Durango draws large crowds of summer tourists coming to see Mesa Verde National Park, the Four Corners, and other local sights.
In December 1999, the principal shareholders of Kirkwood Ski Area, in California, signed a deal with the Durango Ski Corporation to purchase 80 percent of Purgatory.
This deal has brought management changes, as well as the speculation of future resort improvement plans. These plans include revamping the base village, on-mountain improvements, and other real estate developments. Details are pending input from the US Forest Service.
