This year for Christmas, we decided that we wanted to cut back on toys that our kids would only play with for a few days and instead wanted to give our kids experiences. It’s so true when they say that the years fly by and we really want to create some memories this year! All three kids had been asking to see snow and we decided that it was time to explore some winter activities. After some research, I stumbled across Purgatory Resort – a perfect sized (not too big, not too small) family friendly resort just a little north of Durango, CO. We love to take road trips as a family and this was the perfect two day drive from League City, TX.
Purgatory Resort hosted us in one of their 2 bedroom/ 2 bath condos. This worked absolutely perfect for our family of 5. My husband and I actually had our own room and bathroom, my daughter had her own room, and the boys decided they wanted to sleep on the pull out couch so they could be by the fireplace and see when it was snowing! Our condo had everything we needed to fix breakfast in the morning (minus the food of course), had a humidifier which helped tremendously for our dry noses, and even had some board games and puzzles. I love that the owners clearly thought of the little things to make it feel like home!
Although – with so much to do at Purgatory, we didn’t spend too much time in the room!
The first night we arrived around 6pm and were pretty hungry. We opted to have dinner right downstairs from our condo at Paradise Pizza and Ice Creamery. This was perfect after a long day of travel but also worked out just right a few days later for a quick lunch while skiing (while we were there, they had a great special – a slice of pizza and a beer for $5). We also had some great waffle cones for dessert!
For our first full day at Purgatory we hit the ground running with Skiing! We all had to rent skis and I have to say the employees that work in the Rental Shop were so friendly and helpful it was a breeze. Getting equipment for 2 adults and 3 kids ages 8 and under can seem a bit overwhelming, but they had a great system in place and really took to the time to make sure we each had a great fit. Their friendliness and obvious love of their jobs carried through with every employee we met at Purgatory – from the ski instructors to the wait staff!
So… it had been 20 years since I had skied and of course being born and raised so far in Texas, my kids never had - so we started things off safely with a full day of lessons (my kids also did a half day lesson the third day we were there and then we were able to ski together as a family once everyone knew the ropes). My two older kids learned SO much in ski school and loved their instructors!
And - I’m pleased to say that after 20 years, I can still ski! It came back like riding a bike!
My 3 year old, Chase had an amazing time riding the new Strider Snow Bikes in the mornings. Strider bikes are essentially balance bikes placed on skis. It’s such a fun option for kids ages 3-4 that aren’t quite ready for skis or snowboards. His instructor was amazing and really took the time to get to know Chase – making sure he was comfortable at all times (even recognized when he was a little too bundled up and it was time to take off his fleece layer).
In the afternoons, Chase would have lunch with us and then head to The Den (which is Purgatory’s Child Care center). Chase loved that The Den had all his favorite toy trains, gave him hot chocolate and snacks, and even took him outside to play in the snow! The Den is for kids ages 2 months to 4 years and the staff is very talented at keeping the young ones still engaged in winter activities while parents can enjoy the slopes!
After a long day of skiing that first day, we decided to head down the mountain and into Durango for some dinner. Durango is a vibrant and friendly mountain town with more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, six local craft breweries, galleries, boutiques, museums and more. And most restaurants in Durango are not major chain style eateries (although there are a few). Many recommendations brought us to Steamworks Brewing Company. I had been hearing all about their World Famous Crab Boil and it truly did not disappoint. The spice and flavorings can not be matched! We also loved that the kids could draw with chalk on the floors! So fun!
It also snowed that evening about 4 inches! The kids were in heaven the next morning with snow ball fights and snow angels!
On our second day at Purgatory we got to experience something that we had been reading about in books – Dog Sledding! The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Durango Dog Ranch met us at guest services at the resort and from the moment we got into the car with them I knew this was going to be an amazing memory! My kids loved the dogs and Greg (one of the owners) carefully took the time to explain the whole process of mushing to us in a way that the kids could understand. Our ride through the mountains was nothing short of whimsical and I found myself thinking – this is what it is all about – getting the kids away from video games and plastic toys and out in nature, experiencing all the little nuances that make this world we live in such an amazing place.
After dog sledding we headed back outside that afternoon for some fun on the Purgatory tubing hill!
That evening we decided to check out the Durango Mountain Club at Purgatory Resort. This is a great location also for lunch, dinner, après ski or just hanging out with the kids. The Club features a game center with wii, Xbox, kid-friendly movies, board games, plus a place for the adults to chill too. We actually got to have dinner at one of the tables in the game room. Talk about being comfortable while being away – while waiting for our dinner we all huddled around puzzles and board games in what basically was a living room!
My kids also loved the heated pool and slide at Durango Mountain Club!
Our last day at Purgatory we headed back out onto the ski hills. My kids still went to ski school but I got some alone time with my husband and went to the very top of the mountain and skied all the way back down (without falling)! Yes – mamas we had a vacation where we got a little bit of alone time!!
There really is so much to do at Purgatory Resort and it is all built around family fun. In addition to all the fun that we had, they have horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiles, Nordic Skiing and snowshowing, ice climbing, snowcat skiing and tours, plus there always seems to be tons of miscellaneous activities going on – we had even stumbled across a staff member setting up an area for s’mores one day! This was truly one of the best FAMILY trips we have ever been on. My kids actually cried when it was time to come home. We are definitely planning on making many more family trips back to Purgatory Resort!
My family and I were hosted by Purgatory Resort. All opinions are my own.
