Dolores School Ski Club Opens Sign-Ups for Two Purgatory Trips

Two remaining Purgatory Resort trips run by the Dolores School District’s Dolores Ski & Snowboard Club are now open for sign-ups, offering students ages 8–18 an affordable, organized opportunity to ski and snowboard this season. The club already held its first outing on Jan. 9, and the remaining pair of trips fill out a three-trip schedule for the program.

The fee is $70 per student and covers bus transport from Dolores, a lift ticket, equipment rental and lessons. Students who already own a Purgatory pass or have their own gear are still welcome to participate, which gives families flexibility and can lower out-of-pocket costs for repeat skiers or boarders. Karen Batson, a Dolores middle-school science teacher, is leading the club this school year and emphasizes fun, skill-building and time outdoors as central goals.

For local families, the club reduces common barriers to winter recreation: transportation costs and the logistics of rentals and lessons. A bundled $70 price for round-trip bus, lift access, rental equipment and instruction can be substantially lower than arranging each element separately, and the group structure provides on-site supervision for younger participants. Offering trips specifically for ages 8–18 also creates a peer environment that supports skill progression from beginner lessons to more independent runs at Purgatory.

Dolores School District organizes the ski club as part of its extracurricular offerings, and Karen Batson’s leadership aligns with the district’s focus on healthy, outdoor activities for students. The club’s combination of supervised transport and instructor-led lessons works to expand access to mountain recreation for families who might otherwise find single-day ski trips difficult to coordinate.

Sign-up remains open for the two remaining dates; families should contact the Dolores School District or the school office for exact trip dates, departure times and registration steps. Students participating in the first trip on Jan. 9 served as a test of logistics and safety protocols, and the club has continued enrollment for the later outings.

The ski club’s schedule and low fee make it a practical option for parents seeking structured, affordable winter activities for their children. As the season continues, Dolores School District’s program will give more youth the chance to build skills at Purgatory, spend time outdoors and participate in a community-oriented set of trips that keep local recreation within reach.