Purgatory Resort Restarts Skier Shuttle, Offers Affordable Weekend Trips

Purgatory Resort in Durango, Colorado resumed its winter shuttle service on December 20 and has been operating on a Friday through Sunday schedule with extra runs during busy times. The shuttle serves five stops along the Durango to resort route, including the Durango Transit Center, 24th Street at Durango High School, PJ's Gourmet Market, Tamarron at Glacier Club, and the Purgatory arrival court. Tickets are sold online, seating is limited to 26 passengers, and the round trip fare is twenty dollars.

For Los Alamos County residents considering a holiday or weekend ski trip, the shuttle offers a predictable, lower cost travel option compared with driving alone. Limiting the number of single occupancy vehicles on winter roads can reduce the risk of winter driving incidents, ease pressure on limited parking at the mountain, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from long distance car trips. The resort also runs an employee shuttle program and encourages carpooling, measures that support workers who travel to and from the area and that spread travel costs among riders.

There are also equity considerations for local travelers. The online only ticket sales and the small number of seats may create barriers for people without reliable internet access or who need flexible travel plans. The twenty dollar round trip fare makes mountain access more affordable than many private transport options, yet limited capacity means residents should plan ahead and secure seats early to avoid being shut out during peak holiday times.

Public health and safety officials and regional planners monitor vehicle volume and winter road safety during the season. For families and workers who do choose the shuttle, the service can reduce exposure to winter road hazards and lower travel stress. Residents planning regional trips this winter should note the weekend schedule, limited seating, and online ticketing when making travel arrangements.