Purgatory Resort — Attraction in Four Corners States

Ski Gear Experience: My experience getting ski gear was disorganized and left me feeling unsupported. The attendant who fitted my boots was kind and hands-on, but after that, the process fell apart. He instructed me to walk around the corner, where no one was present to assist with helmets. I had to grab one I thought might fit.

When asked if it was my first time, I said, “yes.” Despite this, there was no effort to guide me through the process. I was left holding one boot, one shoe, and my board completely overwhelmed. I was handed a snowboard without any explanation of how to adjust the straps, connect my boots to the board, or use it properly. In contrast, the family I came with received personalized instructions and boards that matched their gear. Mine did not.

I was gestured toward a bench around the corner, where I sat utterly confused and frustrated. This was my first time skiing, and I was excited to have this experience, but I wasn’t given any of the tools or support necessary to make it enjoyable.

Ski Patrol Experience:I fell several times coming down the slope, including one hard fall where I rolled and hit my head. This time was different—I felt intense pain and lay there for a while, holding my head. About 2–3 minutes later, a ski patrol officer passed by, and I called out “help.” He kept going until I screamed a second time. After a long stare, I had to ask again, “Can you help me?”

He finally approached and, from a distance, asked what was wrong. I had to raise my voice to explain I was hurt. When he came closer, he touched my head and spine and asked about my pain levels. He introduced himself as Kier and called for a journey sled to take me down.

As I started to have a panic attack, Kier had no tools or coping skills to help me. Fortunately, another ski patrol member, Hilly, arrived. Her energy was warm and comforting. She apologized for what happened, reassured me I’d get down safely, and made me feel supported. I truly wish she had stayed with me.

However, I overheard Kier and Hilly deciding to take me to the bunny hill, even though I repeatedly told them my family was waiting at the base of the lift where I’d started, and my room was right there.When we arrived, he asked me to lift my head to see if I recognized the area, but I didn’t feel comfortable doing so.

Thankfully, my family found me at that point. Kier asked them where they wanted me placed, rather than following any protocol. My family was confused and asked what the appropriate steps were for someone with a mild concussion. He simply stated that they should “look after me” without giving any detailed guidance. He took me to a bench full of other people and ask my personal information address and telephone number. That made me uncomfortable.

He attempted to take what I thought was my blood pressure but never completed the task. When I asked about it, he said he’d get to it but didn’t. We asked if there was a warm place to finish the conversation, as I was shivering, and Kier suggested we stay on a cold bench. My family wrapped me in blankets from the journey sled, and we moved into the crowded lobby. Kier then asked if we could finish the process in our room, which was nearby.

When we got to the room, he hastily scribbled some notes on a card for me to sign. He didn’t take my phone number, address, or any follow-up information.

Diversity and Inclusion: As a brown person, I didn’t feel safe or supported at this resort. I noticed several instances where others were treated with more care and attentiveness. Diversity was severely lacking, and the only other brown person I encountered was a staff member in the restaurant named Brielle. She was incredibly helpful and kind, standing out in an otherwise disappointing experience.

Follow-Up:After the experience, managers reached out and assured me they would address the issues with their employees and provide continued education. While I appreciate the effort, it does little to undo the overwhelming lack of support, communication, and inclusivity I experienced...

Do not utilize ski school at Purgatory! I signed my 4 year old daughter up for 3 days of group ski school. My confirmation said to bring her to Columbine ski area in the morning. Well that is apparently only for kids 7 and up. I actually had to bring her to the main building (complete other side of the resort) for ski school.

Then when I dropped her off, the employee asked if she had ever skied before. I explained yes, she had skied 3 full days last season. When I went to take a peek at her later that afternoon, she (and her oversized class) were just sitting in the snow. They looked like they had been sitting there for a long time. After observing for 20+ minutes, I skied down closer to her and chatted with her a bit. After an instructor noticed that, her class got SOME attention. Still took at least another 15 minutes before my daughter got any attention. Then they only put 1 ski on her. When I inquired at the bottom they said it was what they did with, "never skied before kids". At that point her ski school was almost over for the day. When I went to pick her up, I inquired with an employee (a girl in a white, "thrasher" sweatshirt) why she was placed in that class after I clearly explained her ski experience. The rude, "thrasher girl" said it was because she asked my 4 year old if she had skied before and my daughter said no. First off, I'm the parent and I was clear about her prior experience. Secondly, she's 4. 4 year olds do not always answer correctly. This employee was very rude.

The next day at drop off I explained to another employee what happened the previous day and that she indeed needed to be in a different class- they did put her in the next level. However, I observed a lot the next 2 days- and it it clear my daughter got very little instruction. I bet she skied down the very small hill 5 -7 times a day. That's not much, especially if you are aware of the very small learning area for this age group.

The ski area was very overcrowded for all the kids they had over there and definitely not enough personnel- or enough experienced instructors. There was one older instructor who seemed to know what she was doing and I do appreciate her- although, there were 30+ kids so obviously she can't help them all.

I also witnessed one child, whose ski came off- there was an instructor trying to teach him how to put the ski on- but yet, she said she didn't know how and they were going to, "learn together".... another kid had to tell her how to do it.... what on earth is an instructor doing teaching kids to ski if she doesn't even know how to put a ski on? Even if she was there to teach boarders, she should know the basics if she's going to instruct a skier. She probably did more harm than good with the kids on skis.

Also, the website says they strive to have 1 instructor with a max of 5 kids. Well there were at least 7 to 1 instructor based on a couple pictures I have... but truly, it was probably even worse than that.

I reached out via phone and email (twice) to discuss some of these issues before writing a review, but no one responded. I also was emailed a survey from the resort, of which I took and addressed these same issues- again, no response at all. Clearly, Purgatory has no concern or standards for ski school. Absolutely unacceptable for a ski school. Do NOT entrust your children to develop any skills with...

Overall our trip was great however it started off very "interesting". We were with another family and arrived at the equipment rental place at Purgatory to get our gear. Our two wives had approached the window of a young girl who right off did not seem to be grateful she was working. We had masks on however we had been talking and they fell below our nose. Before even so much as a "Hello" she barked that we needed to cover our noses with the mask, which we did. It certainly set an apprehensive tone. We are all in our 50's, successful, business owners, and veterans. To be spoken to this way certainly set the stage for the next few minutes.

As our wives went through the rental paperwork the young girl would not answer any other questions asked by my wife or the friend with her regarding lessons, etc. and for the most part was simply rude and curt. She continued with her demeaning behavior and in the middle of our check-in barked at others about their masks as they were standing outside of the check-in area. I have zero issue with the requirement, but her delivery was painful. The other husband in our group had had enough and became agitated. I will say he did not ease the situation however it seemed to be the only language this young girl understood. Tensions heightened when I looked at him, he peered down, and exclaimed, "What is she (the young girl) doing?" and relayed to me she was peeping behind equipment in what seemed to be an apparent attempt to catch him with the mask below his nose. We couldn't help but laugh until she came out in a rage. When my buddy gets frustrated he blinks more than normal and this young girl barked, "Are you winking at me?" I was aghast. By this time manager(s) arrived and did little to deescalate the situation. In fact one staff member stood behind one as if in "enforcement" mode and I honestly thought it was going to get very bad. Our two families, a total of 9 people, could not believe the actions/reactions of the staff at this place. I approached the manager after things had calmed and commented that my buddy did not wink at this young girl and he wouldn't have any of it simply saying, "She felt threatened." I realized that these young kids would not hear any of it, we checked out, and left. The rest of the trip, however, we encountered great, friendly staff who had a much better approach with enforcing the mask requirements and we complied. At the large lift line the one staff member used comedy to make his requests. The skiing was great. The large condo for the week was great. Food and service was great. But the arrival set the stage for a...