Uncertainty at Purgatory: New Lift Project Facing Delays

As the first snowflakes dust the high peaks, the excitement for ski season is at an all-time high. But at Purgatory Resort in Colorado, a new project that promises to unlock a whole new zone of gnarly terrain is facing a major roadblock. The triple-seat chairlift, meant to deliver riders to some of the mountain’s most advanced lines, has hit a snag, and its future for the upcoming winter is up in the air.

For months, the talk around the resort was all about this new lift, slated to connect the Gelande parking lot directly to the summit. It was a project designed to change the game, offering a new access point that would cut out the long traverse and let you get straight to the goods. But now, with the lift towers still sitting in a parking lot, it's clear the project isn't exactly on schedule.

So, what's the hang-up? While resort spokespeople are citing unexpected permitting issues, county officials have reportedly noted that the preliminary plans haven't even been submitted. It's a classic case of red tape putting the brakes on a good time. Despite the holdup, Purgatory has already shelled out over a million dollars on the project and is keeping it at the top of their priority list.

The ripple effect is real, too. The resort's downhill mountain bike park was shut down for the summer to make way for the construction that never came. While that's a bummer, it's not all bad news. Other projects, like a new snowmaking permit for the backside, are still moving full steam ahead.

For now, the action sports community will be watching closely. Will the crew at Purgatory be able to get this thing spinning in time? Or will we have to wait another season to drop into those new lines? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: when it does get built, it will be worth the wait