New Chairlift at Colorado Ski Resort Postponed, Won't Open This Winter

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Purgatory Resort, Colorado, has delayed the opening of its new three-person Gelande chairlift, which will no longer open this upcoming season.

Manufactured by Skytrac and set to connect the Gelande parking lot with Purgatory’s upper mountain, the lift was previously announced in April.

While Purgatory has invested $1.25 million into the project this summer, general manager Dave Rathbun wrote in a blog post that an ongoing regulatory process prevented the completion of the Gelande before the start of winter 2025-2026.

The status of the project was previously questioned by The Durango Herald, which, in August, reported that the chairlift's parts were still in Purgatory’s parking lot despite the start of ski season being only a few months away.

Still, Purgatory plans to continue site prep, tree removal, and trail glading so that when next spring arrives, it can proceed quickly with building the Gelande.

Rathbun also noted that the ski resort has spent the summer undergoing pre-construction work like building tower forms, modifying chairs, assembling major lift components, and staging equipment.

“While it’s disappointing not to see the lift spinning this year, the investment of time, money, and effort we’ve put in gives us a strong foundation,” Rathbun wrote.

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Rathbun, addressing Purgatory's guests, acknowledged that the chairlift delay is frustrating, particularly with the ski resort's bike park operations suspended this summer to make way for the Gelande's construction.

“Our team shares that frustration,” he wrote. “At the same time, we’re determined to keep momentum by putting resources into projects that are permitted and underway.”

Rathbun detailed several projects that have moved forward.

One, snowmaking has been expanded to cover additional terrain served by the Legends Express lift, which, according to Rathbun, “will give us more insurance to open trails earlier, maintain snow quality, and provide a more consistent experience throughout the season.”

Improvements are coming to Purgatory’s Colubmine beginner area, too, including the installation of a temporary heated bathroom trailer.

The ski resort has funneled almost half a million dollars into new rental equipment and systems “designed to make the experience smoother, faster, and more comfortable,” Rathbun added.

Rathbun concluded the letter with a note on the bike park's future operations, writing that Purgatory intends to bring backing back next summer.

"Timelines for projects of this scale can shift, and we don’t want to overpromise, but what won’t change is our commitment," Rathbun wrote.

Purgatory is scheduled to start the ski season on November 22.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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