Purgatory vs Vail
Comparing Purgatory (CO) and Vail (CO) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Purgatory
Durango, CO
Independent pass
Window price$89
Online (advance)$79
Season pass—
Vail
Vail, CO
Epic pass
Window price$356
Online (advance)$199
Season pass$1,051
Side-by-side
| Stat | Purgatory | Vail | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $89 | $356 | Purgatory |
| Online (30+ days) | $79 | $199 | Purgatory |
| Season pass | — | $1,051 | Vail |
| Annual snowfall | 260" | 247" | Purgatory |
| Skiable acres | 1,635 | 5,317 | Vail |
| Vertical drop | 2,029' | 3,450' | Vail |
| Runs | 105 | 277 | Vail |
| Lifts | 12 | 33 | Vail |
| Summit elevation | 10,822' | 11,370' | Vail |
| Beginner terrain | 23% | 18% | Purgatory |
| Advanced terrain | 26% | 53% | Vail |
| Average lift wait | 5 min | 18 min | Purgatory |
The Match
Purgatory is cheaper at the gate ($79 vs $199 entry). Vail is significantly bigger (5,317 vs 1,635 acres). Pass affiliation: Purgatory is Independent, Vail is Epic.