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Resort Comparison

Arapahoe Basin vs Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain. Purgatory Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Purgatory Resort leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Purgatory Resort

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Purgatory Resort

118" average season

Best Terrain
Arapahoe Basin

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Arapahoe Basin

Moderate pricing

Easiest Access
Purgatory Resort

0.5h from DRO

Best Village Vibe
Purgatory Resort

Pleasant base area

Arapahoe Basin
Colorado, USA
$$Ikon
Purgatory Resort
Colorado, USA
$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age
4+
3+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
5.5
8.0
Walkability
7.0
7.0
Village Vibe
5.5
7.0

Mountain

Vertical
2,530'
2,029'
Skiable Area
1,428 ac
1,635 ac
Green Runs
10%
23%
Trails
147
105
Lifts
9
11

Getting There

Airport
DEN
DRO
Drive Time
1.5h
0.5h
Road Ease
6.5
8.0

Cost

Passes
Ikon
Ikon
Day Pass
$149
$149
Cost Tier
Moderate
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Moderate
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Arapahoe Basin

108.8"

avg season

2024-25 season

107.1" total

98%

Purgatory Resort

118"

avg season

2024-25 season

88" total

75%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
118"59"0"
Arapahoe Basin
Purgatory Resort

Key Insights

Purgatory Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain. Purgatory Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Purgatory Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Arapahoe Basin's (5.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Purgatory Resort's family village atmosphere score (7.0) exceeds Arapahoe Basin's (5.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Purgatory Resort's ski school accepts children from age 3, while Arapahoe Basin starts at age 4
  • Purgatory Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (74% green and blue), while Arapahoe Basin skews more advanced (60% black and double black)

Best For

Arapahoe Basin

  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs
  • Expert skiers (60% advanced terrain)

Purgatory Resort

  • Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
  • Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)

More Comparisons

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Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing