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Resort Comparison

Arapahoe Basin vs Purgatory Resort

Arapahoe Basin excels for families prioritizing family features.

The Verdict

Arapahoe Basin leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Arapahoe Basin

Family-focused experience

Best Snowfall
Purgatory Resort

130.4" average season

Best Terrain
Arapahoe Basin

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Purgatory Resort

$0 day pass

Easiest Access
Arapahoe Basin

Most accessible

Best Village Vibe
Arapahoe Basin

Pleasant base area

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

Family

Ski School Age
4+
-
Full-Day Program
-
Beginner Terrain
5.5
5.0
Walkability
7.0
5.0
Village Vibe
5.5
5.0

Mountain

Vertical
2,530'
1,966'
Skiable Area
1,428 ac
0 ac
Green Runs
10%
20%
Trails
147
87
Lifts
9
14

Getting There

Airport
DEN
DEN
Drive Time
1.5h
2h
Road Ease
6.5
5.0

Cost

Passes
Ikon
None
Day Pass
$149
$0
Cost Tier
Moderate
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Limited
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

130.4"

avg season

2024-25 season

98" total

75%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
130"65"0"
Arapahoe Basin
Purgatory Resort

Key Insights

Arapahoe Basin excels for families prioritizing family features.

Key Differences

  • Arapahoe Basin's walkability score (7.0) exceeds Purgatory Resort's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Arapahoe Basin offers more terrain variety (1,428 acres vs 0 acres)
  • Purgatory Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (67% green and blue), while Arapahoe Basin skews more advanced (60% black and double black)

Best For

Arapahoe Basin

  • Those seeking a walkable village experience
  • Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (1,428 acres)
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 4)

Purgatory Resort

  • Budget-conscious families

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