Our View: Thankful for a few more runs

Ready to work on that goggle tan?

We’re delighted to hear that Purgatory Resort has extended its ski season, adding this weekend as a bonus. And it’s nice that weekday and Hesperus season pass holders are invited to ski during extended weekend operations, too. We imagine their inclusion pleases the Snow Gods, who will bestow benevolent snowfall next season, following Purg’s goodwill.

Purgatory has recorded 376 inches of snow this season by Wednesday and has enjoyed below-average spring temperatures, making spring skiing conditions alluring.

As reported in The Durango Herald on April 20, Purg management felt conditions remained satisfactory to continue weekend operations through Sunday, said spokeswoman Theresa Graven.

“It’s always the resort’s goal and intent to give back to the ski community and make it possible for people to continue to use their passes this year,” Graven said.

We appreciate this. It’s always helpful to stretch the cost of passes, if only for a weekend.

Lifts will service only the front side of the mountain and will not access beginner terrain.

Purg may even stay open into May, depending on conditions.

Other ski areas that extended its season include Monarch Mountain, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Steamboat Ski Resort and Copper Mountain. But at this point in time, Purgatory and the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Resort are the holdouts that will remain open, at least this through this weekend.

And if you’ve already put up the ski gear for the season to don garden gloves and other springtime attire, come for the live music at Purg, 1 to 3 p.m. today at the beach area.

Thanks to Purgatory Resort owners for a few more runs, a few more times.