The unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride
The lift line cheers just before the unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The lift line cheers just before the unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride

The lift line grows just before the unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The lift line grows just before the unofficial first chair of the ski season leaves the base Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride
The six-pack lift is full Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
The six-pack lift is full Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride
Ski equipment most likely comes out of storage for the first time since last season on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Ski equipment most likely comes out of storage for the first time since last season on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride
Lots of smiles on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Lots of smiles on Saturday as Purgatory Resort opens for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride
Snow grooming equipment rests on Saturday after a busy night at Purgatory Resort before opening for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Snow grooming equipment rests on Saturday after a busy night at Purgatory Resort before opening for the weekend with bonus days thanks to recent storms and snowmaking. The resort officially opens Nov. 16. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jerry McBride