The Purgatory Faux'teener Challenge presented by Pine Needle Mountaineering
- Date Sat 6th September 2025
- Time 6:00AM MDT
- Location Durango, Colorado
- Price $52.94 - $104.88
- Races 2 races
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Purgatory Faux'teener Challenge on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the breathtaking Durango, La Plata area of Colorado! This unique endurance event invites outdoor enthusiasts to tackle an impressive 14,000 vertical feet in a single day, all without leaving the stunning Purgatory Resort. Participants will ascend the mountain repeatedly, mimicking the challenge of climbing iconic Colorado 14ers, with this year's featured peak being the formidable Mount Eolus, standing tall at 14,083 feet in the majestic San Juan Mountains.
The Fauxteener Challenge is designed for everyone, from seasoned climbers to curious newcomers, with various class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions available. Whether you choose to brave this test of grit solo or team up with friends, you'll experience the thrill of conquering a mountain-sized challenge amidst Colorado's awe-inspiring landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable day of determination, camaraderie, and breathtaking views as you earn your personal summit and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
The Fauxteener Challenge is designed for everyone, from seasoned climbers to curious newcomers, with various class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions available. Whether you choose to brave this test of grit solo or team up with friends, you'll experience the thrill of conquering a mountain-sized challenge amidst Colorado's awe-inspiring landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable day of determination, camaraderie, and breathtaking views as you earn your personal summit and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Organiser's Description
A NEW SUMMIT EVERY YEAR. ONE MOUNTAIN. FOURTEEN THOUSAND FEET.
_Welcome to the San Juans_
This challenge begins where the rugged beauty of Colorado truly comes alive - in the San Juan Mountains. Known for their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and remote wilderness, the San Juans are among the most awe-inspiring and unforgiving ranges in the state. Home to iconic 14ers and dramatic alpine terrain, they set the stage for a climbing challenge unlike any other.
_This Years Featured Peak: Mount Eolus_
Each year, the Fauxteener Challenge pays tribute to a different Colorado 14er, starting with peaks from our home range, the San Juans.
For 2025, we honor Mount Eolus, a 14,083-foot peak tucked deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Known for its exposure, knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking views, Eolus is considered one of Colorados more challenging climbs. Named after the Greek god of wind, this summit requires nerve, strength, and resolve - qualities youll need to channel on your quest to complete 14,083 vertical feet right here at Purgatory.
You wont stand on Eolus summit, but after nine punishing laps, youll feel like you did.
WHAT IT ENTAILS:
Purgatory Resort invites you to take on the Purgatory Fauxteener Challenge - a one-day endurance event that dares participants to climb 14,000 vertical feet without ever leaving the resort. Modeled after high-altitude Everesting-style events, this course takes you from the base area to the top of Lift 1 repeatedly, until youve earned that symbolic 14,000-foot summit.
Whether youre pushing yourself solo or splitting the grind with teammates, the Fauxteener is a true test of grit, stamina, and determination. With multiple class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions, its a challenge for everyone - from the hardcore to the just-curious.
The Fauxteener is more than an endurance event. Its a personal summit, a mountain-sized test of determination, and a chance to push yourself in one of Colorados most inspiring landscapes.
Whether youre chasing a time, a goal, or just a good story, this is your opportunity to finish the season with something unforgettable.
This year, you earn Mount Eolus. Next year, a new peak awaits.
_Welcome to the San Juans_
This challenge begins where the rugged beauty of Colorado truly comes alive - in the San Juan Mountains. Known for their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and remote wilderness, the San Juans are among the most awe-inspiring and unforgiving ranges in the state. Home to iconic 14ers and dramatic alpine terrain, they set the stage for a climbing challenge unlike any other.
_This Years Featured Peak: Mount Eolus_
Each year, the Fauxteener Challenge pays tribute to a different Colorado 14er, starting with peaks from our home range, the San Juans.
For 2025, we honor Mount Eolus, a 14,083-foot peak tucked deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Known for its exposure, knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking views, Eolus is considered one of Colorados more challenging climbs. Named after the Greek god of wind, this summit requires nerve, strength, and resolve - qualities youll need to channel on your quest to complete 14,083 vertical feet right here at Purgatory.
You wont stand on Eolus summit, but after nine punishing laps, youll feel like you did.
WHAT IT ENTAILS:
Purgatory Resort invites you to take on the Purgatory Fauxteener Challenge - a one-day endurance event that dares participants to climb 14,000 vertical feet without ever leaving the resort. Modeled after high-altitude Everesting-style events, this course takes you from the base area to the top of Lift 1 repeatedly, until youve earned that symbolic 14,000-foot summit.
Whether youre pushing yourself solo or splitting the grind with teammates, the Fauxteener is a true test of grit, stamina, and determination. With multiple class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions, its a challenge for everyone - from the hardcore to the just-curious.
The Fauxteener is more than an endurance event. Its a personal summit, a mountain-sized test of determination, and a chance to push yourself in one of Colorados most inspiring landscapes.
Whether youre chasing a time, a goal, or just a good story, this is your opportunity to finish the season with something unforgettable.
This year, you earn Mount Eolus. Next year, a new peak awaits.
The Purgatory Faux'teener Challenge presented by Pine Needle Mountaineering
