Events
The Faux'teener - Solo
The Faux'teener -- Relay
Place
Durango, CO US 81301
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 Year’s Featured Peak: Mount Eolus
Each year, the Faux’teener 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 Colorado’s more challenging climbs. Named after the Greek god of wind, this summit requires nerve, strength, and resolve - qualities you’ll need to channel on your quest to complete 14,083 vertical feet right here at Purgatory.
You won’t stand on Eolus’ summit, but after nine punishing laps, you’ll feel like you did.
What It Entails:
Purgatory Resort invites you to take on the Purgatory Faux’teener 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 you’ve earned that symbolic 14,000-foot summit.
Whether you’re pushing yourself solo or splitting the grind with teammates, the Faux’teener is a true test of grit, stamina, and determination. With multiple class categories, short-course options, and relay divisions, it’s a challenge for everyone - from the hardcore to the just-curious.
The Faux’teener is more than an endurance event. It’s a personal summit, a mountain-sized test of determination, and a chance to push yourself in one of Colorado’s most inspiring landscapes.
Whether you’re 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.
Course Overview
Start/Finish Location: The Beach (Main Base Area Plaza)
Ascent Route: A combination of the 1990 World Championship course and the World Cup DH course, running directly under Lift 1
Descent: Lift 1 ride down after each ascent
Vertical Gain per Lap: Approx. 1,525 ft
Total Vertical Gain: 9 full laps (13,725 ft) plus a final 358-foot climb to match the elevation of Mount Eolus - 14,083 feet total
Total Ascent Distance: Approx. 15.3 miles
Cutoff Time: 12 hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
Estimated Ascent Time per Lap: 60 to 75 minutes at moderate pace
Lift Ride Down: Approx. 10 minutes per lap
Total Time Estimate (Solo): 11 to 12 hours including breaks and lift time
The final bonus climb ensures your total elevation gain matches the true summit of Mount Eolus - no shortcuts, no rounding down.
Solo or Relay Team Options
You can take on this challenge solo or as a team! We have various competition categories for each option. Awards and recognition will be bestowed for first place in each category.
Solo Competition Categories
Take on all 14,083 vertical feet on your own.
- Open Men
- Open Women
- Masters Men (ages 45 and up)
- Masters Women (ages 45 and up)
- Masters of the Mountain
(Fastest overall male and female finishers. Honored with name plaques at the resort until the next year’s event.)
Team Relay Categories
Divide and conquer with a relay-style format. Teams can split laps however they choose.
- Coed Team (at least one male and one female)
- All-Women’s Team
- All-Men’s Team
- Masters Team (all members age 45 and up)
- Family Team (at least one member under 18)
Each team is responsible for completing the full 9-lap course. Lap assignments and order are up to you.
Short Course Options
Not ready for the full 14,083 feet? Choose a scaled challenge.
Faux’teener Light: Complete 5 laps (7,625 vertical feet)
Recommended for amateur mountain athletes or time-limited participants
Junior Climb: Complete 3 laps (4,575 vertical feet)
Recommended for youth or those new to endurance hiking
Awards & Recognition
We will recognize winners in each of the following award categories:
- Top finisher awards in every solo and team category
- Masters of the Mountain: Fastest male and female soloists will have their names displayed on a custom base-area plaque until the following year
- “Beast Mode” Award: Any soloist completing all 9 laps in under 10 hours
- “Climbed Every Inch” Patch: Earned by all soloists who complete the full climb
- Best Team Spirit: For creativity, costumes, and enthusiasm
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Free Camping Available
Free camping is available the night before the event for registered participants only. A camping permit will be issued upon request for those who would like to camp onsite.
