3 of America’s ‘Best Abandoned Ski Resorts’ Are in Colorado

Colorado's ski industry brings in nearly $5 billion to the state every year; we take it seriously. There are three ski resorts, however, that don't bring in any money, anymore.

Imagine what skiing was like in 1937 when one of these resorts first opened. Imagine just getting there in 1937; you'd have to really want to ski, that's for sure.

Plus, when you consider all the ski resorts that have been in America, Colorado having three on this list is pretty neat.

Colorado Has 3 of the 5 Best Abandoned Ski Resorts

The gang at Powder.com put together their list of the five best abandoned ski resorts across America. One is in Montana, one is in California, and the other three are in the Centennial State.

• Berthoud Pass Ski Area

Berthoud Pass started out way back in 1937; they had a lift hat was powered by a motor donated by the Ford dealers in Denver. Powder.com talks about how though Berthoud Pass Ski Area ceased operating in the early 200's, it's still used for backcountry skiing.

From Powder.com:

Berthoud Pass’ popularity makes sense. It combines accessibility from Denver’s metro area with a vast swath of terrain options that cater to a range of backcountry enthusiasts.

 

• Hidden Valley Ski Area

Hidden Valley, west of Estes Park, must have been a blast when it was a ski area, from 1955 to 1991. It was small, close to Denver and Northern Colorado, and it was cheap.

The National Park Service, which had taken it over, didn't really want people to ski there at all, so they were probably glad when business died down so much that it wasn't worth staying open.

From Powder.com:

Hidden Valley has developed into a multi-use winter sports space sans the lifts of traditional ski areas. Sledding and snowshoeing are big ones, as is backcountry skiing on the previously cut trails.

 

• Geneva Basin Ski Area

Geneva Basin, south of Georgetown, was only around for about 20 years (1963-1984.) Former Governor Roy Romer was one of its many owners throughout its span.

Having so many different owners, things fell into disrepair and a lift chair ended up falling off, which lead to the final days of the ski area.

From Powder.com:

With the ski area crowds now gone—and a longish approach that directs many backcountry skiers elsewhere—Geneva Basin is a great place to soak in some solitude and a bit of resort industry history.