Powdr Buys Eldora, Adds to List of Ski Areas Including Copper Mountain

Powdr's bought Eldora, but its expansion is still up for debate. Rach_cooney123 photo. 

Utah-based Powdr, a private, family-owned company, have just bought Eldora Mountain Resort, 21 miles west of Boulder, Colorado.

Powdr haven’t disclosed the financial terms of the sale, and haven’t commented on whether they’ll continue with the push to expand Eldora by about 88 acres west of Nederland, a movement local groups adamantly oppose for environmental reasons.

Eldora’s new family includes Copper Mountain, Killington, Mt. Bachelor, Boreal, Pico Mountain, Lee Canyon, Gorgoza Park, and Soda Springs, resorts spanning from California to Vermont.

Locals hope Powdr keeps Eldora classic. Meckimoo photo.

Eldora General Manager Brent Tregaskis told the Daily Camera two huge advantages of the acquisition are the ability to create new ski school programs and potentially expand their ski pass deal with Copper Mountain.

According to Mike Chiropolos, an attorney representing the Middle Boulder Creek Coalition that opposes Eldora’s proposed expansion, locals are relieved Powdr bought the mountain, and not some huge corporation. It seems people in those parts don’t want to be another Vail or Aspen, and they like that Powdr recognizes their preference to keep classic.

Regulars in Eldora's lodge want to keep things chill with their mountains of nachos and Bloody Mary's. Cryptographics photo.

William Killebrew, Penny Lewis and Graham Anderson had owned Eldora since 1991, and came to realize the mountain would benefit from being tied to a larger resort. Powdr was the first company to come to their minds. The sale was under negotiation for 3 months.

Pricing for the 2016/2017 Super Value Pass will not change, and jobs will not be cut. The only changes going down involve making new runs and improving the base area. New chairlifts will be installed next summer.

Here’s to Eldora moving onwards and upwards!

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stash member Hannah Clayton