Colorado’s Liftless Ski Area Closes its Doors For Good

_{Bluebird Backcountry, Colorado's liftless ski area, announced its permanent closure on Monday, July 10, 2023. The ski area struggled to find fundraising support and could not sustain itself moving forward.| Justin Wilhelm/Bluebird Backcountry.}

After three seasons of operation Bluebird Backcountry ski area is permanently closing. Bluebird was located on Bear Mountain in north central Colorado, thirty miles east of Steamboat Springs.

The liftless ski resort was comprised of 28 runs, 11 marked skin tracks and more than 1,200 acres of in-bounds terrain. It also the first ski area of its kind to offer gear rentals, lessons, guide services and other amenities.

_{Bluebird Backcountry released this trail map ahead of the 2022-23 ski season|Bluebird Backcountry/Courtesy photo}

In a news release, company officials said Bluebird Backcountry ran out of financial runway and lacked fundraising support. According to CEO Jeff Woodward, Bear Mountain had good snow, but with more than 60% of its guests coming from the Front Range, it was difficult being so far from its core customer base.

It is unfortunate that Bluebird struggled to remain open for the long term. The concept of a backcountry-resort hybrid certainly piques my interest. Based on releases made by the company regarding their closure, however, it seems that a more central location would greatly help in bringing longevity the next ski area of its kind.

I’m sad to say I never got to visit Bluebird Backcountry, but I have hope that this isn’t the last we will hear from them. Can’t wait to see how their team builds back better in the future.

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