Chasing Icons: Powder Laps Through Eldora’s Trees
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Eldora Ski Resort commences the leg of our trip spent in Colorado. Just from a quick drive from Boulder-30 minutes roughly-and we've got blower pow waiting for us in the parking lot.
It was snowing when we arrived, meaning we had light, fluffy, and untouched pow waiting for us. TGR Photo
"That's the magic of Eldora, that you gain so much elevation that snow is light and fun," Amie Engerbretson said referring to the resort's 10,600-foot peak-an impressive elevation for a relatively understated mountain. The tree skiing is what makes Eldora iconic, and it's what the co-founder of La Sportiva-Jonathan Lantz-loves about the resort.
After hitting the wide open tree lines with him, we see why Lantz has called this place home for the past 44 years.
Powder is always going to be fun no matter where you go, but the versatility in Eldora's terrain allows you to enjoy it to the full extent.
Bailey Eddy-a Nederland local who works as the retail lead at Eldora-adores the variety of skiable terrain.
"There's a place to go for every mood I'm in," she said. "Steep tree runs, killers parks, and great groomers: It's all here."
Together we enjoyed hitting the Muleshoe, which was long and featured some beautiful wind-protected pow stashes.
Only a 30-minute commute for face shots like this? Yeah we're hooked. TGR Photo
However, even more important to Eddy is the awesome relationship the mountain has with its employees and the public. The resort, which was acquired by Powdr Corperation in 2016, has kept true to its roots since 1962 and it shows.
"A lot of resorts are very homogenized, so it's really refreshing to be at a resort that is its own," Todd Ligare said about the culture at Eldora. "Eldora is comfortable in who it is and excited about where it's going."
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"We care about that freedom, about the fundamentals," said Eddy referring to the laid-back vibe. "We want to keep the stoke alive-every day." TGR photo.
That said, since the acquisition, many positive changes have been implemented at the resort. Improvements like the new lift, a killer food menu of local and organic cuisine, and a Woodward-style terrain park all builds onto a sturdy pre-existing foundation that runs deep through the entire community.
That's what really stood out to us-the local vibe-because the overall lifestyle here was more than just about skiing. People are drawn to this area for the general outdoor access, but also get to tap into a thriving cultural and musical scene.
Engerbretsons' favorite part of
For one, they have the Frozen Dead Guy Days.Yes, the festival is exactly what it sounds like: A festival for a frozen dead guy. A beloved tradition, the town of Nederland goes ham to celebrate the legend of Bredo Morstøl-the deceased grandfather of a Norwegian citizen from Nederland whose body was found frozen in a block of ice in town in 1994-with festivities liked coffin races, salmon tosses, beer, and music. We're obsessed with it.
Plus there's the added bonus of Denver's proximity-only 30 mins away-meaning all the perks of a cosmopolitan city without having to actually live in it. Eldora's accessibility, and its charm reminiscent of a homely backyard ski hill, is icing on the cake.
"You show up as stranger and your immediately part of the family" said Engerbretson commenting on the visible friendly and tight knit community that exists at the resort.
Après was provided courtesy of Crosscut Pizza and we grabbed some brews from the James Peak Brewery. Both stellar, and a great way to wrap Day 3 since our legs are TOAST from the pow laps. We're excited to continue on to Winter Park, which is a bit of homecoming for Ligare. Stay tuned!
