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In a resort landscape growingly dominated by huge companies, many skiers have come to feel that the power to control our mountains has slipped out of our hands.
But maybe we’re wrong.
This time, the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, despite their tiny population of only 1,500 people, is buying Eldora Mountain Resort of industry giant POWDR.
The deal, announced on July 8, will close this fall. POWDR has owned Eldora since 2016, and will stick around for the next couple years to facilitate a steady transition of leadership.
Nederland will assume control of the mountain with help from 303 Ski, a group of veteran ski industry operators from Colorado.
Municipal Bonds
Nederland is funding the purchase through municipal bonds, not tax revenue. Resort revenue will back the bonds, meaning regular taxpayers will not be off the hook.
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Eldora says it’s staying on the Ikon Pass indefinitely, the revenue from which should help maintain some financial stability during the transition.
“All 700+ Eldora staff will keep their jobs,” the town confirmed. Hinting at plans to expand summer ops, the town announced they’re “aiming to build a year-round, community-driven asset.”
In a ski economy dominated by bottom lines and portfolio growth, this is an example of grassroots power in action. The town of Nederland is proving that community ownership could be a real, working model.
Public forums and town halls will be a part crucial of the transition.
Locals with questions can email: townadmin@nederlandco.org.
