Forest Service grants Eldora ski resort’s expansion request

Eldora Mountain Resort. Photo Denver Post. Forest Service grants Eldora ski resort's expansion request.

Forest Service grants Eldora ski resort’s expansion request

From: WRAL.com

The U.S. Forest Service has granted Eldora’s request to add 62 acres (25 hectares) of skiable terrain.

The Daily Camera reports the project will include five new ski trails on Roosevelt National Forest land, as well as tree and gladed skiing. The resort also plans to build a four- or six-person high-speed lift and beef up its snow-making operations.

Forest Service grants Eldora ski resort's expansion request
Forest Service grants Eldora ski resort’s expansion request.

Eldora general manager Brent Tregaskis says the expansion in an area known as the Jolly Jug is “pretty exciting stuff” that has been a long time coming.

The resort northwest of Denver abandoned plans for improvements on its north side amid concerns they could imperil a watershed and a critical wildlife migration corridor.

It’s not yet clear when the new lift will be installed.

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Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County

Eldora Mountain Resort ski map. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.

Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County

From the Mountain Ear

Gilpin County. Eldora Mountain Resort requested approval of a Special Use Permit for the expansion of Eldora Ski Resort into northern Gilpin County on March 5, 2019, at the Gilpin County Courthouse. The proposal included construction of a lift return and a lift operator building, on property owned by Tolland Ranch, LLC. The owner has given written consent and approval to this application.

During the hearing, the Community Development Director, Stephen Strohminger, said that there would be no new roads that this development would incur, and no vehicular traffic of any kind will be present except for heavy equipment when needed for maintenance. No impacts to water quality or quantity are expected.

Eldora Mountain Resort's sign. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.
Eldora Mountain Resort’s sign. Eldora Mountain’s Expansion is approved by Gilpin County.

The USFS Rocky Mountain Region has conducted an environmental impact report and has approved this project. The proposed Jolly Jug Lift is expected to be approximately 3,250 feet in length with half of the line in Gilpin County, and a structure to house a composting toilet system.

The bottom of the proposed lift is approximately 4.5 miles from Highway 119 and 1.6 miles to the south to Tolland Road, as the crow flies. No negative visual impacts to views and vistas are expected based on the information given.

The new lift would provide access to existing runs on the front and back side of Eldora and additional intermediate and expert level terrain on the south side of the mountain. Eldora General Manager Brent Tregaskis said, “This lift really fills that void at a very high level.” Skiers would be able to ride the Sundance Chair, ski down to the Jolly Jug Lift, and ride to the top of the ridge.”

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