Eldora will open for skiing and riding on Friday, two weeks earlier than scheduled.
Thanks to more than 15 inches of recent snow, cold temperatures ideal for snowmaking, and the hard work operations teams, the Boulder County mountain will be able to open the earliest in 30 years, according to a news release.
“Our incredible employees have done it again,” said Eldora’s president and general manager Brent Tregaskis. “Thanks to their monumental efforts, we’re able to open this Friday. Along with our beloved guests, our team members are what make Eldora such a special place, and the go-to gathering spot for local skiers and riders for more than 60 years. We’re the perfect half-day mountain, where you can grab a couple hours of rejuvenating snow time and then get on with your day.”
Here’s what to expect for Opening Day
- Terrain: A full 1,000 vertical feet of terrain will be open, including Hornblower, Klondike, and International trails, plus a small terrain park offering near West Wing Lodge. No beginner terrain, lessons, uphill access, or Nordic/snowshoe trails will be open, but everyone is welcome to join the fun in the base area! A small terrain park offering will be open near West Wing Lodge.
- Hours: Beginning Friday, Alpenglow chair will spin 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., seven days a week, during early-season operations, weather and conditions permitting.
- Muffins and Music: Fresh-baked muffins will be served to the first guests in line and live tunes from Godlazer.
- Eldora Passes: Eldora pass holders who reloaded their Eldora cards from last season can go straight to the lift. Otherwise, pick up your pass at the automated box at Indian Peaks Lodge using the QR code in your confirmation email. Make sure you’ve uploaded a photo and signed your waiver to avoid being stalled at the RFID gate.
- Ikon Passes: Ikon Pass holders can go straight to the lift; if you haven’t received your pass in the mail, we can print it for you at Indian Peaks Lodge.
- Day Tickets: Purchase online, in advance, at store.eldora.com and then pick up at the Pick-Up Box using your confirmation email’s QR code, as described above.
- Free Wi-Fi: Cell coverage can be patchy, so be sure to log onto the “Eldora Guest” network — no password required.
- Eldora is Cashless: New this year, all Eldora sales operations are cashless.
- Safety: Guests should be prepared to ski and ride safely and responsibly on opening day and all season long, bearing in mind the responsibility code and Colorado Ski Safety Act every time they hit the slopes.
Other updates
- New Investments: In May, Eldora broke ground a 12,000-square-foot lodge near the Lower Mountain, which will house Ignite Adaptive Sports and children’s ski and ride school. This project will be an active construction zone this winter and is slated to open for the 2024/25 season. Additionally a new roof on West Wing Lodge, major snowmaking system upgrades, new bathrooms in the parking lots, new carpet in Indian Peaks Lodge, and a solar-energy system at the Nordic Center have been installed.
- Sustainability: “Play Forever” is the name for Eldora’s commitment to protect the environment and support the community. Learn more at Eldora.com/playforever.
- Easy, Convenient RTD Bus Service from Boulder: RTD’s NB route brings you from Downtown Boulder Station straight to Alpenglow chairlift in about 40 minutes—and new this year, riders 19 and under ride for free. For schedule and fare info, visit rtd-denver.com. Beginning Dec. 2, Eldora will resume its weekend sustainable transportation program, providing free RTD tickets at Downtown Boulder Station and free shuttles from the Boulder County Justice Center parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays. Please visit the Sustainable Transportation page for details.
- Weekend/Holiday Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) Fee: Boulder County requires Eldora to collect a $10 fee from SOVs on Saturdays, Sundays, certain holiday periods, and weekdays with 10 or more inches of new snow (cards are accepted; cash is not). Parking is always free for all vehicles on every non-holiday weekday with less than 10 inches of snow. Parking is also always free for vehicles with two or more occupants. Vehicles with three or more occupants may take advantage of premium, up-front HOV parking near the Alpenglow chairlift on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more here.
- EV Parking: Eldora provides 30 free ChargePoint electric-vehicle charging stations. These spots are available on a first-come first-served basis and are subject to the SOV policy above, per Boulder County requirements.
- Nordic Center and Uphill Access: For the cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and uphill skiers out there, Eldora’s Nordic trail network and uphill access routes will not be open yet, since both are dependent on natural snowfall. Stay tuned at eldora.com/conditions for updates.
- Now Hiring: Eldora employees get free season passes, free skiing at most other Colorado resorts, competitive wages, and many other benefits. Browse jobs and apply today at eldora.com/jobs.
- Stay Informed: Be in the know when it comes to important operational updates and fun events. Remember to check eldora.com/conditions before leaving home, and visit Comms Hub to subscribe to our text and email alerts and to follow on social media.
