The History of Colorado's Most Famous Lost Ski Area

"As Colorado's first formalized ski area it marks many significant point in state's mountain sports history including the first resort to allow snowboarders on chairlifts. There are many factors that led to its ultimate demise but the addition of nearby Winter Park Ski Resort played a major role as it ended up being the preferred resort in the area."

"Berthoud Pass Ski Area was a thriving destination for thousands of Colorado skiers to put on wooden skis and enjoy the incredible slopes. Berthoud Pass Ski Resort has a fascinating history including multiple ownerships and bankruptcies in its later years which closed permanently in March 2003."

"Elevations: Summit 12,015 ft; Base 11,022 ft; Vertical Drop 993 ft. Typical Season: October - Early June. Trails: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%. Services: Base Lodge with ski shop, restaurant, cafeteria, and ski patrol. Chairlifts included 1 Constam T-Bar, 1 Heron-Huntington Double-Post, and later 1 Borvig Triple and 1 Borvig Quad."

Berthoud Pass Ski Area was a thriving Colorado ski destination in the 1940s and 1950s, establishing numerous firsts in the state's mountain sports history, including being the first resort to permit snowboarders on chairlifts. The resort featured a vertical drop of 993 feet with a base elevation of 11,022 feet and a summit at 12,015 feet, operating typically from October through early June. The trail distribution consisted of 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced terrain. The resort operated with multiple chairlifts and shuttle buses for skier transport. Competition from nearby Winter Park Ski Resort significantly contributed to Berthoud Pass's decline, leading to multiple ownerships and bankruptcies before permanent closure in March 2003.

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