Colorado's forgotten resort now fuels backcountry skiing adventures

The Legacy of Hidden Valley Ski Area

Colorado is widely regarded as the premier destination for skiing and snowboarding in the United States. Popular resorts such as Aspen and Breckenridge receive an average annual snowfall of around 300 inches, while lesser-known spots like Wolf Creek, nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, are celebrated as some of America's best small ski areas. However, not all ski resorts have stood the test of time. Hidden Valley Ski Area, located within the winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park, was abandoned in the early 1990s. Now, this once-popular "ghost town ski area" near Estes Park is finding a new purpose as a popular backcountry skiing destination.

A History of Adventure

Hidden Valley was a beloved, albeit unofficial, ski area since the 1930s. Back then, there were no formal ski lifts, and locals relied on rustic "ski shuttles" to reach the upper valley for downhill runs along slopes lined with pine trees. In 1955, a more structured resort called Hidden Valley Ski Area opened. It featured two simple ski lifts and a vertical drop of 2,000 feet. The resort also included a lodge with a gift shop, café, restrooms, and a ski patrol center.

By 1971, when a double chairlift was installed, Hidden Valley had become increasingly popular. According to ColoradoSkiHistory.com, many people share fond memories of their experiences at the resort. One commenter recalled: "I was raised in Estes Park and used to ski at Hidden Valley in the 1970s. The Estes Park schools used to host ski days for all the students several times each year. We would all load up on buses and go to Hidden Valley, where we would have competitions and a dance at the lodge in the evening."

The Decline and Revival

Unfortunately, Hidden Valley couldn't compete with larger resorts like Steamboat Ski Resort, known for its "champagne powder" snow. When a mild winter led to fewer skiers, the resort closed in 1991. Today, the groomed slopes and ski lifts are gone, and there is minimal infrastructure for visitors. However, the old Hidden Valley Ski Area has become a favorite among backcountry skiers and snowboarders.

Visitors can snowshoe to the top of the powdery mountainside on Trail Ridge Road, an unplowed pass offering breathtaking views of the valley below. From there, they can ski back down. Sledding and snow tubing are also popular activities for families. Equipment rentals are available from the Estes Park Mountain Shop, including snowshoes ($8), sleds ($15), snow boots ($14 for adults, $10 for kids), and goggles ($10).

Exploring the Surroundings

After a day of adventure, visitors can warm up with craft beer and comfort food at the Estes Park Brewery and its restaurant, The Hive, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Nearby accommodations include the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn, starting at $65 per night, featuring mountain views and a top-rated restaurant, Bird & Jim. It's just a five-minute drive from Estes Park. For those looking for something closer to town, Murphy's River Lodge offers rooms starting at $65 per night, located on the banks of the Fall River and featuring an indoor pool and hot tub.

Denver and its international airport are just one and a half hours away by car. Those interested in exploring Rocky Mountain National Park can take a hike along the Continental Divide and follow tips for making the trip more affordable.