Eldora Expansion to Hessie

Hey all,

A little off topic, but since there is good ice climbing near Hessie, maybe not so much.

You might have heard about the recent plan by Eldora and the USFS to expand the resort. There is an article outlining it here. denverpost.com/business/ci_…

I started a website called noeldoraexpansion.org. As you might imagine, the gist is opposition to some (not all) elements of the expansion. The controversial part of the expansion proposes bringing ski trails and lifts right to Middle Boulder Creek, essentially eliminating any buffer between the ski resort and the very popular Hessie Trailhead. This is the trailhead for Devils Thumb, Woodland Lake, Lost Lake and King Lake. The expansion is proposed to take place about a mile east of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundary as the crow flies. For all intensive purposes, this is a Wilderness corridor.

I understand some folks might think arguing over a 300 yard wide, half mile long stretch is silly, but I'm not convinced. I prefer not starting my hikes and adventures right next to ski trails and lifts. There are some environmental reasons as well, including having beetle kill spray from the resort that much closer to the water source. Anyhow, I thought I'd bring it to light. Should spark some lively debate if nothing else. To clarify - this is not opposed to all elements of the expansion - just the drop directly down to Middle Boulder Creek.

Check out the site, and if you're so inclined, sign the change.org petition as well. And even if you disagree, thanks at least for having some opinion!

Website: noeldoraexpansion.org
Petition: change.org/p/u-s-forest-ser…

As a long time Eldora skier, I am surprised how little "expansion" there is in the Expansion Plan! The one significant new lift, the proposed Jolly Jug lift, faces SE and I suspect the slopes would become melted off. I don't think this terrain is a good choice, because of the direction it faces. I have skied XC in this area and there are often huge bare patches.

The problem with Eldora is that in high winds they can only keep the "baby lifts" open. It looks like with this plan they could also keep open the Challenge Lift, the new Jolly Jug Lift, and the new lift below Indian Peaks. A minor plus, I suppose.

I'm not clear exactly why that bridge is needed. As I understand it, there is no plan for a new parking lot near Hessie, so there would be no reason for any skier to cross this bridge (although I suppose the Eldora locals could access the ski area?) Perhaps they could just put a pedestrian bridge there?

What Eldora really needs to do is invent a new kind of lift that keeps you out of the wind. It's ridiculous to be strung way up in a chair while you are pummeled by 50+ mph winds. A gondola might keep you out of the direct wind, but could still swing wildly. What about an underground escalator? Even a high-speed T-bar?

At the moment I'm neutral on the proposed expansion.