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Proposed Eldora Ski Expansion–Not a Done Deal

Help stop Eldora Ski Area’s expansion outside its current borders and help us save the Middle Boulder Creek and Jenny Creek riparian areas and wildlife migration area.

  • The proposed expansion will impact visitors to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and hikers will hear the sounds of snowmaking, lifts, skiers, and snowmobiles.
  • The proposed Placer lift and runs will fragment an established wildlife migration area that now exists between the creek and the bases of the existing Indian Peaks and Corona lifts. It will also impact the Middle Boulder Creek riparian area. Species affected include: Moose, American Marten, Boreal Owls.
  • The proposed Jolly Jug lift also will go beyond current ski area boundaries, potentially close to Jenny Creek. The popular Jenny Creek Forest Access trail crosses the proposed Jolly Jug runs in several places and may have to be rerouted.
  • Runoff from the proposed new runs may defeat mitigation measures put in place by the ski area during especially severe rainstorms. A natural buffer exists now below the ski runs.
  • Are the expansions beyond current boundaries really needed? The ski area can’t even keep the Indian Peaks lift open during the week.
The Forest Service has gathered preliminary (scoping) comments from the public and is now preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. When the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is released, Middle Boulder Creek Coalition will review the document, and we will send an alert to our mailing list with suggested comments.

How the Forest Service rules on the EIS  will ultimately decide the fate of the proposed ski area expansion, so your comments will be essential. 

WE WANT TO THANK THOSE OF YOU who commented on the preliminary scoping process. Between Middle Boulder Creek Coalition and the Sierra Club we estimate that approximately 1,150 comments were sent to the Forest Service and approximately 400 to Representative Jared Polis.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be released in summer or fall of 2013.

In the last two years, MBCC members have met with officials from Boulder County, City of Boulder, the Town of Nederland, and the Forest Service, and attended many meetings held by these groups. We’ve written letters to the editor, distributed hundreds of flyers,and maintained this website. In a show of hands at a recent town meeting in Nederland with Representative Polis two-thirds were opposed to the ski area expansion. While these accomplishments are encouraging, we’re going to continue to need your help, especially when it comes time to comment on the EIS.