Ikon Pass is bad for the Eldora skier experience

It was with mixed emotions that I read “Small, medium-sized ski areas find their niche” from Nov. 30.

I was happy to read that there is still space for the little guys in an industry that more and more appears to be dominated by the big resorts, multimountain ski passes and corporate conglomerates.

Yet, I also couldn’t help but feel the pain of loss of what was once our own small, local hill — Eldora Mountain Resort.

Perhaps a companion article could explore how the skier experience goes downhill once one of these small areas gets swallowed up by a corporation, and is added to the multiresort pass — just as Powdr did with Eldora, which is now a throw-in on the Ikon Pass.

Ikon Pass holders can access little Eldora at no additional charge when conditions are better than at the big resorts, or after they grow aware of the insanity of I-70. I imagine the inclusion of a local hill allows Powdr to sell more Ikon passes. Yay! But at what cost to this local resource?

Here are a few things I’ve noticed since the Ikon Pass introduction: One better arrive before the lifts open or after 1:00 p.m. or risk getting turned back due to capacity issues (forget the spontaneous, leisurely, no stress, family start); “Powder days” are now “Powder Half Hours” as the Ikon-ic throngs track out the slopes in minutes; the lift lines are longer; and the slopes more crowded. Eldora has tried to address the overcrowding by adding new parking, encouraging ($) carpooling, and by gaining approval to expand to the south. (Every time I am at the Nordic area, and look up at where the new slopes are going to be placed, it sure seems to me that these southeast facing runs will be sunbaked. If asked, I would have voted not to expand and just install high-speed lifts at Indian Peeks and Corona.)

Granted, it must be challenging managing a ski mountain. I am ignorant of Eldora’s finances. And, I still support it with mine. I just really miss what it once was, and what it meant to local families who are happy to make Eldora their main mountain and get a pass just for this local treasure and enjoy some chill days together on the slopes. Hopefully, someday ownership will recognize that the Ikon Pass is bad for Eldora (and their bottom line) — and will pull our little hill out of the multi-passcreated melee.

Sam Hoaster lives in Boulder.