In the 1940s and 1950s the Berthoud Pass Ski Area was a thriving destination for thousands of Colorado skiers to put on wooden skis and enjoy the incredible slopes. 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 Resort has a fascinating history including multiple ownerships and bankruptcies in its later years which is all covered in this comprehensive video. Enjoy this historic break down history of this iconic lost mountain in Colorado which closed permanently in March 2003.
Berthoud Pass Ski Area Stats:
-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%
-Rates: 1984 – Adult $10.00; Child $6.00
-Services: Base Lodge with ski shop, restaurant, cafeteria, and ski patrol
Chairlifts:
-Pre 1989: 1 Constam T-Bar, 1 Heron-Huntington Double
-Post 1989: 1 Borvig Triple, 1 Borvig Quad (1 Borvig double removed in 1991)
-Shuttle buses were also used to transport skiers using the pass.
