Abandoned California ski area up for sale.
Abandoned California ski area up for sale.

Those interested in purchasing some land have a rather unique opportunity to own an abandoned ski resort in California. The old Iron Mountain Ski Resort, located just off Highway 88 near Kirkwood, is currently up for sale for $5,800,000.

The near 65 acre property comes with pre-approved building permits for 22โ€“46 condo /townhome units in addition to being zoned for campgrounds, RV spaces, and ski resort use. Several abandoned lift towers are scattered around the property, showing off the land’s fascinating history.

Iron Mountain - The Lost Resorts, Episode 21 (ft. Ben Eminger)

Iron Mountain Ski Resort has had many names, including Silver Basin, Ski Sundown, Iron Mountain, and Carson Ski Area. The resort first opened back in 1971, offering a variety of terrain serviced by multiple chairlifts and surface lifts. It saw various ownership groups throughout its history, leading to several closures.

The resort operations came to a close in the 90s, when, in 1991, the owner decided to cut trees for an expansion without approval from the U.S. Forest Service. He was arrested, and the mountain was closed form 1991 to 1994. It opened in 1995 for one more season, but closed afterward. In 1998, the U.S. Forest service special use permit was revoked.

Today the area is available for sale at $89,000 per acre, or $2 per square foot. Those interesting in purchasing the property can inquire here.

Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work...