Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado — Colorado’s ski history is full of interesting ski areas, with many mountains that didn’t make it to the present day. One of the most famous abandoned ski areas is Hidden Valley, which is unique in that it is situated within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Operated from 1942 to 1991, Hidden Valley was a modest ski area inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Skier72 and SRG Skiing broke down its history in the latest episode of The Lost Resorts, a video series that analyzes the history of abandoned ski operations.
Skiing began at Hidden Valley in the early 20th century, with lift operations starting in 1942. Also known as Ski Estes Park, it struggled to find a groove during the second half of the 20th century. A good example was its chairlift that connected the two mountains. It was reportedly an uncomfortable ride due to heavy winds and was removed in the late 1970s.
Other factors, such as a lack of snowfall compared to other local mountains, the modernization of its competition, a lack of comprehensive snowmaking capabilities, and the National Park Service’s reluctance to allow it to operate, led to its demise. The lifts were removed and sold to Vail, while the lodge was torn down in 2002. In my opinion, all of this would’ve been prevented if they had partnered with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.
If you’re looking for a nice backcountry ski spot or go sledding, Hidden Valley remains accessible for those who want to earn their turns.
As of 2026, only three ski resorts remain operating inside U.S. national parks: Badger Pass in Yosemite, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic, and Boston Mills/Brandywine in Cuyahoga Valley.
Image/Video Credits: Skier72/SRG Skiing, Skimap.org
