Beaver, Utah — Eagle Point Resort faces a long road ahead to recovery, as a wildfire continues to cause damage in the Tushar Range of Utah.
As of Thursday morning, the Cottonwood Fire has surpassed 70,000 acres and is 0% contained. The wildfire has destroyed the Eagle Point Resort’s Lower Lodge (Canyonside), some condominium buildings, and various cabins.
Once two separate ski resorts, Eagle Point Resort was bought by Shane Gadbaw in 2009. The ski resort has built a strong community since its revival. More additions were planned for the future, including real estate developments, a clubhouse for local property owners, a terrain expansion, a lift connecting the upper and lower mountains, and a Nordic Spa. Now, the focus is on recovery.
Eagle Point issued an official statement on Wednesday, stating that they expect to be closed for a considerable period due to wildfire mitigation and recovery efforts. The ski resort confirmed that “significant property loss for local owners and the resort” occurred.
One of the most jarring of the wildfires so far shows cabins destroyed across the mountain. The video shows various cabins either burning or completely gone. Meanwhile, one cabin is seen still standing.
The impacts of the Cottonwood Fire are now considered to be the worst ever of any wildfire in the state’s history. According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, while it may not be the largest wildfire in state history, it may end up being the most costly due to property and natural damage.
Update 5:15 p.m. 6/25: Eagle Point has shared more recent photos of the ski resort, confirming some of the major structures surived the fire. A Venmo has been launched for the victims of the fire, which you can donate to here.
Thank you to the firefighters for their continued efforts in battling wildfires in Utah and across the West. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments regarding Eagle Point and the Cottonwood Fire.
Image/Video Credits: Ski Utah, Eagle Point Resort, KSL Matt, Capital Reef Adventure Company
