Though we’ve had an amazingly warm, long fall on the Front Range, it’s only a matter of time before the snow begins to fall — and, in fact, it’s already snowing in the high country.
After a season full of COVID-19 rules and changes, what will ski season be like this year at Eldora? Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming winter season at Boulder’s closest ski resort.
Opening day is Nov. 19
Don’t waste time! If you haven’t taken your skis in for a tune-up, tracked down all your winter gear or bought your ski pass, now is the time. Eldora opens on Nov. 19, a Friday. Lifts start running at 9 a.m. sharp and there’s always a special sort of pride associated with nabbing Eldora’s first chair.
POWDER AT ELDORA. PHOTO BY ASHER RUDKIN
No Parking Reservations Required
Unlike last year, you won’t need to make a parking reservation this year at Eldora. However, you will need to pay $10 to pay to park on weekends and holidays if you’re driving up to Eldora by yourself, per Boulder County’s sustainable transportation priorities (carpool, carpool, carpool!). This single-occupancy vehicle fee will go toward Eldora’s Sustainable Transportation Program, which includes free RTD bus tickets and free shuttles from Boulder on certain dates. If you carpool with two or more friends (what’s considered a high-occupancy vehicle), you’ll be able to park for free in the Elk Lot, which provides convenient access to the Alpenglow lift and Eldora’s lodges.
Eldora is encouraging all skiers and snowboarders to prioritize sustainable transportation options. To that end, they’re offering free RTD tickets and free shuttle rides on specific days. Be sure to check out the Eldora website for more details.
COVID-19 Protocols Here to Stay
By now, you know the drill. Stay home if you’re sick. Follow Boulder County rules regarding face coverings/masks (as of right now, there’s a county-wide mask mandate, and Eldora is following those rules). Bring your credit card so that you can make cashless transactions.
Also know that Eldora’s staff is continuing to clean and disinfect to high cleanliness standards using virucides. Hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout the resort.
All Eldora employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo daily health screens to keep other employees and guests safe.
Group Lessons and Season Rentals are Back
You can once again take group lessons and rent gear for the season at Eldora. There are many different lessons to choose from, including multi-week programs, Ignite adaptive sports lessons, Nordic lessons and more.
Season-long gear rental packages start at $149 for children and $199 for adults, with prices up to $289 for high-performance packages.
Eldora is on the Ikon Pass Again
Once again, Eldora is part of the Ikon Pass, a multi-mountain pass with access to ski areas all over the world. You can also buy multi-day alpine passes, single-day lift tickets, alpine season passes, Nordic season passes, Nordic day tickets and uphill season passes and day tickets.
