Hidden Valley
by Lynn Sprowl
Title
Hidden Valley
Artist
Lynn Sprowl
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Hidden Valley, Colorado by Lynn Sprowl.
The former ski area featured an impressive 2,000-foot vertical drop from 11,400 to 9,400 feet, and by the time lifts began turning in 1955, the terrain was divided for each level of skier—30 percent beginner, 30 percent intermediate, and 30 percent expert. There was also a base lodge with cafeteria and gift shop, ski patrol headquarters, and a large parking area. A double chairlift was added in 1971, and the ski area became frequented mostly by Northern Colorado residents who would otherwise face a long drive to the larger ski resorts along Interstate 70. In 1984, you could buy a season pass to Hidden Valley for $100, and an adult daily lift ticket went for $10.
However, in the late ’80s, it became apparent that Hidden Valley couldn’t compete with the bigger Colorado resorts. Following a meager snow season during which skier visits dropped by nearly 33 percent, Hidden Valley removed its lifts and closed ski operations in 1991.
Hidden Valley may no longer have lifts, but it does have one of the best sledding hills in the state.
But while the ski area is gone, the mountain remains, and it has become a popular destination just a short drive from Estes Park for all kinds of fun in the snow.
Sledding and Tubing
It has become a hot spot for a variety of winter adventure. Sliding down the slopes is still at the top of the list for winter visitors and the area has become home to one of America’s greatest sledding hills. On any snowy day of the winter you’ll find families marching up the gentle slope with sled or tube in tow, making their way to the top of the wide trail and racing down, some joining tubes and gliding along in unison. Some of these ski slopes of are more narrow (they used to build them that way), the terrain is open for backcountry access, so skiers and snowboarders willing to earn their turns get a taste of Hidden Valley in its heyday. The powder stashes are plentiful on the higher slopes, most of which are relatively low-angle. Still, backcountry skiers and riders should always come prepared with beacons and avalanche gear—and know how to use them. While there is no longer an army truck (or any other motorized vehicle) to take downhill enthusiasts to their dream stash at the top of Trail Ridge Road, the unplowed road makes for an ideal uphill route on skins or snowshoes, and the views become more stunning the higher you go.
Of course, winter adventure in and around Hidden Valley doesn’t have to involve any equipment whatsoever. The former ski area is a wonderful place for a winter picnic. Its base area is flecked with several bench tables. And if you use your imagination, you can think about the days gone by, the kids who learned to ski here, the culture that developed here, and the fond memories that remain.
Uploaded
December 7th, 2020
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