Redesign of Eldora Mountain Resort: A Conceptual Plan to Enhance Boulder's Backyard

Abstract

When skiing was originally introduced, the sport was focused on the mountain and recreational experience. However, as the market has expanded and operations have improved, ski resorts have turned into large corporate businesses competing with each other and making it difficult for smaller resorts, such as Eldora Mountain Resort, to survive. Just as important, the essence of the sport has become diluted, as the natural mountain experience is becoming lost among the corporate industry. In addition to the large expansive resorts, there is intense land use and a number of environmental impacts such as clear cutting, loss of habitat, erosion, and high water use. Eldora Mountain Resort is a small ski resort outside of Nederland, CO generally used for day skiing. While major destination and day skiing resorts such as Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge continue to dominate the Interstate 70 corridor, Eldora has a unique opportunity to accommodate skiers and mountain enthusiasts of northern Colorado, as there are no other ski resorts in its immediate surroundings. The resort currently lacks on-site lodging and has limited use during the warm months, with the exception of hiking. The purpose of this research is to address key issues of mountain tourism and the associated environmental impacts in a conceptual redesign of Eldora Mountain Resort. This project examines how Eldora Mountain Resort can integrate year-round recreational opportunities, while focusing on how the resort can strengthen its connection to the natural mountain setting and improve environmental practices, all while creating a unique experience for visitors.