Small towns reclaim abandoned ski areas as nonprofits Under the gaze of the imposing Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado, the 50-acre Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park is the story of so many American ski areas, only the community was determined to change the script By BRITTANY PETERSON ASSOCIATED PRESS April 8, 2023, 5:19 AM As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. Some of the most notorious ghost towns in Montana include the town of Bannack, in Beaverhead County, which has been abandoned since the 1930s, and Elkhorn, in Boulder County, which has been abandoned since the 1970s and if you can brave the dirt road to reach it youre in for a treat: there are plenty of amazing, well-preserved buildings still standing just waiting to be explored. Local enthusiasts have been skiing this particular area since around 1960. Greybull Middle School Principal Cadance Wipplinger used to chaperone students to ski areas when she taught in a Montana town with a robust outdoor industry. Just remember that youll still have a long ascent back to the top after your last run. FIPS code. But there is no one here now except the animals. The Club Alpino Guadarrama opened in 1947 and was originally named Club Alpino Romate. In southern Montana 90 minutes from Billings, near the Wyoming state line and Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge is one of Montana's best-kept secrets. This house in Cohagen has seen better days. Montana. Where are some interesting, abandoned places in Montana? 0. Courtesy photo. The Berthoud Pass Ski Area enjoyed a long and legendary reputation among Colorado skiers before it shut its doors in 2002. A thriving community keeps mushing traditions alive in southwest Alaska, Ken Burns on The American Buffalo and Indigenous histories, Dwindling sea ice and rising Arctic ship traffic may bring unwelcome visitors to King Island, Alaska. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This entire area is loaded with history, so there's no telling what this old farm has seen. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! With more than 100 mountain ranges spread out across the state and an average annual snowfall of over 80 inches some areas of the Cowboy State get more than 13 feet each year its a skiers dream come true. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Then, of course, reality sets in, and we realize we don't have an extra $50 million lying around to buy up our favorite ski hill. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. Turner Mountain stands close to 6,000 feet and the resort has a recently-built lodge and a rental shop. Although known for its extreme terrain (one chairlift requires an avalanche beacon just to ride up! At mid-mountain, a steel-sided garage yawns wide open in the afternoon, its insides unmolested by the scrawled graffiti that is the signature of American abandonment. This number of abandoned homes in Montana is, unfortunately, almost impossible to know for sure; there are, however, more than 60 ghost towns scattered all over the state, and one can rest assured that those ghost towns have plenty of interesting, abandoned homes and buildings within. Both beginners and high-fliers will find something to suit them, and one includes a 1,000-foot-long quarter pipe. Whitefish is served by regularly scheduled passenger trains, and Glacier Park International Airport is only 30 minutes away. Add a Ski Area. His dad used to race here and named his son for what brought him joy. In 2006, the U.S. Attorney's Office sued Maclay for cutting down over 400 trees on Forest Service land to make way for a snow groomer. In Micah McCartys art, the past and future are one, and the whales never left. Since its closure, it has become a popular backcountry spot for skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Here are eight abandoned places in Montana that nature is reclaiming: Its truly amazing to see abandoned Montanas living history. Winter brings with it all kinds of events like live music and festivals, which wont be too far away from the resort. That said, the best stretches of the mountain are most suited to the more intermediate and advanced skier or boarder, although there are a few less challenging runs towards the lower reaches of the mountain to accommodate beginners and newcomers. Whitefish Mountain Resort is right next to Glacier National Park in Montanas northwest region. Too many speedsters, too many radbrahs and gangelas. 8, 2023. The Antelope Butte Foundation studied 30 years of snow patterns before committing to reopen, board president Ryan White said, but knew it would face ever-shorter winters. Located between Missoula and Butte, family-owned and operated Discovery offers 2,200 acres of terrain on three faces. Considering the sheer amount of skiable terrain, it might be surprising to learn that there are fewer than a dozen ski resorts in Wyoming, and even more surprising that there arent as many now as there used to be. The slopes and trails set among more than 2,000 acres offer enough variation to accommodate all levels of outdoor snow enthusiasts and also include 20-odd miles of cross-country terrain. Of skiing for the sake of it. On skis, descending, almost nothing feels steep anymore. The base area features a variety of dining and lodging options, and the town of Whitefish itself is only 7 mi away. It was dead for 16 years, when a group of stubborn locals with fond memories of the mountain came together. Showdown gets busy at weekends during the peak winter season, and Wednesday is a better option to try and avoid potential crowds. This is a family-friendly, affordable ski area in Montana that has avoided all traces of the corporate ski world with its locally-owned family operation which has been in operation for 80-odd years. This number of abandoned homes in Montana is, unfortunately, almost impossible to know for sure; there are, however, more than 60, No matter where you are, youre sure to find a fascinating ghost town within reach. The ski resort is popular with both visitors and locals, including many of the colleges students. The mountain is 2,000 feet of prime snow and uncrowded trails, offering great opportunities for all levels across 425 acres and 24 trails. Volunteers kept holding fundraisers. It is known for long expert runs such as West Bowl and its throwback operations; there is no significant base development, its two lifts are vintage Riblet double chairs; the access road is significantly improved as of 2011 . Too much traffic and confusion. Bear Paw Ski Bowl is in north-central Montana, 35 miles from Havre. It will be a memory and not a fantasy. Of course, you could always embark upon an adventure in which you search for derelict, abandoned homes there sure are plenty out in the sticks. Probably forever. Finally, when cold air and snowstorms arrived in late winter, Cuchara's maintenance director had an idea. Keeping skiing affordable, especially for children, is key to its mission. This is the now abandoned First State Bank building in Buffalo. Nearby, however is the 12,000-foot Mount Holly in the Tushar mountain range, which receives an average of more than 400 inches of snowfall a year. To Mad River Glen and Stowe and Sugarbush and Cannon and Wildcat. Cheap. It will elevate you to the areas 11,000-foot summit where youll encounter some pretty amazing skiing terrain. On skis, descending, almost nothing feels steep anymore. Sitting there the whole time. These dozen doomed ski resorts, like most seasonal winter businesses, can fall off the financial cliff by something as ironically simple as a lack of snow. Some of the terrain requires extra effort to reach, but if youre up to it youll likely have the run to yourself and may well find powder days after the latest dump. The Yellowstone Club Ski Resort is located in Madison County near Big Sky and actually makes up part of a private complex comprising a residential club, the ski resort, and a golf resort. Still, yes, Sunday River and Copper and Steamboat. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Reopening Abandoned Ski Areas . There are two inbound-facing parks in the area and the slopes and tree-lined routes are easy to identify in terms of difficulty or suitability for each level. Walking up, the mildest green circle rises like Everest. No matter where you are, youre sure to find a fascinating ghost town within reach. In my photos of that day is a place vibrant, alive, hundreds of people thronging the base area, the trails scaling up in the background, the chairlifts dangling proudly and stepping showroom-red up the mountainside, the air rich with triumph and accomplishment and joy. It just wasnt going to happen because we didnt have the snow, Clayton said. Of dispatching with the hunt for bumps and glades. Nestled into an ideal Rocky Mountain location across the Madison range, Moonlight Basins elevation over 10,000 feet means the snow stays for longer, but there is less chance of encountering crowded slopes. For $3.5 million, some savvy snow guru will get nearly 1,500 vertical feet of skiing, plus four chairlifts and views of Glacier National Park. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is their home and people dont belong here anymore. He even chopped trees in the protected Carlton Ridge Research Natural Area, a "nationally unique" Western larch ecosystem. Bozeman itself is a pretty laid-back and walking-friendly town with its own local breweries and plenty of entertainment and eatery options. Everything you might wish for from a Montana Ski Area is here, including impressive views, diverse terrain, and untouched snow on the many ski hills. Showdown Montana in Neihart is one of the oldest existing ski areas in the state. Abandoned Ski Lodge - California (images via: Panoramio/Wanderlust_biker) Just off Highway 88 close by the Mormon Emigrant Trail lie the gently deteriorating remains of a formerly attractive ski lodge. So ski areas are dealing with climate risk by offering year-round activities from archery to concerts and weddings. There are 20 runs with two-thirds of them being rated advanced level, with around 10% of the terrain allocated for beginners. On the top floor above the lodge is a warren of offices and in one of them the ceiling has collapsed and everything below is ruined. Whoever erected such a machine on such a mountain must have been proud. Showdown Mountain is reportedly the oldest ski area in the state, first being recognized as such in 1936 albeit under a different name to begin with. A few seasons ago, a storm dumped several feet of snow on the slopes, but a week later, rain washed it away. So lets have a deeper delve into some of Montanas best ski areas & resorts. Here are eight abandoned places in Montana that nature is reclaiming: 1. The ski school at Lookout Pass was founded in 1940 and is billed as Lookout's Famous Free Ski School. A New York stop on the national Spartan Race tour. An hour south of Bozeman and two hours north of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky features more than 5,800 acres of terrain and a 4,300 feet vertical drop. I don't have a source but Marshall Mountain in Montana is a ski/bike area and has had a few people interested in buying and restoring it. Snow resort conglomerate adds Deer Valley Resort to their holdings, New company forms by finalizing deal to control 12 North American snow resorts, The cheapest season passes at places you actually want to ski. Just like a favorite downhill run, however, all good things come to an end and for Rainbow Basin, the end came in 1991 when a flood of red ink put a permanent damper on the popular winter recreation spot. On top of that, it was a warm, dry winter. When buildings are abandoned, eventually nature will take its course. The stretches of groomed, skiable terrain at Discovery wind through winter forest areas not too far from both Echo Lake and Georgetown Lakes. South of Missoula, Mont., there's an intriguing albeit unnatural landscape feature. Just outside the lively university town of Missoula, Montana Snow Bowl offers mountain terrain ideal for more intermediate and advanced-level skiers and snowboarders. Big Sky Resort is a ski destination for all-comers in that it caters to all levels but in particular, anyone looking for vast terrain. In fact, the Big Sky terrain is so vast and diverse that you wont even begin to traverse it in a single trip! It was described as a beautiful, rustic, off-the-grid lodge, and Jim Kjeldsen wrote about it in detail in The Mountaineers: A History. Welcome to Unofficial Networks's European Union Experience. The shift is so busy, co-owner Jen Lind is having to help behind the bar. The resort covers 400 acres and has more than 40 downhill runs as well as access to backcountry skiing. 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In southern Montana 90 minutes from Billings, near the Wyoming state line and Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge is one of Montanas best-kept secrets. Embracing this, I reoriented my ski calendar over several seasons in a way that emphasized frequency and proximity. The Antelope Butte Foundation had been running a nonprofit ski area in northern Wyoming since 2018 after a closure that lasted 15 years. Photo: SerrNovik/iStock via Getty Images, The United States is littered with former, The Berthoud Pass Ski Area enjoyed a long and legendary reputation among Colorado, Skinning up outside Missoula, MT at sunset, Originally opened in 1946, Hogback was known as a family-friendly resort with cheap tickets, no lift lines, and about 400 feet of elevation drop to enjoy. At first, even sprawling Belleayre seemed small. The ski resort was closed in 2000, but now offers skiing & snowboarding James H. (Jim) Moss, JD on LinkedIn: Small towns reclaim abandoned ski areas as nonprofits Nine years ago, Tom Maclay cut 30 ski runs through his 2,900-acre family ranch, pursuing his vision of a ski. This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. South of Missoula, Mont., there's an intriguing albeit unnatural landscape feature. By: Brittany Peterson, The Associated Press Posted: 7:20 AM CDT Saturday, Apr. Terrain ranges from beginner slopes and relaxed groomers to exhilarating chutes and expansive bowls. The ski area sits 10,800 feet above Twin Lakes Headwall, and it functioned as a summer training camp for nearly 4 decades until 2003, when public access was granted. Weve never been very rich, Chad said of Huerfano, one of the poorest counties in the state. But both required expensive repairs, and then the refurbished chairlift didnt even pass inspection. Adventure knows no bounds on these slopes and landscapes, which is why they remain renowned skiing destinations for tourists from around the world. The resort features a summit of more than 8000 feet with more than 30, variously-challenging runs serviced by three chairlifts and a conveyor. Located near Whitefish, Montana, Blacktail is already profitable, employing nearly 100 locals and hosting approximately 45,000 skiers a year. Three Austrians were the driving force behind it as they were looking for a decent practice spot for both American and European Olympic skiing contenders. It comprises four main areas of terrain that have all levels of participants covered as well as some mean powder, and the resort has been named a top ski town by various prominent ski magazines over the years. If you're looking for a ski hill and a sound investment, then Blacktail Mountain can't be passed up. On the ground in the basement room splayed chaotically are lift tickets stamped Jan. 25, 2015. That makes it the second-largest resort in the U.S. behind Park City, and second in vertical behind only Snowmass. All of Montanas ski areas rely on natural snow, but Great Divide augments it with the states most extensive snowmaking system, so it consistently opens earlierand stays open laterthan any other mountain in the Big Sky State. Now, the lifts and lodges are gone, though a warming hut and parking area on Hidden Valley Road (just 10 miles from Estes Park) still make for easy access. In fact, this is reportedly the only town that still has available skiing options in the summertime, up on the Beartooth Pass. I have never lived outside the Eastern time zone, but many years I skied more days in Colorado and Utah than in New York and Vermont. It's not the biggest ski area in the state, but with 71 runs on nearly 1,650 acre of skiable terrain and 2,400 feet of vertical drop, there's plenty to keep everyone busy. A cardboard box, weather-warped and torn, holds a collection of beer cans and emptied oil quarts, a relic perhaps of a 7 a.m. comedown after a night in the Cats. Soon after its opening other ski areas and resorts in Montana started to take proper shape and the rest is history, as they say. On top of that, youll find a friendly, local vibe that always adds to any experience. But Maclay launched the project before securing U.S. Forest Service permission to develop 3,000 to 11,000 acres of adjacent public land, and his multiple permit requests from 2004 to 2008 were never in sync with forest management goals. This is another family-friendly resort family and attracts both locals and visitors alike. Note: an earlier version of this article referred to all of the ski areas chairlifts as Halls. The ski area has more than 60 marked trails and 5 double chair lifts, with elevations up to 8,000 feet and vertical drops going on for 2,000 feet. The runs at Hidden Valley date back to the 1930s, when Rocky Mountain National Parks Trail Ridge Road was plowed in the winter and skiers could get shuttled up the hill in olive green army trucks. But White Grass also includes the terrain of the former Weiss Knob Ski Area, which boasts 1,200 feet of elevation drop, 140 inches of snowfall on average, and runs on both open slopes and through glades. The area caters to families, with extensive intermediate terrain, well-groomed beginner runs and an excellent ski school. Nestled between New York City and Boston, Maple Valley Ski Area could be a weekend warrior's dream. Snowshoe Up Artist Point. 30-53200. Plenty that endure. With the natural expanse of the surrounding environment, you are guaranteed some impressive views from this area, especially on those perfectly crisp, clear winter days. For $320, a child can receive a season pass to the Wyoming mountain, rentals, and four lessons. It was too much. The article has been corrected to reflect that some were manufactured by Borvig and Poma. If you are looking for a backcountry classic Montana experience on and around the slopes you wont go far wrong with Red Lodge. If you are looking for a unique skiing experience and you have a head for heights you can check out the Lone Peak Tram. Thank you! Just over 20 miles from the incredibly scenic town of Libby, this is another Montana ski area run by local volunteers that has all the snow conditions you could hope to find. Under the gaze of the imposing Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado, the 50-acre Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park is the story of so many American ski areas, only the community was determined to change the script. Less than a half-hour from Missoula, one of the largest cities in the state, Montana Snowbowl might initially seem relatively small at 950 acres of skiable terrain. . As the season wore on, the volunteers began to lose hope of reopening. The resort has something of a reputation as the place to come if you are looking for a good old-fashioned north-central Montana ski hill experience. If fond memories and volunteer spirit are essential to reopening an abandoned ski area as a nonprofit, so is snow, and its consistency dictates whether it can endure. On one desk tucked into an alcove sits a cardboard presenter stacked with pamphlets from the 2011-12 ski season, still glossy and sharp-edged and crisp. At first we took her to Hunter, Sugarbush, Killington, Gore. The town of Big Sky is ideal for visitors looking for some outdoor adventure and is not too far from either Yellowstone National Park or Bozeman. A pleasant and rustic-tinged nod to a time when skiing was the main focal point and any required refreshment or accommodation came with a smile, courtesy of the locals. Where Should You Hike in 2023? The comedown was slow. It only changed its name to Beartooth Basin Ski Area in recent years, and still functions primarily as a summer skiing destination operating between May and July. Manik. When the last owner put it up for sale, the Cuchara Foundation gave the county a down payment and helped raise the remaining funds. The resort closed in 1991 as other Colorado resorts grew in size and popularity and Hidden Valley was unable to compete for business. Peter and Stratton is a better ski area than Belleayre and Jay Peak is a better ski area than Stratton and Snowbird is a better ski area than Jay Peak. To view more images of this abandoned ski resort, check out Wanderlust_bikers photo set at Panoramio. Mike Moore, who worked at Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park before it closed in 2000, talks with a fellow skier as they are driven to the top of the mountain on Sunday, March 19, 2023, near . Anything smaller forgotten. Bridger Bowl is just 30 minutes down the road from the center of the University town of Bozeman. For a historical tour of some creepy places in Montana, take a ghost town road trip! Under the gaze of the imposing Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado, the 50-acre Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park is the story of so many American ski areas, only the community was determined to change the script. Though Hogback Mountain ceased operating as a resort in 1986, it remains a vibrant part of the southern Vermont community as both a recreational and conservation area. The town itself is situated close to the eastern side of the Beartooth Mountain Range, and its safe to say that a high proportion of the people in the region are skiers or snowboarders of some description. In Pennsylvania: Mount Tone, Ski Denton, Tanglwood, Alpine Mountain, Split Rock, Kah Kout, Blue Marsh, Willowbrook. Marshall Mountain is less than an hour from Missoula's collection of restaurants, bars and art galleries. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Montana has a rich and varied history, which includes lots of buildings long since left behind in the annals of said history. The original Mountaineers Snoqualmie Lodge served as an allseasons adventure hub for Mountaineers to climb, hike, and ski in the early 1900s. It is thus fairly close to the west side of Flathead Lake, which adds to the natural and open feel of the place. Please. It looks amazingly complex and expensive. The terrain features a variety of moderate trails and groomed stretches alongside adrenaline-fuelled chutes. And mine too once I let it be. I arrive at broiling midday and park beside the chairlift. But Race Lessar and Landen Ozzello are finally right where they want to be, on a snowy slope close to home, molding snow into a ski jump. What's more, it's close enough to the Wyoming/Montana border that it was a convenient place for Montana skiers to come for a day or to make a weekend out of it. What are some interesting abandoned places in Montana you find fascinating? I was there once. We are talking expansive, wide-open, and crowd-free slopes, picture-book scenery, and inexpensive lift tickets.