Jacqueline Hart, Nederland.   Eldora Ski Resort opened on Wednesday, November 7, this year, marking the earliest opening in over two decades!

The recent cold temperatures combined with over three feet of early snowfall created the conditions that allowed for die hard skiers and snowboarders to get a jump on the season this year. Marketing Director Sam Bass reports Eldora is the first of the Ikon Group of ski resorts to open in 2018. All ikon multi-mountain pass holders will have unlimited access to Eldora’s early opening this year.

Among the announcements and upgrades this year, is the new RFID pass scanning technology. Gone are the days of last year, and of digging out a pass from under three layers of clothes so the lift attendant can check skiers in. Eldora has upgraded to the hands-free pass system. Today, yearly or day passes are issued to fit perfectly in an outside coat pocket. When the pass holder walks through the gates, the gates open automatically to allow the skier or snowboarder through. Less time in lines getting scanned, and more time enjoying the slopes! Implementing this system didn’t reduce the number of necessary “lifties,” though. Slope enthusiasts will still see Eldora staff at every lift, helping or encouraging when needed.

Eldora is the only Colorado ski area serviced by RTD, a convenience local residents can take advantage of to avoid the sometimes crowded or overflowing parking lot. The RTD drops off immediately in front of the Alpenglow six passenger chairlift. Also new this year is the carpooling incentive program, starting on Friday, November 16th. Show up at Eldora around 8:30am on weekends with three or more passengers and qualify for drawings and giveaways. Skiers and snowboarders who take advantage of this program can also enjoy carpool preferential parking in the front lot, including 200 spaces. Cars with two or less passengers will still be parked in the standard lot, past the new barrier, provided there is space over the weekend. For more information about transportation at Eldora check out the Getting Here page on the Eldora.com website.

Other services will be offered to early season visitors beginning on Wednesday. On-mountain dining options will include the Timbers Lodge, serving both breakfast and lunch, and the Timbers Tap Room, serving a variety of craft beers and cocktails. Equipment rentals and snow-sports lessons will be available starting Friday, November 16, Eldora’s original opening date.

Although Eldora is ready to open, they are still hiring. The benefits include a season pass accepted at all ikon resorts, as well as discounted meals and equipment rental. John D. Cummings, the owner of the POWDR cooperation is a former Nederland resident and CU Boulder Alumni. Because he grew up skiing here, Eldora has a special place in his heart. The Alpenglow chairlift was named for his memories of the orange glow on the horizon when he would come to Eldora to ski. Cummings mission for Eldora is for it to retain the best version of itself locally. There is still time to apply if you’re interested in contributing to Eldora’s vision.

Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming events including a concert on the mountain with Lucas Nelson!

For more information visit Eldora.com

(Originally published in the November 8, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)