Garden Crew Supervisor & Crew Members, Landscape Construction Crew, Irrigation Technician. Originally dubbed Indianhead Ski Area, Geneva Basin is easily Colorados most famous abandoned ski resort. I just wanted to let you know you made me smile with the amazing memories I have about the best ski area that existed! Obviously, we chose the former. I still have contact with most of the Ski Team members and their families. The Colorado Tramway Board shut the skiarea down until the maintenance issues were worked out. From Grant, look for signs on the right-hand side that indicate Guanella Pass. Colorado - Clear Creek County - Geneva Basin - Backcountry Recon I was not an expert skier (an upper immediate), but here I found myself all on my own, skimming down into the shadows below me. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Miraculously, the USFS did not burn down the cabin when mitigating liability in the early 1990s. [7] The ski area was sold to an investment group based in Kansas in 1972 and the T-bar was replaced with a Heron Poma double chair in 1974.[8]. [10] The ski area changed hands numerous times from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, during which time the ski area's facilities and maintenance declined. Miraculously, Danny had just finished skiing a lap and was beginning to skin back up to the top to meet his wife. I bet they call it skinning because it sounds painful, I grumbled to my husband. ARAPAHOE BASIN - Wednesday's skier death at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has been ruled an accident by Summit County Coroner Joanne Richardson. Not for beginners. I used to drive over from Georgetown to ski at Geneva Basin when it was open in the early 80s. In addition to backcountry skiing gear, you will need an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. Not only were we carrying our skis far more than we wearing them, but hiking in my insole-less ski boots was killing my feet. I LEFT MY SPLITBOARD SKINS IN THE HUT AT THE TOP AND WILL BE BACK ON THURSDAY TO RETRIEVE THEM! Laden down with packs full of backcountry skiing gear and calorie-dense snacks, we focused on our singular objective: find Geneva Basin. 8.3mi My chest heaved with exertion as I slid one ski in front of the other. ASK US ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE LICENSURE PROGRAM! Originally dubbed Indianhead Ski Area, Geneva Basin is easily Colorado's most famous abandoned ski resort. The role The Customer Experience Specialist (CES) works in a high performing team environment, Join our team! I joined the Ski Team when I was a freshman at Platte Canyon High school. Because the nearest station and this geographic . -745.92 m Descent, 0.1 mi That hurts just thinking about it! ATTENTION STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: Are you looking for something new? We knew this would be sportingwhen we got a text from our friends on Saturday: Heads up guys: there is a locked gate at the base of the pass. This was my first outing in them and I was psyched to give them a tryuntil I went to pull them on and realized they had no insoles. Steep. It does have a wood burning stove though, so if you had wood, you could totally head it up all cozy. I was thinking about visiting in this fall before the snow comes. Open: 4, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: N/A" Geneva Basin Ski Area Operation Dates: 1963 - 1984 Area Stats: (1980-81) * Elevations: Summit 11,750; Base 10,500; Vertical Drop 1,250ft * Season: December - Easter; Hours 9-4pm * Tickets (1983): $10-13 Adults * Services: Rentals, childcare, 40% snowmaking, restaurant, bar, ski shop Lifts: Unfortunately, the group wasunable to accomplish this. The ninja on the mountains via YouTube Trail in the Trees We immediately saw our friends tent in the valley at the base of run, so we strapped our skis back on and headed that way. Two more Poma lifts were added in the 1960s to provide additional access to bowl and beginner-friendly terrain. This role provides comprehensive technical, Flood warning issued for Elkhead Creek in Moffat, Routt counties, Elk River peak flow expected to be one of the highest in 53 years. A film project over two years in the making, "Abandoned" follows a trio of friends on their exploration of Colorado's forgotten ski areas. Mainline Pipe layers $25-$29 per hour . Not only will you avoid ski traffic but you also arent forced to ski up and over the summit of Guanella Pass. I was wearing my Rossi 195 GSs, and the cruising was nice and smooth. Devin Booker sulked. Geneva Basin Ski Area. applink.title = 'Whiz'; Moments like this are what makes all the sweat and pain worth it. Even better. In addition, legend has it that a construction worker at the resort by the name of Ed Guanella was the victim of a tragic accident involving a chairlift cable that took his life. Space planning is key, and less really is often more. [14], Forest Service employees burned down the ski lodge on November 5, 1993 to avoid further vandalism and any associated liability. is situated south of Guanella Pass at an elevation of 11,750ft (3,580m). Clinical and, Now Hiring! Moderate 4.2 (88) Pike National Forest. AP Images Crested Butte, Colorado Kevin Durant moped. Roy Romer, to a Kansas investment group. 1.4 km This abandoned resort not only appears to be a permanent part of Colorado's past, but it also comes with a rather unfortunate, Keep scrolling to learn about, and take a virtual tour of. Entertainment Entertainment | Jan 9, 2020. (Even today, Geneva Basin is on a 10mi (16km) section of Guanella Pass Road that is closed to traffic during the winter. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox. Minor steeper, uneven terrain. The ski area was sold again and vast improvements were done to the lodge. I love hearing about further history with GB; we really love that spot! Then, we began hiking the road. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The national group's long-term tracking of skier fatalities shows less than one death for every million skier visits. Us Burkes have very fond memories of the ski area and seem to be sensitive when dad doesnt get any credit for all of the heart and soul he put into it. You brought back some great memories! However I did not get enough investors plus the snow fall there is limited. It first opened in 1963 with two chairlifts: a double known as the Duck Creek lift and a T-bar called Sundance. The skiing was always good, no crowds, OK food and left tickets not expensive. If from the north, you have to skin up and over Guanella Pass before dropping into the basin where the ski area is. This area is totally on Forest Service, The construction currently at the area is related to Guanella Pass Road, the, (After the Duck Creek Lift was replaced by a triple chair. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Geneva Basin Ski Area (Locale) can be seen in the map layers above. Two more Poma lifts were added in the 1960s to provide additional access to bowl and beginner-friendly terrain. } WE ARE HIRING! This article about a ski area or resort is a stub. Id be really interested in trying it someday, but I wouldnt even know where to start. Beyond the Ikonic and the Epic: A Guide to Colorado's Backcountry As I recall, it was the spring of 1984, and almost nobody else was around, even though I think it was on a Saturday. I took a long trail that wound along the top of a ridge and then descended into some other trails. A-Basin skier death deemed asphyxiation | SummitDaily.com Ideal candidate will have a calm presence, experience working in a private home and, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator $25 per hour Full time, year round Full benefits and ski pass Based at our Camp on, Vail, Beaver Creek and Eagle Valley, Colorado News, Spring skiing, meet the authors, dogs and whiskey and more: Tricias Weekend Picks: 4/28/23, ShowDown Town free concerts return to Eagle on Thursday nights this summer, Big Head Todd and the Monsters & Blues Traveler coming to Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in July, Australian singer-songwriter Tash Sultana plays Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Sept. 3. No, you can't ski there anymore (it lacks the snow), but the views are still stunning and the history is novel. -2,624 ft Descent The skin up to the top wasnt easy. Abandoned Colorado Ski Resorts: Mesa Creek -Just a Colorado Gal. Standby! The trail passage, which still has snowmaking equipment on it. Directions: While you can approach Geneva Basin from Georgetown, Id recommend heading south and driving up via Highway 285. Open: 10, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 50" Grand Geneva resort conditions: Our Snow Report for Grand Geneva brings daily updates on the snow conditions, snow depths, piste and offpiste conditions and the number of open ski lifts. Must have a valid Colorado drivers license. The next four years were the best of my life. Few obstacles. It appears to be a gentlemans agreement between government officials and outdoor enthusiasts: Theyll leave the hut standing as long as we dont abuse the privilege. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 30" Focusing mainly on three areas, Geneva Basin, Berthoud Pass, and Cuchara Mountain, the film dives into the rich history of each ski area, talking with past owners, ski patrollers, and locals, letting their . The group ran in to financial trouble and was not able topay Borvig for the completion the of chairlift. Instead of scrapping the trip, however, we opted to wake up SUPER early on Sunday to skin into the base, run a lap, and ski back out. Open: 17, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 42" This route takes the road the whole way for . applink.innerHTML = ' Open mobile app'; Geneva Basin Ski Area - ColoradoSkiHistory.com Geneva Basin Ski Area could have been a solution to that problem. [4]), Indianhead went into foreclosure and the property was sold at auction to then-state Senator (later Governor) Roy Romer and the Walter J. Burke family, who renamed the ski area to Geneva Basin. From the gate to the Geneva Basin, it is roughly four miles so we still had a trek ahead of us. if (/android/i.test(userAgent)){ The climb can be long but its usually relatively quiet for the Front Range. Regret not buying one of their Geneva Basin hat pins or keeping the lift tickets. Abandoned Ski Area Documentary. Knowing []. With our sketchy snowpack {easily the most volatile in the country}, spring brings safer snow conditions in the high country. I lived there since I was three years old and my mother worked there in the cafeteria. What a great area! Smoke free workplace. Located around 12,000 feet above sea level in Colorado, near Guanella Pass, is a small ghost town only accessible by a rugged road called Geneva City. Once we passed the snowplow in my old 44 truck but eventually got stuck just over the pass and had to wait for the plow. 9.7mi The joy felt never-ending, even as the singular ski run came to a close. Plus, there is an old trail map on the wall so you can look at your options for ski runs! Great Pay. Wanna go again? I asked. Geneva City, CO Ghost Town - near Montezuma, CO - Uncover Colorado How to Shred Colorado's Abandoned Ski Resorts - Outside Online Geneva Basin (originally Indianhead Ski Area) was a ski area in the western United States, located in Clear Creek and Park County, Colorado, 10 mi (16 km) north of the community of Grant and 13 mi (21 km) south of the town of Georgetown. Colorado born and bred, she loves backpacking, trail running, backcountry skiing, and packrafting, especially with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and lovable rescue mutt Tally. } 1. This area dates back to 1963 when it opened under the name Indianhead. function androidOrIOS() { The Duck Creek lift was also upgraded to a triple and moved to a better line. Discover this 14.0-mile out-and-back trail near Grant, Colorado. We identified a mellow cat track on the lookers left of the mountain and began trudging upwards. Ski area employees reportedseeing Ed walking at night around the top of the Duck Creek Lift (the site of theaccident).History info from http://www.coloradoskihistory.com/lost/genevabasin.htmlNinja merch check out - https://teespring.com/stores/the-ninja-on-the-mountainsFilmed with: Insta360 ONE X and a 10ft selfie stick. And for awhile, our skin was no big deal. Geneva Basin Ski Area could have been a solution to that problem. I first explored the 1,250 vertical feet of this ski basin on a scorching late-spring day and almost bonked during the arduous eight-mile uphill slog. Sure beats hiking! It was early on a Saturday and the two of us were on the side of Georgetowns Guanella Pass somewhere between Highway 285 and the 11,670-foot summit. One day a construction crew was stringing the cable onto the bull wheel at thetop of the lift and an accident happened leaving Ed Guanella decapitated. Geneva Basin, Colorado - X Games There were a few moment when I had to hunker down to get out of the gales; I was afraid Id get blown right over. To find interior design nirvana, experts always follow these eight underlying principles. Geneva Basin Ski Area Map - Colorado, United States - Mapcarta Location: Colorado, Rocky Mountains, United States, North America. * Elevations: Summit 11,750; Base 10,500; Vertical Drop 1,250ft, Initially, Geneva Basin operated a Heron double chair called Duck Creek and a T-, Two poma lifts were installed during the 1960's, The area later added a new Heron double chair replacing the Sundance T-bar, After the area closed during the mid 1980's, the area was purchased by new owners, and they were in the process of installing a new Borvig triple chair replacing the Duck. We hiked the remainder of the road, carrying our skis in our arms rather than taking the time to re-secure them to our packs. -2,447 ft Descent I really wanted to buy the mountain and make it a great outdoor adventure with several adventures activities. 2021 Just a Colorado Gal. I had hot spots and blisters all over the place, and Geneva Basin was nowhere in sight. What does that mean for Will and me? Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 27" Kiszla: Avs embarrass themselves with silence about Valeri Nichushkin's mysterious absence following reported 9-1-1 call. This is where you will begin touring. News News | Jan 11, 2020 But their ownership didnt last much longer. Roy Romer purchased it, along with the Burke family. The Town of Avon has several full-time and part-time job openings. In 1965, Geneva Basin succumbed to bankruptcy, and former Gov. Will and I hiked for a mile or so, watching the snow gradually creep back onto the pavement. Grew up in Conifer so it was close and was always excited when I heard rumors it was purchased and may reopen but nope Still ski at the big resorts now but those were great memories If I was younger Id just hike and ski. It was early on a Saturday and the two of us were on the side of Georgetowns Guanella Pass somewhere between Highway 285 and the 11,670-foot summit. I bet they call it skinning because it sounds painful, I grumbled to my husband. During the summer, the Duck Creek lift was removed and installation of a new Borvig triple chair began, which was to be called the Phoenix lift. Alas, life got in the way and Will and I couldnt make it up on Saturday. Maps *All Mapped Areas are Approximations IF YOU SEE THEM PLEASE DONT STEAL THEM! Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Please explain. Open: 15, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 20" 2. I started skiing at age 10. Geneva Basin! Crested Butte: The Most Haunted Ski Town in America [Curbed Ski], This story is part of a group of stories called, The 8 most important principles of interior design. Ive been struggling with my backcountry ski boots for months, constantly battling blisters, hot spots, and losing toe nails. It was early on a Saturday and the two of us were on the side of Georgetowns Guanella Pass somewhere between Highway 285 and the 11,670-foot summit. Spam? It was originally, 1. Originally dubbed Indianhead Ski Area, Geneva Basin is easily Colorado's most famous abandoned ski resort. The groupran into financial trouble early on and the ski area changed hands numerous times. It would be worth it for me too. The Avalanche championship dynasty crumbles less than a year after hoisting the Stanley Cup. ), The new triple lift line / Knicker Knocker. What Happened to Colorado's Ghost Resorts? | OutThere Colorado Laden down with packs full of backcountry skiing gear and calorie-dense snacks, we focused on our singular objective: find Geneva Basin. The sun was shining low in the sky in the late afternoon. This is Colorado's most famous abandoned ski area Competitive pay, benefits. its looked after by a lot of people. Also, pack layers, food and water. I will definitely share your article with him. Not wanting to take the time to remove our skins and skis, we found ourselves picking our way through rocks, desperate to make contact with any snow. It was a welcome sight when we hiked around the corner to see a mountainside filled with snow-covered ski runs. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 41" CDL Drivers $25-$27 per, Seeking a full-time Computer Support Technician to join our IT Department! My chest heaved with exertion as I slid one ski in front of the other. I missed that place grew up and learned to ski there and had fun for years every weekend with the exception of the lift stalling they were gas and you could hear them trying to start the engine up again LOL once and a while they would flood the engine. The road took a sharp switchback and turned left, entirely changing the aspect of the pavement. Geneva Basin Ski School Instructors (1979). Thanks so much for writing about this wonderful ski area. This place has been closed for the last 35+ years but is free to snowboard, ski, or sled if you are willing to hike it or skin it.Operation Dates for Geneva Basin Ski Area: 1963 - 1984* Elevations: Summit 11,750; Base 10,500; Vertical Drop 1,250ft* Season: December - Easter; Hours 9-4pm* Tickets (1983): $10-13 AdultsHistory:This area dates back to 1963 when it opened under the name Indianhead. Keeler: Chris Paul got dirty. Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 85" Very steep. Between 1984 and 1992, multiple groups attempted to unsuccessfully reopen Geneva Basin. I remember the swishing sound as my skis drifted on the hard-packed powder. We chose a run that we had seen while skinning up and enjoyed the rewards of our skinning. Roy Romer purchased it, along with the Burke family. Quite the process. There wasa bronze plaque near the base lodge dedicated to him. Thankfully my husband knows me well! My dad is now 86 and really enjoys all of the articles posted about GB. As a result, the Colorado Tramway Board closed the resort until adequate maintenance could resolve the issues. We originally planned to skin in on Saturday with some friends and camp out at the base of the ski area on Saturday night, leaving us with two solid days of skiing. const userAgent = navigator.userAgent; Length 14.0 miElevation gain 2,171 ftRoute type Out & back. He plopped us down on a guard rail and dug through his pack to find some chocolate-covered anything snacks. Open: 6, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 35" Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 5 Ghost Ski Areas That Have Since Left Us - Curbed Look back at 7 abandoned ski areas in Colorado Open: 0, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 36" The town sits at the headwaters of Geneva Creek within the Geneva Basin area of the Pike National Forest. However, ambitious planning couldnt supersede the ski resorts financial woes. WHAT. Between 1972 and 1984, Geneva Basin changed hands numerous times, and the resort fell into disrepair due to minimal funding. The owners went into bankruptcy and a salvage sale stripped the ski area of its physical assets. It felt so good to sit in the sun and soak in the scenery. And when I told my mom about it, she asked me if it was worth it, all that work for a single downhill run. Geneva Basin, Guanella Pass, Colorado - Lamson Adventures androidOrIOS(); I bet they call it skinning because it sounds painful, I grumbled to my husband. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. applink.title = 'Andriod'; Duringthe process of many sales, the ski area's maintenance fell behind. This is Colorado's most famous abandoned ski area Not easily deterred, we still awoke early, drove up to the south entrance, and found the locked gate. [15], The ski patrol building at the top of the former Duck Creek lift remains standing. The skiarea went into foreclosure in 1965 and the Burke family and former Colorado governorRoy Romer purchased the area at an auction. As a result, the Colorado Tramway Board closed the resort until adequate maintenance could resolve the issues. The first film from the Road West Traveled takes viewers on a trip to three long-closed ski areas: Geneva Basin, Cuchara, and Berthoud Pass. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. We were the only skiers on the hill; we had the entirety of Geneva Basin to ourselves. We spent awhile lingering inside, quietly listening to the wind filtering through the cracks in the boards and wondering at all the memories created within the four walls. Description. As a result, the Colorado Tramway Board closed the resort until adequate maintenance could resolve the issues. Finally, after years of hardships, the ski lodge was eventually burned to the ground by United States Forest Service employees and Geneva Basin has sat empty ever since. It was originallydeveloped by the English family of Illinois who also developed the Indianhead Ski Area,Michigan. 'abandoned' a ski documentary abandoned ski areas berthoud pass ski area colorado ski country usa colorado's heyday of ski area growth geneva basin ski area indiegogo lee olinger mom and pop ski hills outside online small colorado ski areas no longer in business the road west traveled. Must work weekends & holidays. During 1984, an emptychair on the Duck Creek lift fell from the cable. Something else? It was the old ski patrol hut! There are two options when skinning into Geneva Basin: approaching from the north or the south. Photo courtesy of Lio DelPiccolo/The Road West Traveled. Geneva Basin Ski Area (1963-84): Just as many Coloradans remember falling in love with the sport on Berthoud Pass, many others remember doing so here above Georgetown. A ghost story of \"Eddie the Head\" thanks to Lee: \"Ed Guanella was the son ofPaul Guanella (the pass fame). I discovered that wedging my ski poles underneath my pack transferred the weight from my back to the poles. And for awhile that worked, but it became a choose your own adventure of sorts. The climb can be long but its usually relatively quiet for the Front Range. The climb to Geneva City offers travelers . Descubra trilhas como Geneva Basin Ski Resort Colorado, encontre informaes como extenso da trilha, altitude, dificuldade, atividades e empresas prximas. 3h 00m, made it to the ski area via the road, which is closed. Open: 9, The entertainment site of The Denver Post, This is Colorados most famous abandoned ski, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), This is Colorados most famous abandoned ski area, Denver weather: Rain and snow diminishing, with clearing skies in the afternoon, Indy Pass to suspend sales just 10 days after opening, citing concerns of overselling, Skier killed in avalanche near Breckenridge, Watch: Rare sunbathing lynx captured on video near Silverton, PHOTOS: Mikaela Shiffrin honored in Vail for record 87th Alpine Ski World Cup victory, Theres plenty of snow, but some Colorado ski areas are closing anyway. 39.56804 or 39 34' 5" north. Join our team! Geneva Basin closed in 1984 when an empty chair fell from one of the doubles. Due to financial problems, this lift was never completed. Undaunted, I turned to Will to gauge his reaction. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. Winter closure for Guanella Pass Road: there is a Forest Service gate that is usually closed in the winter. When it closed someone bought it and we thought it would reopen but Geneva never did. Just saw your post about back country skiing!! Originally dubbed Indianhead Ski Area, Geneva Basin is easily Colorados most famous abandoned ski resort. applink.innerHTML = ' Open mobile app'; Creek lift. GIS Administrator The GIS (Geographic Information System) Administrator Summer Season 2023 Full-Time & Part-Time NOW HIRING -- Positions Available in: Food & Beverage Culinary Golf Maintenance Golf Operations, Retail Sales Associate - Pay starts at $22.00/hour and goes up as knowledge, skills demonstrate ability to sell significantly high, Vail Destination Manager A passion for luxury hospitality, service, and is well connected to the Vail Valley community. We ended up skinning/skiing 11 miles with a couple thousand feet of gain, which was definitely a big day. Laden down with packs full of backcountry skiing gear and calorie-dense snacks, we focused on our singular objective: find Geneva Basin. Geneva Basin Ski Area - AnyPlaceAmerica.com However, foreclosure was the least of the unfortunate events that took place at Geneva Basin, ultimately leading to its abandonment. The ski area is located within the Pike National Forest and was operated under permit from the United States Forest Service. Open: 20, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 39" Unfortunately, the owners were unable to accomplish this. From there, drive roughly 7 miles to the winter-access gate. Thank you for the correction! Finally, in 1993, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) opted to burn down the ski lodge at the base to avoid any future liability concerns. While the area received 300 inches (760cm) of annual snowfall, the unpaved road adjacent to the ski area frustrated the ski area ownership. We logged roughly 11 miles round-trip. Geneva Basin Ski Area Topo Map in Clear Creek County CO Eventually, we werent even on the road we were in the grassy ditch alongside it. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Geneva Basin had huge powder and lots of it - about 300 inches a year. At this point, we were left with a decision: suck it up and tackle the day without any insoles or cut our losses, pack it up and head back to Denver. The latest Grand Geneva snow report shown below was updated on 17 Apr 2023. Geneva Basin Ski Resort Colorado - Bing Maps He would also rename the ski area to Alpine Valley. Lost Colorado Ski Areas We Wish Were Still Around Road to the ghost town of Geneva City, Colorado. Between 1972 and 1984, Geneva Basin changed hands numerous times, and the resort fell into disrepair due to minimal funding. My ski tips pointed downhill, I launched into the untouched run, hooting and hollering with abandon as pristine powder flew through the air and soaked the perma-smile stretched across my face.