Tuesday, January 7th 2025, 10:50am
Last week, the Mountain-Ear put out an article covering where the Town of Nederland is at in looking at the feasibility of acquiring Eldora Ski Resort, and what that would mean for the Town. You can read the article here: https://www.themtnear.com/stories/nederland-finds-path-forward-for-eldora-acquisition,26154
In November, we did an initial round of FAQs to answer preliminary questions. You can read this first round of FAQs on Engage Nederland: https://engagenederland.us.engagementhq.com/eldora-mountain/news_feed/eldora-mouhntain-acquisition-faq-round-1
Now that we have more information and feedback from the community, we’ve decided that its time for a second round of FAQs. This includes logistics around acquiring funding, running the mountain, how it would affect the town, and how the community can provide input on this decision. Below are the new set of questions from the community as well as updates.
Where are we in the process?
The Town of Nederland has partnered with a local group, who are veterans of the ski industry, and we have been invited to complete due diligence on the mountain, related to the real estate purchase and financial transaction. In addition, we have been invited to submit a final offer. If the final offer is accepted, then we will have to provide earnest money to secure the mountain. There will be various Board of Trustees votes along the way, starting with our January 7th meeting.
Why is POWDR selling the mountain? Is it profitable?
For those who missed it, Brent Tregaskis, President and GM of Eldora Mountain, wrote in his letter to the community that “POWDR is selling these resorts to balance its ski business with new ventures in the National Parks sector and with its Woodward action-sports brand, in alignment with its founder’s and stakeholders’ goals.” In the same letter, Mr. Tregaskis,
wrote, “Eldora is profitable—with strong visitation, an amazing community of staff and guests, and great potential—and should be a very attractive purchase.”
To read the full letter, please visit: https://www.eldora.com/the-mountain/about-contact-sustainability/blogs-and-news/a-letter-from-eldora-gm
However, as we mentioned in our previous FAQ, determining the profitability of the Eldora Mountain Resort is a crucial step in our evaluation process. This comprehensive due diligence process will also include evaluating the transaction from all angles, including the legal implications and operational considerations associated with the acquisition.
Ensuring we fully understand all dimensions of this potential acquisition is integral to our decision-making. We recognize the significance of this effort and are committed to making informed, responsible decisions that serve the best interests of our community.
Have discussions with private partners or investors taken place?
Yes. We are currently in conversations with private entities, philanthropists, and impact investors. They see us as a viable partner because of our access to operating grants, the benefits we can provide to them and employees, and our ability to control the future land use of the resort.
How will the town manage the ski mountain if acquired?
We mentioned this in our first FAQs but we would like to add more detail.
While the Town of Nederland is not equipped to operate a ski area directly, we are well-positioned to oversee its administration and ensure it aligns with community values.
To address operational needs, the Town would lean on the expertise of local professionals and industry leaders to build a management team specifically equipped to run the mountain as a business. Eldora would operate independently from the Town’s day-to-day administration, ensuring it is managed by those with the experience and skills necessary to oversee a ski resort effectively. This approach allows the Town to focus on its role as a steward of the asset while empowering experts to run the resort in a way that supports financial sustainability, community benefit, and environmental stewardship.
By drawing on the wealth of local knowledge and talent related to the Ski Industry that exists in Nederland already, we can ensure that Eldora reflects Nederland’s values while remaining a professionally managed and successful operation.
How would the town of Nederland finance Eldora?
The town, in cooperation with an independent local group has been exploring both a private public partnership and 100% municipal financing.
We believe the best path to financing would be to issue Enterprise Fund Bonds that are tied exclusively to Eldora Mountain Resort. We have received guidance from municipal bond advisors that the business can secure the debt necessary to purchase the business and continue to invest in the future of the business.
How would municipal bonds work?
As mentioned in our first FAQs on the question of debt, we are open to exploring all viable mechanisms to ensure this project is structured in a way that is financially responsible and aligned with the Town’s goals. Municipal bonds represent one potential avenue to secure the necessary capital quickly, particularly given the timing limitations of many grant opportunities. However, by combining grants, municipal bonds, and other available tools, we aim to create a funding plan that minimizes financial risk to the Town while meeting our community’s needs. Here is some of our current thinking on funding:
Enterprise Funds and Financial Protection
One potential approach is to establish an enterprise fund for this project. An enterprise fund is a financial structure used by municipalities to account for activities that are primarily supported by their own revenue, such as utilities or recreational facilities. In this case, the fund would manage all revenue and expenses associated with Eldora’s operations, including any debt repayment.
By using an enterprise fund, the financial activities related to Eldora would be completely separated from the Town’s general fund and overall operations. This means any debt, such as through revenue bonds, would be repaid solely from the revenue generated by Eldora—not from taxpayer dollars or the Town’s general operating budget. This separation provides
a layer of protection for the Town, ensuring that essential services and resources are not jeopardized.
Flexibility to Explore Alternative Structures
While an enterprise fund offers significant benefits, we remain open to exploring a range of funding mechanisms to identify the best structure for this project. This includes leveraging grants, considering alternative financing tools, or pursuing other options that align with the Town’s financial priorities. Our approach will be thoughtful and adaptable, with a focus on
ensuring the financial feasibility and long-term success of the project.
Commitment to Protecting the Town
The absolute goal of this project is to ensure that Nederland’s financial security is protected in every scenario. By structuring the funding in a way that isolates risk—whether through an enterprise fund, grants, or other means—we can ensure that the Town’s resources, essential services, and future remain safeguarded.
While specifics are still being developed, we are committed to designing a responsible, sustainable funding structure that benefits both the Town and the broader community.
Can we take out municipal bonds to pay for sidewalks and infrastructure?
The type of bond being considered for the purchase of Eldora is a revenue bond, which is fundamentally different from bonds that might be used for other infrastructure projects like sidewalks. A revenue bond is tied to an enterprise fund, meaning the debt is repaid solely through the revenue generated by the associated enterprise—in this case, Eldora’s operations. Sidewalks and other infrastructure projects do not generate revenue, so this type of bond cannot be applied to those projects.
For infrastructure needs, the Town has other funding options, including:
General Obligation Bonds: These bonds are backed by the Town’s taxing authority and can be used for projects that benefit the community as a whole. They typically require voter approval and are repaid from general revenue sources, not tied to a specific project’s income.
Grants and Dedicated Revenue: Nederland already has dedicated sales tax revenue allocated to the streets fund, which provides an ongoing source of funding for infrastructure projects. Additionally, grants specifically targeted for sidewalks and other infrastructure improvements are available and represent an important funding mechanism.
The consideration of a revenue bond for Eldora presents a unique opportunity to undertake this project without using general funds or impacting other resources that can be applied to infrastructure needs. By structuring the financing for Eldora through a self-contained enterprise fund, we ensure that the Town’s general operations and financial resources remain available for critical infrastructure improvements and other community priorities.
Are residents required to vote on the acquisition if debt is used to fund the purchase?
The Town would work closely with legal counsel to ensure that any acquisition is fully compliant with legal requirements. One potential structure for the purchase is the establishment of an enterprise fund. An enterprise fund operates as a standalone business within the government, meaning it generates its own revenue and manages its own expenses, entirely separate from the Town’s general operations. This financial separation ensures that the enterprise fund is self-sustaining and does not rely on the Town’s general funds or tax revenues. Presently, The Town of Nederland's Water and Sewer Funds are examples of enterprise funds.
Under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), an enterprise is a government-owned business that can issue revenue bonds without requiring voter approval. A key feature of revenue bonds is that the debt is repaid solely from the revenue generated by the enterprise’s operations—not from the general funds of the municipality. This ensures a clear and legal separation between the enterprise fund and the Town’s general operations budget.
In this scenario, if revenue bonds were issued to fund the purchase of Eldora, the revenue generated from the mountain’s operations would directly fund the debt payments. The enterprise fund’s financial activities—revenues, expenses, and debt obligations—would be entirely separate from the Town’s general budget and core operations.
To recap:
What is an enterprise fund? An enterprise fund is a government-owned business that operates independently. It generates its own revenue and covers its expenses without relying on taxpayer funds or municipal budgets. Common examples include utilities like water or sewer services, or recreational facilities like municipal golf courses.
What can an enterprise fund do? Under TABOR, an enterprise may issue revenue bonds without voter approval, allowing it to fund large projects or acquisitions without impacting the Town’s general funds.
How do revenue bonds work? Revenue bonds are repaid solely from the revenue generated by the enterprise’s operations. For example, in this case, revenue from Eldora’s operations would fund the debt payments, and only the enterprise fund would be responsible for these obligations.
Why is this important? The financial independence of the enterprise fund minimizes financial risk to the Town. The general fund and operational budget would remain completely separate and unaffected, ensuring that essential municipal services continue without interruption or risk.
This structure provides a robust and legally compliant framework for pursuing the acquisition while safeguarding the Town’s core operations and financial stability.
Would the Board of Trustees consider sending this issue to a vote?
It is unlikely that the Board of Trustees would send this question to a vote. The reason is that the Town is not dictating the timeline. This is a real estate transaction and Town does not have control over the timelines.
Who approves if the town doesn’t go to a vote?
The Board of Trustees will approve the acquisition of Eldora through a series of votes at different stages of the process.
Will the purchase of Eldora take away from funding other civic projects?
No, because Eldora is a profitable and healthy business, any debt secured to finance the ski area will be solely tied to the performance and profits of the business.
If the ski area isn’t profitable for certain years or goes bankrupt, is the town ultimately responsible?
No. With the type of funding structure proposed, the lenders can influence how we improve the business to generate greater income but cannot cross into the town’s finances.
If the ski area is profitable, will those funds trickle down into the town?
Yes. Once debt obligations are fulfilled, including rainy day funds to cover lean years, any leftover profits will be available for the town.
What grants are available to help fund the acquisition?
Potential funding sources include federal and state grants for rural infrastructure, economic development, and environmental conservation. We have had conversations with State Leadership at the Governor's Office, DOLA, OEDIT, CPW, GOCO, and Congressional Leadership. More clarity about possibilities will come as we move forward in the process. The town is actively pursuing grants for the acquisition.
But, can’t you just take the grants you would use for acquiring Eldora and put it toward building sidewalks?
Using grants for the purchase of Eldora like natural resource preservation or driving eco-tourism cannot be used to build out sidewalks in town. In 2023 we tried getting grants to replace the crusher sidewalks and help build out our sidewalk infrastructure downtown, but we were denied. We will continue to pursue grants to fund our sidewalks.
What will the governance structure for Eldora look like under town ownership?
The Leadership of Eldora has done an excellent job of running the mountain, and they are local to our community. We intend any governance structure to enhance their leadership and the final structure will be determined based on the outcomes of the acquisition process and the operational needs of the resort. While the exact details remain to be seen, our intent is clear: the resort will be managed professionally, with operations overseen by experts who have the necessary experience to run the mountain efficiently and effectively.
We are committed to ensuring that any governance structure supports the resort’s sustainability, financial health, and the delivery of benefits to the community. As we move forward, we will keep the public informed and involved in shaping this vision.
How can community members participate in or support the acquisition?
Nederland is committed to making this acquisition a truly community-driven initiative. We are exploring ways for community members to actively participate in shaping and supporting this effort. Some options under consideration include:
Community Ownership Opportunities: Models like community crowdfunding, cooperative ownership, or shareholder participation that would enable residents and stakeholders to have a direct stake in this initiative.
Co-Production and Collaboration: We're seeking ideas, input, and hands-on involvement from residents to ensure this effort reflects our collective vision and strengths. This process is about working together — residents, organizations, and the Town — to co-create a solution that benefits our community.
Building on Community Assets: The Community in Nederland has a wealth of knowledge, skills, and passion. This effort aims to tap into those existing assets, fostering collaboration and maximizing community strengths.
Stay tuned as we refine these possibilities and learn more about the best ways for everyone to participate. We encourage community dialogue and look forward to working together to make this vision a reality.
Where would capital come from for repairs or modernization?
If the Town acquires Eldora, it will be managed as a business with a clear focus on financial sustainability. A detailed capital plan would be developed to ensure that necessary repairs, equipment upgrades, and modernization efforts are adequately funded. As a municipal entity, we would also leverage our unique ability to access state and federal grants to support these efforts where applicable, further strengthening the financial position of the mountain and its operations.
How will the town ensure that all voices, including recreational and professional communities, are heard?
We are actively engaging local stakeholders, including recreational organizations, to understand their unique needs and opportunities for collaboration. In fact, we have received letters from representatives of Boulder Nordic Club, Peak to Peak Endurance, and Boulder SkiMo Club, all local recreational groups. Their desire to expand winter opportunities at Eldora is loud and clear and these organizations see the Town of Nederland being uniquely positioned to advocate for their efforts to help Eldora turn out the next generation of Olympians.
Beyond fostering athletic excellence, this initiative has the potential to bring wide-ranging community benefits. Expanding winter recreation can boost our local economy by supporting small businesses, creating job opportunities, and attracting visitors who appreciate the charm and amenities of Nederland. It also promotes healthy lifestyles, outdoor education, and youth engagement, strengthening our community's connection to the land and each other. Additionally, inclusive access to winter sports can ensure that all residents, regardless of background, have opportunities to participate in and benefit from Nederland's recreational resources.
By supporting this effort, we are investing not only in sport but in a thriving, resilient, and connected community for generations to come.
With all that said, the Town is committed to continuing to engage local stakeholders. We encourage all community members – whether they be individuals or representing organizations – to reach out to the Board of Trustees bot@nederlandco.org or Town Administrator Jon Cain townadmin@nederlandco.org with thoughts, concerns, or ideas.
Will locals receive discounted ski passes or other benefits?
If the Town acquires Eldora, ensuring accessibility and affordability for locals will be a major priority. Nederland recognizes the rising cost of skiing and how important it is to keep this experience within reach for a wide range of community members. We are actively exploring options such as discounted rates for residents, need-based programs, and other community initiatives that could maximize local benefits. These priorities must also be balanced with ensuring that the operations of the mountain remain viable in the future.
It is still early in the process, and we are continuing to explore what will be possible. We are committed to increasing affordability while ensuring that operations on the mountain remain resilient. We will keep the community informed as we learn more and develop plans.
How will the public stay informed about the potential acquisition process?
Nederland is committed to transparency throughout this process. Regular updates will be provided through town meetings, newsletters, and the Engage Nederland platform. As soon as we have information that can be shared publicly, the community will be informed promptly.
That said, some aspects of this potential acquisition require confidentiality to ensure negotiations are successful and in the best interest of the community. Our goal is to balance the need for discretion related to confidential proprietary information with our commitment to keeping the public informed. Our intention is to share information as soon as it’s appropriate and to conduct this process publicly as much as possible.
Furthermore, we are tracking comments and appreciate the feedback from the community. Your comments help us strategize ways to move forward.
Town Administrator Cain is always available to discuss concerns or questions. Please feel free to reach out to him directly at townadmin@nederlandco.org.
Why aren’t private companies looking to purchase it?
We should assume that there are other private companies looking to purchase the mountain but because they are likely under a nondisclosure agreement for evaluation of the Eldora’s financial status, you won’t read about them in your local newspaper 😉
What do you say to people who say this doesn't look realistic for a town Nederland's size?
While Nederland is a small town, it has access to innovative funding mechanisms, grant opportunities, and partnerships that can make this acquisition viable. There are many, many examples of small towns owning their ski mountains. Here is a list:
IN COLORADO
Ski Cooper, Leadville
Ownership: Lake County, CO
Operation: Cooper Hill Ski Area, a 501(c)4 nonprofit with a volunteer board.
Approachable 7-decade-old ski area for families & beginners with 5 lifts covering easier terrain.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Steamboat Springs
Ownership: City of Steamboat Springs
Operation: City of Steamboat Springs
Howelsen Hill is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America. It offers alpine skiing, Nordic trails, and Olympic ski jumping, serving as a training ground for professional athletes.
Chapman Hill Ski Area, Durango
Ownership: City of Durango
Operation: City of Durango
Chapman Hill features a small ski hill with tow ropes and a terrain park. It is an affordable option primarily catering to beginners and families.
Cranor Hill Ski Area, Gunnison
Ownership: City of Gunnison
Operation: City of Gunnison
This small ski hill provides community-focused skiing when snow conditions permit.
Lake City Ski Hill, Lake City
Ownership: Town of Lake City
Operation: Town of Lake City
A small ski area with affordable access, Lake City Ski Hill is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, Silverton
Ownership: Town of Silverton
Operation: Town of Silverton
Kendall Mountain offers beginner-friendly skiing with a focus on community engagement. It includes a modest vertical drop and family-friendly terrain.
Winter Park Resort, Winter Park
Ownership: City and County of Denver
Operation: Alterra Mountain Company (via long-term lease)
Winter Park is a large ski resort with extensive terrain and amenities. Owned by Denver, it provides substantial economic and recreational benefits.
Lee’s Ski Hill, Ouray
Ownership: City of Ouray
Operation: City of Ouray
This small hill features a single rope tow and is popular with families and beginner skiers.
Cuchara Mountain Park, Huerfano County
Ownership: Huerfano County
Operation: Panadero Ski Corporation
A former ski resort transitioned into a recreational park. They are working to restore skiing operations.
OUTSIDE COLORADO
Eaglecrest Ski Area, Alaska
Ownership: City and Borough of Juneau
Operation: City and Borough of Juneau
A community-oriented ski area with 36 marked alpine runs and Nordic skiing loops, emphasizing family programs.
McIntyre Ski Area, New Hampshire
Ownership: City of Manchester
Operation: Private contractor (via lease agreement)
This small ski area offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, focusing on affordable recreation for local residents.
Powderhouse Hill, Maine
Ownership: Town of South Berwick
Operation: Powderhouse Ski Club (Volunteer-based)
A small ski hill with a rope tow and three trails, maintained by community volunteers for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Abenaki Ski Area, New Hampshire
Ownership: Town of Wolfeboro
Operation: Town of Wolfeboro
One of the oldest ski areas in the U.S., Abenaki offers a variety of trails and terrain park features with a focus on affordability.
Mount Ashland Ski Area, Oregon
Ownership: Mt. Ashland Association (Nonprofit, community-based)
Operation: Mt. Ashland Association
A nonprofit ski area near Ashland, focusing on community recreation and sustainable practices.
Would Eldora remain part of the Ikon Pass?
The question of whether Eldora would remain part of the Ikon Pass if ownership changed is something we don’t know at this stage. Understanding the role of the Ikon Pass—including its potential benefits and challenges—would be an important part of any future evaluation.
Why does the town believe owning Eldora would attract outdoor businesses?
It’s true that Nederland could attract outdoor-oriented businesses without owning Eldora, and this strategy will be a key focus in our upcoming Economic Development planning. However, owning Eldora could enhance our ability to position Nederland as a hub for outdoor recreation, strengthening our credibility and appeal to businesses aligned with the town’s values and ethos. This approach ties economic development directly to a significant recreational asset, creating opportunities to better attract outdoor-focused businesses and other enterprises that resonate with Nederland’s ethos.
Would the acquisition lead to real estate development at Eldora?
While some ski resorts rely on real estate development for revenue, Nederland does not intend to transform Eldora into a high-cost luxury development. With Eldora currently being profitable without real estate there is no reason to suggest we need to pursue further development. However, there could be opportunities to consider if the Town of Nederland owns the property such as employee housing, childcare, etc. that could serve the greater community. While the Teens, Inc. childcare facility is moving forward, the number of waiting families suggests we need more than one facility.
Could the acquisition result in Nederland losing its "funky" character and becoming a high-cost ski town?
Maintaining Nederland’s unique character is a priority. Measures will be taken to ensure that any changes align with the community’s identity and values. The Board of Trustees and the Planning Commission will still retain authority for deciding important development decisions. If the Town becomes owner of the Mountain, we may be uniquely positioned to help make the mountain more resilient and affordable. Unfortunately, many ski towns prioritized high-scale luxury buildings first and squeezed out affordable housing. We have the advantage of leading with affordable housing. Last year the Board of Trustees committed to Proposition 123, committing the town to 13 affordable housing units and our housing study identified the need for over 100 rental and ownership units to meet affordable housing needs. Our “accessibility and locals first” mindset means our town will develop differently than other mountain resort towns.
Will acquiring Eldora affect Nederland’s water resources?
The Town of Nederland has worked diligently for decades to secure and protect Nederland’s water rights. The Town has a perpetual and ongoing obligation to strengthen and safeguard its water rights. The Town’s efforts to protect and develop its water rights were well underway long before the potential sale of Eldora was known and will continue no matter the outcome.
The Town remains committed to ensuring that any future water use associated with Eldora will be managed in a way that does not conflict with Nederland’s water needs or endanger our water resources. If there are ways to manage the Town’s and Eldora’s water rights and infrastructure collectively to fortify the reliability of both systems, Nederland would evaluate whether it is wise and beneficial to do so, but any such benefits would be incidental, and any such analysis would occur after the purchase is completed. Because the Town already has a secure water supply and ongoing plans to fortify that supply, possible water rights benefits from partnership with Eldora are not a driving force for the Town to evaluate the potential purchase of Eldora. The Town is actively engaged in water court litigation to continue and protect the Town’s water rights, which is expected to continue into 2025, and as such, we are unable to provide further comment on specific details at this time.
How can this acquisition serve as a model for innovative town growth?
This project is a bold opportunity for Nederland to reimagine its economic future while preserving the values that make our community unique. By pursuing this acquisition, we can serve as a model for innovative town growth—balancing economic vitality with sustainability and community resilience. With the right partners and expertise, Nederland can create public benefits that address housing, childcare, and transportation challenges, while ensuring that both the mountain and the town thrive together.
Eldora is one of our region’s largest economic drivers, yet its operations have often existed apart from the Town’s strategic objectives. By incorporating Eldora’s operations into a cohesive vision, we can align economic activity with community goals, creating solutions that benefit everyone and strengthen the connection between the mountain and the Town.
This approach represents a progressive rethinking of how mountain towns can work with their recreational assets—not as separate entities, but as partners in building resiliency. Nederland has the opportunity to lead the way, ensuring our town remains a vibrant center of community in the Peaks-to-Peak region while preserving everything that makes it special.
Isn't it a little premature to ask for input when you haven’t nailed down price, operating costs, and revenue?
Absolutely not. The best thing for this project is to bring it to the public as early as possible to ensure the community could help shape the conversation and direction. The feedback and ideas shared so far have been instrumental in helping us assess whether this opportunity is feasible.
This FAQ is a "living" document, designed to evolve as we gather more insights and work to answer key questions around price, operating costs, and revenue. Thank you, Nederland, for your ongoing involvement and support in exploring this opportunity together!
Why would a town-owned ski mountain actually drive more people to the mountain?
A municipal-owned ski mountain won’t necessarily drive more people to the mountain. The Town of Nederland’s intent is to focus on deliberate strategies to create a community-focused public asset that serves locals, regional visitors, and the environment in a resilient way. Our vision is rooted in enhancing what makes Eldora special and ensuring it aligns with the values of our community. For example:
Community-Centered Recreation:
The vision includes better coordination with local outdoor enthusiast groups and nonprofits to unlock Eldora’s untapped potential. Recreational organizations in the area have expressed interest in enhancing youth programming, summer access, and creating recreational opportunities for skiers of all levels, including elite competitors. These efforts can ensure Eldora remains a resource that reflects Nederland’s unique culture and love for the outdoors.
Equitable and Accessible Skiing:
A municipally managed ski area would provide an opportunity to manage costs, making outdoor recreation more accessible to all. This focus on equity and accessibility could have a significant impact, ensuring Eldora serves as a welcoming space that inspires participation across all walks of life.
A Stronger Downtown Relationship:
Owning Eldora could allow us to strengthen the relationship to our downtown. By better aligning what happens in town with what happens on the mountain, we could create opportunities for small business growth and enhance the Nederland experience in a way that stays true to the town’s character and values.
A Community-Guided Vision
This project is built on the expertise and incredible experience within our community. Nederland is uniquely positioned to take the lead in shaping a future for Eldora that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and the needs of our residents and visitors. If this opportunity moves forward, whatever structure or framework we establish must enhance our community and help it thrive while preserving what makes Nederland so special.
We haven’t figured out all the details yet, but we believe the potential is enormous. This is about creating something that complements Nederland’s identity, strengthens its connections to the outdoors, and unlocks new opportunities that benefit the entire community.
But what about investing in a local police department instead of purchasing Eldora?
The Board of Trustees made the decision in 2023 to contract with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) due to the rising costs of keeping our own force intact and the difficulty of a small mountain town attracting talent. However, during our 2024 budget meetings we discovered that BCSO intends to continue to increase the costs year after year at a rate that we will not be able to support. Therefore, in 2025 the Board of Trustees will explore next steps to rebuild our local police force. However, to be clear we have always had a police force in place.
Eventually revenues from Eldora can be used for a variety of municipal needs.
Update: How much will Eldora sell for?
Based on sales of other mountains, we expect the cost to be around $100M - $200M. While the purchase price of Eldora is currently unknown, we believe Arapahoe Basin’s recent publicly posted sale price of $105 million provides the most relevant comparison. However, it’s important to note that this is purely an estimate.
Update: What if we made Eldora the center of a Recreational District?
Many people have been intrigued by this idea, so we want to provide more context.
We find a recreation district an intriguing possibility for the future of recreation management in our community. If a recreation district were to be established, Eldora could potentially be included as a key feature.
That said, creating a recreation district would require a thoughtful, deliberate, and legal process. This would involve addressing important questions about how assets, both existing and new, would be managed. Some districts own assets outright, while others operate under lease agreements or other collaborative arrangements. Additionally, the creation of a recreation district would require approval through an election, ensuring community input and alignment with broader priorities.
We see great potential in exploring this concept further as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in Nederland. As these conversations continue, we remain committed to keeping the community informed and engaged in shaping the future of recreation management.
Can we name it Nedora?
Pretty cute. Let’s get it acquired first and then we can see if it makes sense to change the name. 😊
Updated Message from the Board of Trustees
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Our commitment to you all is that we will bow out of this opportunity at any time that it didn’t make sense for Nederland. As we continue to progress in these conversations we are focusing on resiliency and thoughtful planning so we can proactively address risks while maintaining Eldora as a community-driven asset that serves Nederland’s values and long-term vision. This approach ensures that Eldora remains vibrant, viable, and valuable for years to come.
If you have additional ideas, please send them to bot@nederlandco.org, or leave a comment on the Engage Nederland Page.