Eldora

Open
Connor Ryan
SnowPak Local Insider
Connor Ryan
Pros
  • Variety of terrain for a small ski area including glades
  • Snowmaking possible on all groomed runs
  • Great ski resort for a day trip from Denver
Cons
  • Small ski area

Overall

4

One of the most accessible resorts from Denver, Eldora sits just 75 minutes drive away from the mile high city. While it lacks the acreage and vertical compared to other Colorado resorts, Eldora does offer up a wide variety of terrain. From a separate beginner's area to some of the steepest tree skiing in the state, Eldora has it all! 

Best month to go

December to January

Eldora doesn't get the same amount of snowfall as other Colorado resorts but it sure makes up for it through their 100% snowmaking coverage on groomed terrain. This usually allows all runs to be open by the end of Christmas or New Years.

FLY TO

Denver International Airport

DRIVE TO

Eldora (1.5 hours)

Boulder (20-25 mi)

  • Closest proper lodging to Eldora, just 30 minutes drive
  • Wide a range of accommodation
  • Variety of dining and nightlife options

Find accommodations around here

Denver (50-55 mi)

  • Easily accessible, 75 minutes drive from Eldora
  • Plenty of dining, nightlife and attractions
  • Wide range of accommodation

Find accommodations around here

For beginners

There's a separate beginners area with green only runs and slower lifts, perfect for never-evers! More experienced beginners looking for a challenge should try out Fun Gully. It's not too wide, features a few rollers and is a bit off the beaten path.

For intermediates

Intermediates will be spoilt for choice with a wide variety of blues on the front side of the mountain, all of which can be accessed from the high-speed 6-person Alpenglow Lift. Our pick for intermediates would have to be International, a long groomed run which gives you access to other fun blues to cruise!

For experts

From bumps to groomers to some of the best steep glades in Colorado, Eldora has it all! Take the Corona lift to access some of the finest black and double black diamonds here. Our favorite would have to be Salto Glades, a steep tree glade like no other, packed with drops and chutes! Best of all, the powder between the trees stays fresher for longer!

Find freshies

The freshest snow can be found on the mildly pitched and sometimes groomed black runs Wolf Tongue and Alpenhorn. Just note they get tracked out by locals quickly on weekends!

Ditch the crowds

Arrive between 7:30am - 8:00am on weekends to avoid the chaos at the base area and parking lot. Lift queues aren't a problem here as the front side clears out pretty quickly!

Non skiers

Besides snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, there's not much for non-skiers to do here. However, Boulder is just 30 minutes drive away and has a range of attraction, activities, nightlife and great dining options.

Families

Eldora offers terrain for all ski abilities and the mountain is relatively easy to get around, making it an ideal place for families. It's close proximity to the attractions and activities at Denver and Boulder is also a bonus!

Save up to 30% when you book a Eldora package!

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Eldora Reviews

Fabulous 4.3 / 5
based on 10 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Superb!4.8 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Eldora ReviewsStephanie A.
beginner skier
Eldora is nestled in the mountains and different than other resorts. The layout is friendly and unique. I love the variety of lifts and runs!! Great for beginners as well... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Eldora ReviewsDanielle D.
advanced skier
Eldora seems to be a locals resort, it’s only about 30 to 40 minutes from Boulder. Great place for the locals to teach their kids to ski and snow board.... More
Good!3.6 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Eldora ReviewsChristian B.
intermediate snowboarder
Eldora was cool, its steep and kind of icy because of the low elevation. Definitely some fun spots in the trees. This one is just super close, great small mountain feel, and ultra friendly staff. Great bars and definitely a mountain to go with friends to relax and party a bit. Family friendly at the same time though.... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 19, 2019
RMRicky M.
advanced snowboarder
Super close to denver = under an hour travel! Usually no traffic or lift lines. Great for beginners or advanced! Multiple terrain options. Snow is usually great. The staff is impeccable great people. All in all I'd give 10/10 town of Nederland is a great place to kick it. Quite a few good restruants/bars. I don't love many things but this... More
Average!3.5 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Eldora ReviewsJonathan L.
advanced skier
Convenient, challenging mountain. Ive had some surprisingly deep powder days here and still made it home by 5pm. Parking can be tricky but otherwise, a great spot to ski. Will return 100%... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Eldora ReviewsLuke C.
expert snowboarder
I love Eldora! Small and quaint with modern lifts and facilities. Close to Denver and Boulder with excellent snow and terrain. Great mountain for every skill level. Wish I could go every day!... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Eldora ReviewsBrandon F.
advanced skier
It's so close to Boulder, you can't beat the convience and proximity. On weekends, lift lines are generally under 2min and there is plenty of terrain to fill the day. If you are craving bowls, this isn't really the place for you. Lots of clustered blues and blacks, fun advanced trees.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Eldora ReviewsJoel S.
expert skier
Eldora is not Vail... and that’s why I love it! It’s small town USA skiing! And it’s the closest resort to the front range without having to get into the parking lot that is I-70. It’s perfect for families and has all the terrain for all levels I promise. It’s a hidden gem! Eldora, whichbis Spanish for “The Dora!”... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Eldora ReviewsMark S.
advanced skier
Close to home , no traffic. Only problem is that more people are discovering it. Nice upgrades with new high speed lifts. Hope they can get the mountain expansion through one day in spite of all the leftie loonie environmentalists.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Eldora ReviewsMatt M.
expert skier
I recently spent my first day at Eldora. The snow was great and they had a good amount of terrain open for mid November. Their new 6 person lift is really nice, however, there was rarely a full chair going up even with a long line at the bottom. Crowd management was poor and inefficient. Employees did not know how to handle the situation. I will go... More