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Powder Ghost Towns: Epic Backcountry Runs in Colorado's Lost Ski Resorts

Powder Ghost Towns: Epic Backcountry Runs in Colorado's Lost Ski Resorts

Current price: $18.95
Publication Date: October 27th, 2008
Publisher:
Wilderness Press
ISBN:
9780899974668
Pages:
244
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore
2 on hand, as of Apr 22 4:08am
(Travel Writing)
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Staff Reviews

The effect of the “Mega” or Destination Ski Resort in Colorado is undeniable. Each winter the Ski Industry brings in hundreds of millions of dollars to small mountain communities that may have never seen growth or prosperity without this outside boost to the local economy. Forgotten, are those “Lost” Ski areas. Abandoned chairlifts and cut ski runs that are slowly fading, as the mountains return to their natural state. Powder Ghost Towns proves to be both a history lesson and a guidebook to these ski areas lost to time. While providing detailed descriptions (GPS as well as maps, and local waypoints) my favorite part was learning about the history of each area, from how they began, to what ultimately caused the area to be abandoned. If you are a backcountry skier (remember, proper knowledge and best practices are an absolute must, with no exceptions, when accessing unmaintained zones) or just a ski enthusiast, Powder Ghost Towns is a great read and guide to hidden treasures of Colorado.

— Alex

Description

In its heyday, Colorado had more than 175 ski areas operating on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, and while many of those resorts have shut down, their runs still shelter secret stashes of snow. Pristine slopes await backcountry powder hounds out to discover these chutes and steeps, bunny hills and bumps. Chronicling the history of more than 36 of these "lost resorts," Powder Ghost Towns provides the beta for how to ski and board these classic runs today, with comprehensive information on trailheads, where to skin up, and the best descents. Coverage ranges from southern Wyoming's Medicine Bow Mountains to the Colorado-New Mexico border, including famous old resorts like Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park.