Eldora

Boulder’s home hill, reachable by city bus.

A compact Ikon mountain 21 miles from Boulder, with glades, a Woodward park and its own Nordic center. RTD’s NB bus runs from downtown Boulder to the lifts. Best on weekdays; weekends get busy and the wind can be fierce.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,240 ft

Summit

10,600 ft

Skiable terrain

680 acres

Trails

63

Lifts

10

Average snowfall

300″ a year

Longest run

3 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 19%
• Intermediate 48%
• Advanced 33%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• Opening dayNov 13 (target)

  Opening day

  Eldora’s planned first day of the season.

• Pond skimEarly April (annual)Usually

  Pond Skim and closing day party

  End-of-season pond skim and party with live music on the West Wing deck.

Where to stay

• hotelHotel Boulderado

  Historic 1909 hotel in downtown Boulder, a block from Pearl Street.

  45 min drive
• hotelBoulder Marriott

  One of Eldora’s preferred lodging partners, with ski-package deals.

  40 min drive
• innBoulder Creek Lodge

  Simple Nederland hotel with creekside rooms and family suites.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Eldora Nordic Center · At the base

  Cross-country and snowshoe trails next to the alpine area, with rentals and lessons.

• Carousel of Happiness · 10 min drive

  A lovingly restored 1910 carousel with hand-carved animals in Nederland.

• Kathmandu Restaurant · 10 min drive

  Nepali and Indian comfort food in Nederland, a favorite after a cold day.

• Very Nice Brewing · 10 min drive

  Small Nederland brewery known for European-style beers.

Après and nightlife

• Timbers Tap House

  Upstairs in Timbers Lodge: Colorado beers, margaritas and gourmet pizza.

• Upstairs Indian Peaks

  Bar with big west-facing windows in Indian Peaks Lodge.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Denver International Airport (DEN) · about 1 hr 15 min drive
• Boulder · about 0.75 hr
• Denver · about 1.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps