* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 10 inches, with localized higher amounts at peaks. * WHERE...Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Medicine Bow Range, the Mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
Skiers and snowboarders heading to Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) on January 7, 2026, can expect moderately chilly overnight temperatures of 22.6°F and a solid snowpack of 23 inches—though this remains about 24% below seasonal averages. Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) in the United States is a small ski resort offering a mix of beginner and intermediate slopes.
Wind
Humidity
Despite the thinner-than-average base, conditions are improving with a promising snow forecast: over 10 inches of fresh snow anticipated in the next 72 hours, and another 10 inches expected in the five-day outlook. The Snow Water Equivalent stands at 5.9, hinting at moderately dense snow, ideal for carving clean turns on Hidden Valley’s scenic backcountry terrain.
Once a bustling ski resort, Hidden Valley holds a cherished place in Colorado’s alpine lore. Local headlines are reigniting interest in the area’s storied past, with features highlighting its transformation and lessons learned from its closure. This mix of nostalgia and current snowfall makes for an enchanting winter experience just inside Rocky Mountain National Park. While Hidden Valley no longer operates lifts, its accessible slopes continue to draw backcountry enthusiasts seeking solitude and untracked powder. Make sure to check avalanche forecasts before venturing out, and enjoy the quiet charm of a Colorado skiing legend reborn through fresh snowfall and timeless slopes.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Bear Lake.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley).
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The ski resort in Estes Park, Hidden Valley, is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Some pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of this ski resort include:
1. Mummy Range: The Mummy Range is a mountain range located in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park, where Hidden Valley ski resort is situated. It includes prominent peaks such as Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, and Ypsilon Mountain.
2. Continental Divide: The Continental Divide runs through the Rocky Mountains and is a significant geographical feature near Hidden Valley ski resort. The Divide separates the watershed of the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean.
3. East-facing slopes: Hidden Valley ski resort is known for its east-facing slopes, which receive ample sunlight early in the day. This aspect can provide great skiing conditions in the morning and early afternoon.
4. Elevations: The ski resort offers a variety of elevations, ranging from around 8,500 feet to over 10,000 feet. The higher elevations can offer more challenging terrain and better snow conditions.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park: Hidden Valley ski resort is located within Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers stunning alpine scenery and a variety of outdoor recreational activities beyond skiing, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
The best trails are the Bunny Slope and the Easy Way runs, which are perfect for beginners. An interesting fact about this resort is that it was originally built in the 1950s as a training ground for the US Army's 10th Mountain Division. For apres ski, head to the Estes Park Brewery for some delicious craft beer and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) is a great spot for beginners and anyone looking for a quieter ski experience.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3200 per hour |
Base Elevation | 3133 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Established | 1955 |
Top Elevation | 3800 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, patchy blowing snow before 3pm. mostly sunny, with a high near 34. breezy, with a west southwest wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) is expected to receive up to 10.86" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Colorado’s ski season is looking promising with fresh snowfall and significant totals in the forecast. The heaviest recent snow fell at Castle Peak near Aspen (4"), Grizzly Peak near Loveland (8"), and University Camp near Nederland (5"). Notably, Echo Lake near Idaho Springs and Lake Eldora near Eldora both received 3" with another 10" in the 5-day forecast, making Eldora ... Read more