Hidden Valley in Estes Park welcomes skiers this Christmas Eve with clear skies and a nostalgic allure, but snow lovers should temper expectations. Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) in the United States is a small ski resort offering a mix of beginner and intermediate slopes.
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Overnight temperatures hovered at a mild 42°F, contributing to a snowpack depth of 13 inches—remarkably 46% below average for this time of year. The current Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) rests at 4.2", signaling firm but thin base conditions. While the terrain may not resemble the powder-laden past, a light refresh is on the horizon: 3.7" of new snow is expected over the next 72 hours, with totals reaching 6" by the five-day mark.
Though lifts no longer run at Hidden Valley, the area remains a cherished gem for backcountry skiers and history seekers alike. Recent headlines reflect growing interest in the legacy of this former resort, with features highlighting its unique contribution to Colorado skiing culture. Hidden Valley's untouched slopes offer solitude and sweeping alpine vistas—ideal for touring enthusiasts craving a quiet holiday escape. If you're venturing out, come equipped for variable conditions and be prepared to earn your turns. This forgotten ski haven continues to inspire, even decades after the last chair stopped spinning.
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 44. windy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 14 to 19 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 38 mph.
Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley) is expected to receive up to 6.5" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Colorado’s southern and central mountains are the standout zones for snowfall over the next five days. The highest forecast totals are at McClure Pass (17"), Schofield Pass (17"), North Lost Trail (15"), Gothic (15"), and Spud Mountain (14"). These areas are close to Crested Butte and Telluride ski resorts, which should see excellent conditions by the weekend. Crested Butte, for ... Read more