Rees Ski Ranch
Dates of Operation: 1948 - 1953
Facilities: 1 small cabin used for a warming hut
Lifts: 1 1,600 foot tow
History: The area was founded by local skiers from the Union Carbide's
uranium-vanadium mill in Rifle and the Bureau of Mines Oil Shale
Demonstration Plant.  Engineers from the companies constructed the
gas-powered tow.  The tow had three emergency stop stations; one at
the top, middle and bottom.  The area mostly operated on weekends and
charged a dollar per day.  The funds paid for gas and tow repairs.  The
area's staff consisted of volunteers that ran the ski patrol, maintained the
slopes and tow, and kept the fire in the hut going.  The school system
also ran a bus to the ski area on Saturdays.  Rees Ski Ranch began to
lose popularity in the 1950's when other ski areas opened near
Glenwood Springs.  The area closed in 1953.
Directions: 15 miles north of Rifle on Highway 13 and Rio Blanco Hill.
Have you ever skied Rees Ski Ranch?  If so,
contact us and share your memories!
Memories:
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Sources:
The Colorado Ski Museum & Bob Beverly