Dates of Operation: 1947 - early 1950's
Facilities: 1 snack bar, ski patrol
Lifts: 2 rope tows
History:
Rock Creek opened in 1947, and was predicted by the Forest Service
to be a popular ski area. It was located about 19 miles from Lyons on
Highway 7 (the road to Estes Park). Bill Hottel of Longmont was the
area's manager and a 10th Mountain Division Member. A 400 and
1,800 foot tows were installed at the ski area, which served a total of 2
beginner, 2 intermediate, and 1 expert runs.
A planned expansion for the 1951-52 season included a 4,900" J or
T-bar, which would reach the summit of Iron Clad Ridge. Along with
the new lift, a larger base lodge with a dormitory were slated to be built.
These plans failed.
According to The Colorado Skier, the area was very overgrown in
1992 and no remains of the rope tows could be found.
Pictures (click for larger views)
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Copyright © coloradoskihistory.com
All Rights Reserved.
Sources:
The Colorado Ski Museum/Paul Hauk
The Colorado Skier
* Niles O.
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Have you ever skied Rock Creek? If
so, contact us with your memories!
Memories:
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One area I didn't see in your listings was ALLENSPARK, along CO 7
south of Estes Park. I remember it had a rope tow and fairly narrow trails
through trees. A good friend suffered a really bad leg break there during a
beginner lesson. Those 'bear-trap' bindings again.
-Peggy S.
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