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Ghost Town's Ski Resort Dream Dashed by War
11 Oct
Summary
- Ashcroft was nearly Colorado's first major ski resort.
- World War II halted plans for Ashcroft's ambitious ski area.
- Today, Ashcroft offers peaceful Nordic trails, not chairlifts.
Nestled in Colorado's Elk Mountains, the atmospheric ghost town of Ashcroft, located just 15 minutes from Aspen, once vied to become the state's next great ski resort. Initially booming as a silver mining town in 1879, Ashcroft boasted a population of over 1,000 by 1882, complete with hotels, saloons, and a school.
However, its mining prosperity was short-lived. By the 1930s, the town was largely abandoned until a group of associates recognized its potential for skiing. They formed the Highland Bavarian Corporation with plans for a European-style resort, featuring a tramway up Hayden Peak and numerous ski runs.
These ambitious plans were ultimately thwarted by World War II. The steel designated for ski lifts and tramways was reallocated for war materials, halting development. While Ashcroft's ski resort dreams faded, the Roaring Fork Winter Sports Club, an early precursor to the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, began forming in the valley.
Today, Ashcroft remains a quiet destination, preserved by its unfulfilled ambitions. Instead of ski lifts, visitors find preserved cabins and 22 miles of Nordic ski trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, with hiking and horseback riding available in summer. This peaceful setting offers a step back in time, intentionally eschewing modern amenities like Wi-Fi and cell service.
