Town of Nederland, CO, Approves $120 Million Purchase of Eldora Mountain Resort

The Town of Nederland, Colorado, has formally approved the purchase of Eldora Mountain Resort, marking one of the rare instances in which a U.S. municipality has moved to acquire a ski resort from a corporate owner. On January 6, 2026, the Nederland Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the $120 million acquisition of the ski area from POWDR, concluding roughly 16 months of negotiations and planning. The deal is expected to close later this year, pending final regulatory approvals.

Nederland plans to fund the purchase through revenue bonds backed solely by Eldora’s operating earnings, including lift ticket sales, food and beverage revenue, rentals, and other resort activities. Local officials in Nederland has emphasized that local tax dollars and the town’s general fund will not be used to repay the debt.

Once the bonds are paid off, the town projects that Eldora could generate more than $5 million annually in free cash flow, which could be directed toward infrastructure, services, and long-term financial reserves, according to reporting by The Denver Post. Bank of America and RBC Capital Markets are serving as co-underwriters for the bond issuance. As part of the agreement, Eldora’s approximately 700 employees will also become municipal employees. POWDR will continue to operate the resort for the next two winter seasons to ensure a smooth transition, after which day-to-day operations are expected to be handled by 303 Ski, a Colorado-based operator. The town also plans to create a new management position to serve as a liaison between municipal leadership and resort operations.

Eldora will remain on the Ikon Pass, pending a new agreement with Alterra Mountain Company, The Denver Post reports. Maintaining Ikon Pass access has been a priority for the town, given Eldora’s role as the closest ski resort to the Denver metro area.

Before the transaction can close, Nederland must also secure a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service under substantially the same terms as Eldora’s current permit, ensuring continuity of operations on federal land. Nederland plans to annex the mountain, a move that would allow the town to collect sales tax revenue generated on-site and gain greater control over land use. Town estimates suggest annexation could generate up to $2 million annually in additional sales tax revenue, The Denver Post reports. A memo provided to town trustees during the approval process stated that Eldora’s core infrastructure and facilities are well maintained and positioned for sustainable long-term operations, describing the resort as a “high-quality, viable asset” for the community.

Municipal ownership of ski areas is uncommon but not unprecedented. Winter Park Resort is owned by the City and County of Denver, while Howelsen Hill operates as a city-owned park. Abenaki Ski Area in New Hampshire is another example of local ownership.

Supporters of the Eldora purchase see the deal as an opportunity to create a year-round, community-driven destination, while critics have raised questions about long-term climate risk and municipal exposure, according to The Denver Post. Town officials have said they believe early financial reserves and diversified revenue streams will help buffer future low-snow years. Yet, as the transaction moves toward closing, Nederland officials have indicated that additional community engagement opportunities will be scheduled to address public questions and outline the next steps.