374-Acre Colorado Property Formerly a Ski Resort Seeks a New Future
The fate of a 374-acre property in Colorado, which once thrived as the St. Mary’s Glacier Ski Resort from the 1930s to the 1980s, is the subject of much curiosity and speculation. The property was listed for sale on September 19 with an asking price of $7 million.
Located in Clear Creek County, approximately 45 miles northwest of Denver and adjoining the Arapaho National Forest, the property is managed by Kristin Michas, a broker associate from LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, along with broker associates Josh Jackson and Les Pfenning.
While not as expansive as the nearby Vail Ski Resort, the property has distinct appeal, as Michas highlights, “It’s a very iconic site, beautiful, surrounded by forest. It spans 374 acres but appears to continue endlessly due to the surrounding forests.”
The property has garnered significant interest, with 6 to 12 inquiries each week coming from diverse parties, including developers, entrepreneurs, hospitality companies, and private equity firms. The property’s previous owners once operated an affordable and accessible ski resort until the 1980s. However, the venture faced financial challenges, leading to its acquisition by the current owners with aspirations of reopening it as a snowboarding or skiing destination. Unfortunately, these plans did not come to fruition, prompting the decision to sell the property.
The property’s potential is not limited to being a former ski resort, according to Josh Jackson. Clear Creek County has been working diligently to establish itself as a thriving adventure tourism location, which he believes adds to the property’s allure. He emphasizes that the offering is not merely a ski resort but offers a range of possibilities. Jackson describes it as an “entrepreneurial dream” with potential applications that extend beyond skiing, including adventure hospitality, residential development, and more. It stands as a unique business opportunity, granting access to pristine mountaintop terrain at elevations ranging from 10,000 to nearly 12,000 feet. The property offers access to hundreds of miles of trails, glaciated lakes, mountain peaks, and untouched wilderness.
The property’s location, featuring year-round snow on St. Mary’s Glacier and serving as a popular hiking destination, further adds to its appeal. An included parking lot is poised to bring financial benefits to the new owner. Jackson emphasizes that the property attracts an intense following, with numerous visitors arriving every week to utilize the parking lot.
Kristin Michas underscores the property’s intriguing potential, portraying it as a canvas for entrepreneurial dreamers to envision a new future. With its rich history and the diverse interests it has stirred, it promises to be an exciting prospect for those who dare to shape its destiny.
