Colorado’s Newest Ski Area is in a Surprising Location (and is Perfect for Beginners)

If you were to picture one of Colorado’s ski resorts, you’d probably imagine long, groomed runs down rocky, snow-capped peaks. Indeed, I’ve been to many resorts across the state and can confirm that this visual is accurate — most of the time. 

Hoedown Hill, Colorado’s newest ski area, challenges those perceptions. It’s located in Windsor, a small town in the state’s northeast plains. Fort Collins is the closest major city and Denver is roughly an hour’s drive south. The nearest foothills are more than 20 miles away. 

But the setting isn’t the only thing that’s unique to Hoedown Hill. 

In this article, I cover how its pricing compares to other Colorado ski areas (spoiler: it’s much, much lower). I also share why Hoedown Hill is a major win for beginners, families, and the state’s ski culture as a whole. 

But first, let’s talk about what inspired this one-of-a-kind ski area in Colorado:

Back in the ‘70s, A Farm Boy Made Fond Memories at Sharktooth Ski Area…

According to COO of Hospitality and Leisure Tyler Lind, his father grew up as a very poor farmer in Windsor, Colorado. But young Martin Lind had the opportunity to ski at Sharktooth Ski Area, which was in operation from 1971-1986. It was located in Greeley, a town not far from Windsor. 

“He didn’t get to do a lot of fun stuff as a kid so it was a really good memory for him,” comments Lind. “He always dreamt of bringing something like that back to Windsor when it shut down.”  

In a newspaper documented by ColoradoSkiHistory.com, journalist Charlie Meyers wrote of Sharktooth: “They call it the finest ski area on the plains. It’s also the only ski area on the plains, but let’s not quibble over details. 

Meyers continued, “This small hill serves a real purpose in an area far removed from the ski resorts of the central Rockies. ‘We figured there was a need for a place where people could learn to ski or take their kids without driving for hours,’ says Dick Perchlik, one of the founders.” 

Like Perchlik, Lind believes that Hoedown Hill fills a gap in Colorado’s ski culture. It’s no secret that skiing notoriously lacks diversity. In part, this is because affordable ski areas are far and few between. 

You’ve Probably Heard Skiing in Colorado is Expensive. But How Expensive Is It Really? 

I live in Denver and learned to ski at Loveland Ski Area eight years ago. At the time, it was the best option on a budget. 

I can’t recall the exact pricing, but am confident that my young adult 3-class pass was under $500. It included three ski classes, gear rentals during classes, and a season pass upon class completion. Today, that same package at Loveland Ski Area costs $831 — which is at least a 66% increase. 

Yet, Loveland is still a great deal compared to most Colorado ski resorts. For example, one same-day lift ticket at Vail Ski Resort costs up to $299 this season. If you want to take a full-day lesson, that’ll be up to an extra $140 per adult. 

To restate, one beginner’s day at Vail can cost up to $439 per person. 

Feeling Sticker Shock? Hoedown Hill Offers More Affordable Passes

Locals and tourists will be shocked (in a good way) by the affordable day pass rates at Hoedown Hill.  

Its $60 passes were already far more affordable than the average cost at other ski areas near Denver. But shortly after opening on January 1, Hoedown Hill lowered pricing further based on visitors’ feedback. Now, day passes are priced at just $35 per person. 

A day pass provides six hours of access at Hoedown Hill (9 am – 3 pm or 3 – 9 pm). Separate from the tubing hill, the ski area features six beginner and intermediate runs with a 130-foot vertical drop. Passes also include access to Hoedown Hill’s two terrain parks and its Terrain Based Learning™ features (more on that below). 

Two-hour group lessons at Hoedown Hill start at just $94 per person. And unlike most resorts, you don’t have to purchase a lift ticket separately. Full-day private lessons start at $384, but you can add up to four friends for just $10 per. Private full-day lessons for as low as $84.80 per person are an absolute steal. 

Lind explains that pricing was based on similar ski hills, which are most common out East. Nearby ski areas also influenced pricing. 

“We feel very confident that we were beyond fair to start. We were almost at half the price of every [local] ski resort. But now, we’re even more affordable and that excites us,” says Lind. He adds, “This is a direct quote from [my father]: ‘I just don’t care about the money. I care about the families having fun.’” 

Hoedown Hill’s Commuter-Friendly Location

Lind notes that Hoedown Hill also cuts costs and time associated with travel. Residents of Windsor, Fort Collins, and other nearby towns are nearly 2 hours away from Eldora Mountain, the region’s second-closest ski area. Those flying into Denver International Airport (DIA) are about 1 hour and 10 minutes from its nearest ski area, Echo Mountain. 

Comparatively, Hoedown Hill is less than 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins and roughly 20 minutes away from Greeley. It’s just under an hour from DIA and your likelihood of encountering ski traffic is far less than on I-70. 

As a weekend skier commuting from Denver, I’ll be the first to admit that skiing is a commitment. It requires dedication and the time, money, and transportation means to do so. 

Therefore, skiing is a privilege. But Hoedown Hill, in my opinion, is making it possible for those less privileged to experience (and actually enjoy) my favorite winter sport. 

Here’s How Hoedown Hill Caters to Beginner Skiers

“One percent of people that ski once, ski twice,” says Lind. “If the ski Industry survives on a 1% carry-over, what happens if you get 1.5% or even up to 2%?” 

Lind notes that there are several factors as to why most new skiers and snowboarders never return. As discussed, affordability and accessibility are lacking.

But for some, there’s also a steep learning curve. Hoedown Hill aims to address this through its Terrain Based Learning™ program. 

“We really leaned into the beginner skier/snowboard concept,” comments Lind. He explains that Hoedown Hill has partnered with SNOW Operating and describes its Terrain Based Learning™ program as “unbelievable.” Indeed, the system is a little more thought-through than the “pizza, french fries” directive that most skiers are familiar with.  

“I would have given anything to have it when I was learning. But I have four young boys and they’re all using it to learn,” says Lind. 

Essentially, Terrain Based Learning™ is broken into five steps that each progresses in difficulty. Skiers and riders start on flat terrain. Then, they practice their balance, speed, and turns on specially designed snow features — all before hitting the bunny hill. 

Lind hopes that novices learn from and enjoy the program, and believes that it may even create new customers for the big resorts. 

“[Beginners are] going to outgrow Hoedown Hill. They may still come after work, but they’re going to want to go and test their skills on a big mountain somewhere,” comments Lind. “I don’t think the mountains are competition to us. But I think we’re probably going to add some revenue to the mountains because we’re going to get people excited.” 

You can find more information or plan your visit at Hoedown Hill’s website.