With ski and snowboard season commencing, many people are beginning to prepare for winter commutes up to the slopes. For many Boulder teens, college students and families alike, the most convenient resort to visit is Eldora. The relatively short drive maximizes skiing time, something that makes day trips more efficient and enjoyable. These perks attract many locals to the resort, but this convenience may change this season as Boulder Canyon (the quickest route to Eldora) is enduring construction that is projected to last through 2020 and possibly into mid-2021, according to the Denver Post.

The canyon has been under construction since March of 2019. The construction crews have attempted to minimize inconvenience and maximize efficiency by implementing various schedules for the closures throughout the past 8 months. At first, the closures were twice a day Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In May, the closures expanded to four-hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

In addition to the scheduled closures, there have also been several single-lane closures Friday through Sunday that inconvenience drivers by forcing them to stop and start for a large part of the trip up the 15-mile canyon. 

The goal of this project is to repair a majority of the damage caused by the 2013 flood. This entails heavy rock blasting, resurfacing, installing new signage, replacing guardrails and more. Even six years later, the repercussions of the flood are still greatly impacting the community with The Daily Camera reporting the cost of this project to be $31 million. While the changes being made are positive, the frustration of Nederland residents and skiers alike only seems to be increasing. 

While the likelihood of the construction continuing into 2021 is “worst-case scenario,” it’s advised to plan for the worst and adjust accordingly. So if you’re heading up Boulder Canyon this season, be sure to have a solid playlist and good snacks and leave yourself plenty of time for the commute.

Information sourced from the Boulder Daily Camera and the Denver Post.