ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT — Eldora Mountain Resort closed out the 2025/26 winter season on Sunday, April 5, with Retro Weekend, live music, giveaways, and a loyal following that stuck it out through a lean snow year.

The patchy snow was melting underfoot as skiers and riders took their last runs down the three remaining paths from the Alpenglow lift.

Cönaxx took the stage in the base area and rallied hard into classic rock, running through familiar tracks that had people gathered near the patio bar, drinks in hand, rocking out. The bar stayed busy as skiers clicked out of their bindings and boards and settled in for the afternoon.

Cönaxx fires up the crowd with classic rock during Eldora’s closing day celebration on April 5, 2026.

Photo by Mindy Leary

The lead singer, Alec Smith, was electric, jumping on and off stools, engaging with the crowd, and singing his heart out. Originals were sprinkled in between classic covers by Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, and James Brown.

During the closing celebration, Eldora handed out a pair of skis and a snowboard to two raffle winners who had completed the Scan Challenge. The Challenge awarded prizes for how many days a pass was scanned, and you only needed one scan to enter the raffle. 

A happy participant wins a snowboard in the closing-day raffle.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Eldora’s president and general manager, Andrew Gast, took the mic for a short toast, thanking both the crowd and staff.

“This wasn’t the winter that we hoped for, it wasn’t the winter we expected, but our pass holders, especially all of you, kept showing up day after day after day,” Gast said. “Powder days were few and far between, but you guys showed up, so thank you.”

He turned his attention to Eldora's employees next.

“What our staff did this year was magic, so thank you,” he said, raising a glass. “To our amazing staff, to all of you, to every turn this year.”

Gast said he plans to remain in his role as general manager through the transition as the Town of Nederland moves forward with the purchase of Eldora.

A cute kid in costume sits with family during the closing day celebration.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Out on the mountain, the day carried on through the afternoon until last chair rolled out at 4 p.m. Ski patrol loaded up and headed out across the runs for the final sweep, clearing the mountain and marking the official close of the season.

At the base, people lingered, and I asked them what they liked most about Eldora.

“It’s like the center, it’s like the heart of our community in the winter,” said Olivia Mayhew, a Nederland local. “There’s never a stranger when you come up here.”

“Best mountain in the U.S., best community in the U.S.,” added Marshall Mayhew. 

Earlier this weekend, Eldora also introduced its first Avalanche Dawg, a new addition to the patrol team who guests will see more of next season.

Eldora general manager Andrew Gast addresses the crowd before the final toast and giveaways.

Photo by Mindy Leary

By late afternoon, the music wound down, and the patio began to clear, bringing the season to a close. It was a bittersweet ending to a less-than-ideal ski season, but Eldora brought the party, just as it always does.