SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., Jan. 3, 2024—The gearbox for Hesperus Ski Area’s only lift suffered a major mechanical failure during preparations for the 2023-24 season, “making it impossible to open” for this winter, the ski area said, since a replacement gearbox for the old Riblet double cannot be sourced and the only option is to re-manufacture the original gearbox, which wouldn’t be completed before the end of winter. 

According to reports, the lift was installed in 1982. Various mechanical and safety issues have led to the lift—and ski area—being shut down at different times in the past. The ski area said it “had invested more than $100,000 in capital improvements for lift maintenance in preparation for the season.” 

With the lift shutdown, the ski area will not offer any services and is closed for uphill skiing as well. The parking lot will not be plowed. Uphill passholders can opt for a full refund.

Hesperus is owned by Mountain Capital Partners, which acquired it in 2016, and also owns Purgatory Resort, located about 40 miles north of Hesperus. The ski area is working with Purgatory to provide options for season passholders, including an exchange for a 2-Day My Weekday Pass at Purgatory or credit toward another Purgatory season pass, or credit toward a 2024-25 Hesperus season pass.

Hesperus is also working with Purgatory to identify opportunities for Hesperus volunteer ski patrollers, which will allow patrollers to maintain their credentials and continue training. Other Hesperus employees were encouraged to explore job opportunities at Purgatory.