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Iron Mountain

abandoned Iron Mountain Ski Resort in the Sierras.single family cabin with Little Rabbit Lift in the background

 

Iron Mountain Ski Resort

 

Operating in the Kit Carson Pass area of California, about 13 miles west of Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Iron Mountain Ski Resort (previously called Ski Sundown and Silver Basin Ski Resort) went through a series of owners and attempts at redevelopment before finally being left to the elements.

Last operated in 1995, Iron Mountain ran as a “reverse” ski lift, where lifts would bring riders from the bottom of the slopes to the lodge and main buildings and parking areas at the mountain’s top.

No power lines run over the pass, so, like Kirkwood, Iron Mountain had a generator and produced its own power. It also had a full service lodge, two-story motel, maintenance shop, and multiple lifts. Most of these buildings have since decayed at the hands of annual snows, vandalism and questionable fires.

Iron Mountain was amongst the first ski area’s in California to allow snowboarders on its slopes. Other resorts, however, weren’t far behind, and its niche market was not to last.

 

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Iron Mountain ski resort sits abandoned near Kirkwood Ski Resort on California's Highway 88 in the Sierras.Little Rabbit lift

 

The abandoned Iron Mountain Ski Lift in California's Sierras near Lake Tahoe.charred remains of Timber lift

 

California's abandoned Iron Mountain ski lift buildings.

 

The abandoned remains of Iron Mountain ski resort on the site of California's Iron Mountain Sno Park.

 

The Iron Mountain abandoned ski resort in northern California.Bruin lift

 

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4 Comments
GIANNA D
15:48 January 21, 2020

I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE NAME OF THIS PLACE FOR OVER 2 YEARS AND I FINALLY FOUND IT. <3

b seibold
04:50 March 11, 2020

We skied here in the early 70's when it was called Silver Basin, for your local school trips, where many of us learned to ski. Lots of great trails. These were memorable, simple, and fun times.

Scott C.
17:31 December 27, 2020

I was on the Ski Patrol there in the late 70's when it operated as Sundowner. Cute place! Fond memories there. My mom helped out in the 1st aid shack and my dad skied a bit and hung out in the lodge. Sad to see it fall into disrepair!

    B
    13:11 November 4, 2023

    Do you remember the name of the Frenchman and his German shepherd, that managed in early 70’s?

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