Every once in a while, Colorado ski resorts have to close down for a day or two because of high winds that make it dangerous to operate the lifts. For instance, in February 2023, Steamboat Mountain Resort closed for a day due to high winds and extreme cold, while Winter Park scaled back its operatio ns. Related Articles Schools west of metro Denver close Friday due to power outages amid winds NWS in Colorado issues rare ‘particularly dangerous situation’ red flag warning as winds could reach 100 mph Nearly 100,000 across Colorado lose power due to wind, planned Xcel shut-offs that could take several days to restore Power outages: How long is food, medication safe without refrigeration? Colorado weather: Strong winds, fire danger continue into Saturday On Friday, Dec. 19, however, Eldora Mountain Resort near Nederland, said it would have to close for the day because of a planned “pubic safety power shutoff implemented by Xcel Energy. “No access or services will be available,” the ski area added in a statement. Xcel has been shutting off power in selected areas in the metro areas and the foothills over the past few days as a way to prevent possible fires from downed lines. On Friday, the utility said the planned outages would happen in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. But it predicted other, unplanned outages as well. Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter. ...read more read less