Eagle Point Resort Returns to Fire-Scarred Mountain, Finds Half Its Terrain Destroyed

Eagle Point Resort officials returned to their mountain for the first time Sunday since the Cottonwood Fire tore through the ski area, releasing a grim initial damage assessment that confirmed the loss of one of its two day lodges, damage to four of its five chairlifts, and the destruction of more than 130 privately owned cabins and condominiums.

The resort posted its update Monday night, saying: "Today, for the first time since the Cottonwood Fire reached Eagle Point Resort, we were able to return and begin seeing the impact firsthand."

The damage is extensive. Approximately 300 of the resort's 600 acres of ski terrain burned on the southern portion of the mountain, primarily along Tushar Ridge — the area known to skiers as "the Steeps." Canyonside Lodge, one of two day lodges at the resort, was lost, along with more than 100 condominiums and 30 cabins. The Warming Station on Tushar Ridge did not survive, and resort officials confirmed the loss of five snowmobiles, three vehicles, and three storage containers filled with tools. Four of the resort's five chairlifts sustained damage, though officials said the full extent was still being assessed.

Resort owner Shane Gadbaw had said in an earlier statement that Eagle Point would be closed for "a considerable time" to recover.

Damaged areas and property:

• Approximately 300 of the resort’s 600 acres of ski terrain were impacted on the south side of the mountain, primarily along Tushar Ridge (the “Steeps”)

• Canyonside Lodge, one of two day lodges, along with more than 100 condos and 30 cabins, were lost in the fire

• 4 of our 5 chairlifts sustained damage, though the full extent is still being determined

• The Warming Station on Tushar Ridge did not survive the fire

• Additional losses include 5 snowmobiles, 3 vehicles, and 3 storage containers containing tools

Areas and infrastructure that remain intact:

• Skyline Lodge, our main on-mountain facility

• Monarch lift on the north side of the resort and surrounding terrain

• Skyline terrain (minimal impact)

• Aspen Crest subdivision is mostly intact, with minimal tree damage

• Snowmaking pond and equipment

• Cell phone and internet towers

Despite the scale of the losses, resort officials pointed to what survived. Skyline Lodge — the resort's main on-mountain facility — remained intact, as did the Monarch lift on the north side of the mountain, most of the Skyline terrain, the snowmaking pond and equipment, and cell phone and internet towers. The Aspen Crest subdivision sustained only minimal tree damage.

"While it's heartbreaking to see the damage, we are incredibly grateful that everyone was evacuated safely and that no lives were lost at the resort," Eagle Point officials said.

The Cottonwood Fire, which broke out near Mile Marker 5 on State Route 153 east of Beaver and consumed roughly 10,000 acres in its first seven hours, has since become one of the most destructive fires in Utah's recent history. FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the blaze, which will help cover 75% of the state's eligible firefighting costs. As of this week, the fire had grown to nearly 94,000 acres and remained just 4% contained, with nearby communities including Marysvale, Junction, and Circleville placed on evacuation watch.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it a "miracle" that no lives were lost, saying he had never seen fire management crews "more scared" in his dozen years working with them.

Eagle Point, which sits in the Tushar Mountains and has operated as a ski destination since the 1970s, said its team had only just begun the full assessment of the property and asked the public for patience as the picture comes into focus. "To everyone who has reached out with support, offered help, and kept our team, first responders, and community in your thoughts — thank you," the resort said. "Your kindness means more than we can express."