Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Stagecoach Reservoir, an area of natural beauty and tranquility, there's a sense of anticipation in the air.
As the region continues to attract attention and interest, discussions about potential growth and development have sparked curiosity and speculation. With its pristine wilderness, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the allure of a close-knit community, Stagecoach Mountain Ranch holds the promise of a bright future.
In this article, we will discuss its past history, how its improvement can reshape the area and why it might be a decent area for building your dream home. Let’s get started!
What is the Stagecoach Mountain Ranch?
Stagecoach Mountain is a private mountain ranch. It was established in the early 1970s. It is located just about half an hour away outside of Steamboat Springs, CO. At that time, the Stagecoach Ski Area debuted with three double-chair lifts and an unfinished base lodge.
The vision for Stagecoach Mountain is to create a private club akin to prestigious establishments. Some inspirations come from the Estancia in Arizona, Yellowstone Club in Big Montana, etc.
Similar to these exclusive clubs, Stagecoach Mountain will provide unparalleled networking opportunities alongside top-notch amenities. These amenities will include access to a golf club facilities, private ski area, equestrian options, and involvement in a working ranch experience. Additionally, members can expect first-class facilities characteristic of an elite private club.
Notably important, single-family mountain home lots at this extraordinary location start at over $3 million. Furthermore, purchasing real estate within the development is currently solely the only way one can enjoy skiing and golfing at SMR (Stagecoach Mountain Resort).
History of the Stagecoach Ski Area
In Stagecoach, plans for increased development date back to the early 1970s when the Woodmoor Corporation acquired a large portion of land (south of Routt County Road 14 and east of Colorado Highway 131) with a vision to develop a ski mountain, golf course, equestrian center and full-service marina surrounded by thousands of single-family and multi-family units.
Stagecoach Ski Area was established in 1972. It opened with only three double chairs. Besides that, it also had a ski patrol hut, a temporary base lodge, a leasing office and a subdivision. The original plans for the resort outlined ambitious developments. The plans included more than 20 double chairs and five base areas. Today you can still see traces of the old Stagecoach Ski Area trails from Steamboat Resort which is approximately 32 kilometers north.
Unfortunately in 1973 after the project had begun to take shape with three chairlifts and partially finished subdivisions; The Corporation withdrew its funding.
According to the Steamboat Pilot & Today, only 16 subdivisions were platted by the corporation before “single-family lots in Stagecoach were rapidly sold to over 1,400 different owners”. By 1999, just 78 single-family homes and 172 multi-family units were built on the Stagecoach lots. By 2017, there were 2,388 platted single-family and multi-family lots, hosting 488 dwellings, with 1,802 lots remaining vacant.
Progressive Status of Stagecoach Mountain Ranch
The landowners have made a decisive move towards advancing the development of Stagecoach Mountain Ranch. Key indications of this forward movement include:
● Clearing ski runs for the last few years.
● Ongoing engagement with planning authorities. They are waiting for finalization of new regulations regarding planning regulations. They are likely to submit their application in the second quarter 2024.
● Reviewing of plans by Routt County and Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, involving significant work to quantify road infrastructure, wells, sewer systems, and firefighting plans through detailed documentation from local entities.
● Acquisition of the Stetson Ranch with an area of around 890 acres. They've also acquired 2.1 miles of Yampa River for prime fishing access, key access road construction, and acquisition of senior water rights.
● Recognition from local taxing entities that SMR could help mitigate revenue gaps following coal mine closures in 2028.
Additional notable activities encompass:
● A $5 million on a gondola deposit last fall
● Contacts with different contractors preparing to install the gondola
● Reservations made between July 1 – November 15 to accommodate Doppelmayr workers tasked specifically with installing the gondola
● Ongoing update process for Routt County Master Plan keeping Stagecoach Mountain Ranch under consideration
● Discovery Land Company hosting clients during winter visits showcasing property features as well as sharing plans & pricing details related to SMR
While approval is still pending from Routt County and other relevant stakeholders, the proposed development is notably less dense than previous entitlements for the ski area.
However, they may require further capital arrangement despite Discovery Land Company's track record in successfully executing large-scale developments similar to this one based on the aforementioned reasons
From Steamboat Pilot & Today's archive
Future of Stagecoach Ski Area and Mountain Ranch
An ongoing review of Routt County's zoning and subdivision regulations could see the ski hill revived as officials target Stagecoach as an area in the county that is prime for future development.
In 2023, the developers submitted a comprehensive plan to the planning department for their input. It is known as the bubble master plan. The plan includes placing a total of 700 units in the area, with 65 units situated on the golf course and the remainder on the ski area.
Their focus is to reduce density in the valley and increase it on the mountain while avoiding setbacks at the base area. The vision for this development encompasses a community center/general store resembling the Clark Store located at the "main gate" south of Schussmark along route 212.
Additionally, they are considering incorporating amenities such as a sledding hill open to everyone and potentially hosting farmers' markets or festivals.
Furthermore, they are keenly interested in integrating into SPOA's trail system. They have conducted a traffic study on CR14 with plans to submit their findings to road and bridge authorities.
To provide an understanding of their vision for homesites in ski areas, they have created a detailed 3-D model. Moreover, there is an acknowledgment from them regarding maintaining view corridors outlined by The Stagecoach Master Plan from 2017 that recognizes both golf courses' importance.
They also aim to begin by constructing approximately fifty workforce housing units while exploring potential locations near Redhawk School within SOROCO's jurisdiction or utilizing Oak Creek Fire's property along Schussmark.
Additionally, they are currently discussing plans for installing substation infrastructure with Brady. In terms of public benefits associated with this development project, they propose creating more trails and building, additional cell phone infrastructure etc.
They also propose building water/sewer facilities and boat ramps at South Shore. Plus they are looking to contribute towards implementing secondary egress routes from mountain areas. They will connect emergency use-only access points leading towards route 131.
The impacts of a development like Stagecoach Mountain Ranch on the nearby real estate market can be significant and multifaceted:
Potential Impacts of Stagecoach Mountain ranch in nearby Real Estate Market
The stagecoach mountain ranch can heavily impact the real estate market in the area. Here are some key impacts of the ranch moving forward:
Increase in Property Values
The development of Stagecoach Mountain Ranch can lead to an increase in property values in the surrounding area (e.g., Meadowgreen, Southshore, Youngs Peak and others).
The presence of upscale amenities such as luxury dream homes, recreational facilities, and scenic views can attract affluent buyers who are willing to pay a premium for properties nearby.
Development of Infrastructure
The development may also spur infrastructure improvements in the area, such as road expansions, utility upgrades, and enhanced public services.
These improvements can further enhance the appeal of the surrounding real estate market and contribute to an overall increase in property values.
Shift in Demographics
The introduction of Stagecoach Mountain Ranch could lead to a shift in the demographic makeup of the local population.
Affluent residents attracted to the development may bring higher levels of disposable income and spending power to the area, which can influence the types of businesses and services available nearby.
Conclusion
The potential expansion of Stagecoach Ski Area has generated excitement and anticipation for increased tourism and economic development in the region. While there are concerns about preserving the natural environment and managing growth sustainably, this project holds promise for bringing more visitors while also creating opportunities for businesses.
The careful balance between conservation efforts and responsible development will be crucial in ensuring that Stagecoach Ski Area continues to benefit both the local community and nature enthusiasts alike.
Stagecoach Builders can help you build your dream home in the Stagecoach Lake Colorado area.
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