AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Devastation from the Cottonwood Fire
Typically, early October marks a period of anticipation for the team at Eagle Point Resort as they prepare for the upcoming skiing season. This year, however, heavy snowfall arrives amid somber circumstances. The Cottonwood Fire, which occurred over the summer, caused severe destruction at the mountain resort near Beaver, Utah, leaving no possibility for a 2023–2024 ski season.
Immediate Community Response
Despite the extensive damage, the resolve to rebuild has taken hold across the ski community in the region. According to Shane Gadbaw, the owner of Eagle Point Resort, support arrived swiftly: “The fire destroyed the landscape, there’s no doubt about that. But it really activated the spirit of Eagle Point and the community around here. And it’s actually galvanized, really, the whole ski industry.”
Assessing the Damage
Mountain manager Tanner Larsen recalled the moment staff and operators realized the scale of the loss. “We thought the whole place burned to the ground. We thought everything was gone,” Larsen admitted. Once the flames were out and crews could survey the site, the team made a quick decision: to begin the resort rebuilding process as soon as possible. “This mountain means so much to the community,” Larsen said.
Key Facilities Impacted
The fire destroyed or severely damaged vital resort infrastructure, including four ski lifts and the 12,000 square-foot Canyon Side Lodge. These elements are essential for both operation and guest experience, but the owners and staff have committed to repairing or replacing them in the rebuild. Gadbaw noted that, after sixteen years at Eagle Point, this event offers a rare—if unplanned—chance for a complete reset at the mountain resort.
Mobilizing Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts
Help has poured in, not only from the Beaver, Utah, community but from fellow resort operators across Utah and the western United States. Recovery work is already underway, with a focus on restoring ski lifts, designing a new Canyon Side Lodge, and reviving the damaged landscape. Gadbaw expressed the sense of responsibility that comes with these efforts: “If we feel pressure, it’s pressure to make sure we get it right, make sure we put together an awesome experience for our guests, for the community and the owners up here. And to be an economic driver of tourism for Beaver County.”
Looking Ahead to Skiing Season and Tourism Recovery
While Eagle Point Resort will not open for skiing or snowboarding this season, the team remains determined to welcome guests back in a year's time. In the meantime, the focus remains on tourism recovery, rebuilding core facilities, and harnessing the renewed spirit within the ski community. For those interested in assisting with the resort's recovery, more information on support and donations can be found on Eagle Point Resort’s channels.
Source: fox13now.com.
