A California businessman’s plans to develop a private recreational facility in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada have received approval from the Elko County Planning Commission. The decision comes after the commission previously denied a proposal for a public ski area on the same land in 2024.
Private Recreation Approved in the Rubies
The commission approved the construction of a lodge with a limited number of guest rooms and five chairlifts. The project is planned for a sprawling ranch purchased by Peter Christodoulo, a partner at a Bay Area technology investment firm, in 2024. The ranch extends into the Ruby Mountains, an area known locally as the “Swiss Alps of Nevada.”
Christodoulo stated his family’s love for the property and the surrounding area, noting the conditional use permit would improve access to the rugged terrain. The approval followed a Thursday night meeting where dozens of residents voiced opinions, with the majority expressing opposition to the project. Carol Evans wrote to the commission that the views of the Ruby Mountains “truly belong to all of us.”
The commission’s vote was 5-2 in favor of the project, with conditions including a prohibition on night skiing and a requirement to remove the chairlifts if they are not operational for five years. Commissioners Richard Genseal and Dena Hartley opposed the plan, with Genseal characterizing it as a repackaged version of the earlier, rejected proposal. A 10-day appeal period is now underway, expiring March 30, after which the county’s board of commissioners could review the decision.
The approved plan, described as a “much more modest request,” involves a lodge with up to five rental rooms and provisions for meals. The facility is intended primarily for use by friends and family, with a maximum stay of 28 consecutive days. The applicant, represented by Mike and Mitch Shanks of Elko-based Modern Land and Development Construction LLC, also indicated plans for mountain biking. The first chairlift is planned to start at 7,100 feet, with additional lifts providing access to higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original proposal for the Ruby Mountains?
Peter Christodoulo initially proposed rezoning several thousand acres to develop a public ski facility, but the Elko County Planning Commission denied that request in 2024.
What is the size of the ranch purchased by Peter Christodoulo?
Christodoulo purchased nearly 3,000 acres, consisting of a lower 900-acre parcel and an upper 2,296-acre parcel.
What is the current status of the project?
The Elko County Planning Commission has approved the construction of a private lodge and five chairlifts. A 10-day appeal period is in effect, after which the county’s board of commissioners may review the decision.
Given the history of failed attempts to develop the Ruby Mountains, and the ongoing concerns of local residents, what role will community sentiment play in the future of this project?
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