The Lodge ©

November 3, 2003 (Lake Tahoe, CA) – The Royal Gorge Wilderness Lodge was destroyed by fire on October 30, 2003. Loss is estimated at $3 million, and the cause is still under investigation. Fortunately there were no injuries.

The fire probably started around midnight and was reported by cell phone users around 5:30 am from Interstate 80. Because of the remote location, crews were slow to get to the fire.

A resort spokesperson says they're insured and will rebuild for the 2004-05 winter season. Plans are also underway to provide a day skiers' café at the site of the lodge for this winter.

While Royal Gorge staff are still in shock, hardest hit are John and Linda Stoddart, who have run “Wildy” for over 20 years. ” It's like there has been a death in the family,” commented Linda Stoddart. “We have so many fond memories of the lodge and the friends we have made over the years.” Lost in the fire were the record of those memories with 32 years worth of photo albums. (The one exception is a photo history of the Animal Slipper Group, who've been skiing at Royal Gorge for over 20 years.) She added, “If anyone has copies of old photos, we would love to try and piece that bit of nostalgia back together.”

Normal ski area operations will continue, including all the day operations, events, and accommodations at Rainbow Lodge. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, who shared summer use of the lodge and surrounding area. Ironically, the first major storm of the winter hit the day after the fire.