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Planning Commission

'Awful lot of friends': Landowner gets permission to develop private ski area in Rubies

After failing to convince Elko planners to approve a public ski area in 2024, the board OKs California businessman’s pitch for a private facility.

Mar 24, 2026• 4 min read

Amy Alonzo The Nevada Independent

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Ruby Mountains view - NV Independent — The Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada.

David Calvert/The Nevada Independent

After failing in 2024 to convince the Elko County Planning Commission to approve a public ski area, a California businessman and Elko County ranch owner has been OK'd to build a private facility on his sprawling ranch that extends into the Ruby Mountains.

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Ruby Mountains private ski area - Map of zoning change request — A map of the area where Peter Christodoulo is planning a private ski area in the Ruby Mountains, with the area marked where there is a request for a zoning change.

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Ruby Mountains private ski area - Carolyn Steninger speaks at planning meeting — Carolyn Steninger speaks at the Elko County Planning Commission meeting on March 19 about the reasons she is opposed to the request to build a private ski area in the Ruby Mountains. Many people spoke at the meeting, and the majority were opposed to approving the ski area.

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Ruby Mountains private ski area - Map of area and recreational lodge location — A view of the site of the proposed private ski area in the Ruby Mountains.

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Ruby Mountains view - road - NV Independent — The Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada.

David Calvert/The Nevada Independent

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