You don’t think Lake City when you think winter. The southwest Colorado town found off the breathtaking Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a summer destination, with the surrounding Uncompahgre National Forest a hub of endless adventure. From the remote town, the mountains are a feast for the eyes. Widely overlooked is the slope for skiers and snowboarders.

Lake City Ski Hill represents a fading era of the snow sport. Only a few community hills survive in the wake of the mega resort boom across the Centennial State. If you’re curious about what skiing used to be, look no further than Lake City.

The Poma lift is Colorado’s oldest operating tram, having run at Arapahoe Basin in the 1950s before arriving in Lake City in 1966 to open the town’s “Winter Wonderland.” The name of the ski area owned and operated by the town has changed to better fit the modest characteristics.

The lift rises about 250 feet, taking skiers and riders to the practice grounds for locals and the Hinsdale County ski team. To go with seven runs, the area also maintains a small terrain park. If visiting without gear, see what’s available to use for free in the small hut where lift tickets are sold ($20 for adults in the 2017-18 season, $10 for kids 17 and younger) and where hot chocolate is served.

Skiable terrain: 14 acres

Trails: Seven

Lifts: 1

Mountain stats: 8,600-foot summit, 247-foot vertical

Check out: Confluence for breakfast, Climb Elevated Eatery, Cannibal Grill and Saloon, Hinsdale Haute Route, Lake City Ice Park

Getting there: Go west on U.S. 24 to the ‘T’ in Buena Vista. Turn left for U.S. 285 south and catch U.S. 50 west. Drive about 69 miles and turn left on Colorado 149, continuing to Lake City.