Abandoned ski lodge attracts visitors

Forgotten ski boots, shattered floor tiles and bits of discarded trash litter the vandalized and hole-laden interior of what was once the Rainbow Basin Ski Resort main lodge. Remnants of a ski lift stand still and rusted amid overgrown landscaping and other derelict structures. Standing beyond the Kirksville city limits, the resort, no longer in operation, exists in a state of disrepair, but continues to be a well-known local attraction.

The Rainbow Basin Ski Resort closed in 1987. Resident Birney Belfield purchased the property two years later and maintains ownership today. The resort has remained unused for skiing since it was shut down, because it fell on financial hardship following a series of considerably warm winters.

Belfield said the buildings have sustained heavy damage by vandals throughout the years and now require a lot of repair. He said he is aware the resort draws visitors — despite being rundown and having no real purpose — but says he doesn't mind as long as the vandalism stops.

Vandals aren't the only interested parties. Curious Truman students such as sophomore Jessica Petrie visit the resort to explore its state, and have a small outdoor adventure.

Petrie visited Rainbow Basin Ski Resort after hearing about it from a fellow Truman student. Petrie said she had not been aware of a ski resort in Kirksville, but always is up for an outdoor adventure, so she was excited to go exploring.

"We hiked out there and walked through the building — it was in pretty bad condition," Petrie said. "There were beer cans and the walls were covered in graffiti."

Although she said it was a cool experience, she admits she likely will not return unless sharing the experience with a friend or fellow student who has yet to visit.

Junior Alex Kaizer said he has not yet been to the ski resort, but hopes to visit before he graduates. He said it was one of a number of local attractions he has heard about from other students during his time here and his curiosity has been sparked by the stories.

"It's just one of those things you're expected to do as a Truman student, but then not enough people know where it's at," Kaizer said.

He said he likely would have gone to the resort by now, but says he hasn't been able to find it, despite having asked fellow students and researching the place online.

He said he's not exactly sure what to expect, but is determined to find and visit the resort at some point.

Belfield said that although Rainbow Basin Ski Resort currently is a destination for the occasional adventurer, he has plans for future renovation. Having recently completed work on the roof of the main structure, he said he anticipates a gradual renovation that will take a great deal of time and money, but might someday result in a usable establishment.

"I'm thinking about doing a hunting lodge type of situation where people can go out and do archery practice or have a shooting range, or also where they can sleep overnight and enjoy the fireplace, that sort of thing," Belfield said.

He said he anticipates the project will take at least a couple of years, however, he does not have an estimate as to when it might be completed.

While the rusted ski lifts already might have had their day, Rainbow Basin Ski Resort might, once again, be home to a Kirksville getaway.