Lake County commissioners review Dutch Henry tubing-hill plan; culvert, land swaps and funding next steps

At a work session that began at 10:30 a.m., the Lake County Board of County Commissioners received an overview of proposals to regrade and straighten the Dutch Henry tubing hill, including culverting Meadow Creek, negotiating land agreements with nearby owners and seeking grant and insurance options to support a magic carpet and other infrastructure.

The discussion matters because county staff and local partners said the culvert and regrading would reduce safety risks, unlock space for beginner ski infrastructure and tubing that could generate revenue, and require coordination with state and federal regulators and multiple landowners. The board and staff identified permitting, wetlands reviews, costs and insurance as the immediate hurdles to proceed.

Ben Carr, a Cloud City Mountain Sports (CCMS) representative who led the presentation, outlined a phased vision: (1) culverting and straightening the creek and tubing run, (2) adding an uphill conveyance (a magic carpet), a small beginner ski area and terrain features, (3) constructing a modest support building for rentals/operations, and (4) longer‑term site improvements. Carr said a 300‑yard magic carpet and associated beginner area are “the dream” and estimated a…