3. What is a three wire winter? 

Ranchers use their fence wires to measure snowfall. By late January or February of a typical winter the third wire is covered standing usually at 48 inches high. On March 2, 1929 30 inches of snow fell onto 27 inches already on the ground in a 24 hour period, making it the record.

As of the date of this post, Steamboat has received 268 inches of snow for the 2013/2014 season.  I think we are at a 3-wire winter!

2. Where did the term Champagne Powder originate? 

In the early 1950’s Kremmling rancher Joe McElroy operated a rope tow on Baker Mountain (east side of Rabbit Ears Pass). He coined the phrase champagne powder to describe the fluffy snowfall, which has become famous today.

The Steamboat Ski Resort does own the register trademark for the phrase “Champagne Powder”®.

A century ago a tradition began in Steamboat that has morphed into something so special no local would choose to miss. The Winter Carnival run by Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club evolved as a fun way to break seasonal blues. Today it marks the beginning of “Blue’s Break” a week -long school vacation that begins with a bang, literally. In anticipation for next weekend’s snowy fun and frivolity Condos in Steamboat is having a countdown. Over the next 7 days test your knowledge on Steamboat winter trivia.  Questions are posted on Facebook and followed up by the answer the next day here on the Blog.

1. How did the Gondola earn the nickname the silver bullet? 

Back in the 80’s previous Steamboat ski area President, Hans Geier commissioned a first of its kind 8 person gondola. After it had been constructed a series of load tests to ensure everything was working correctly needed to be carried out. The obvious choice for a Colorado ski resort was cases of Coors Silver Bullet beer of course. The cars were filled with beer, the tests successfully completed, and the gondola earned a new nickname.

A Cowboy Downhill of course.

Listen up partners ditch the helmets, dump the skis and grab your Stetson. This weekend for the 40th year in a row, we’re celebrating our cow town heritage. Condos in Steamboat guests can witness Rodeo champs hanging on with all they’ve got, but there won’t be a bronco in sight.

Forty years ago Olympian and Steamboat’s Director of Skiing Billy Kidd and Larry Mahan, six times All-Around World Champion cowboy had an idea that would turn into one of the mountains most anticipated events. They invited several Pro Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. Fast forward four decades to a weekend that draws over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the quirkiest ski tournament in the country.

It all kicks off on January 19 with a balloon glow at Mountain Village, where six tethered hot air balloons will illuminate the sky. Skiers can take to the slopes from 5.30pm for a run or two of night skiing, followed by live tunes by Georgia based band Banks and Shane at Bear River Bar and Grill.

At 1pm on January 20, cowboys take to the slopes for a one of a kind stampede sponsored by Bud Light. Live music and party fun continues throughout the afternoon. Finish off in true Steamboat style at the Cowboy Downhill Gala, featuring a western BBQ at the top of the mountain with more fantastic tunes by Banks and Shane, starting at 7pm.

The Cowboy Downhill Gala is $85 per person or $75 per person for a group of 10 or more.

Coinciding with the Denver Stock Show, the Cowboy Downhill brings a lot of folks to town. Don’t miss the fun, check out Steamboat’s accommodation and condo deals with us today.

The winter season has its own distinct appeal, found in the blanket of snow, the snow-covered trails, the scenic gondola rides, the snowmobile trips, and even in the mittens, winter boots and layered clothes. During this time of the year when temperatures drop, many people tend stay indoors and just “ride the winter out”, but there are those who invoke the winter attraction as an excuse to have fun outdoors. Many of those call Steamboat Springs home.
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A December 20, 2013 Steamboat Today article reported the recent developments in tourism in Steamboat Springs, Colorado which could have a positive or negative effect on your vacation plans in the city this summer. Luke Graham writes:
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Planning is critical to a headache-free and relaxing vacation. Therefore, to ensure that your ski trip to Steamboat Springs, CO will be fun and memorable, you have to spend enough time ironing out the details of your upcoming vacation. According to an article posted at WiseGEEK.com, “[c]areful planning of a ski trip can make your trip more rewarding”, so here are some planning pointers that you have to keep in mind: Read the rest of this entry »

Baby boomers made skiing popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and though this demographic is now in their golden years, the ski industry continues to show its appreciation by offering ski programs for vacationers older than 50. As long as they plan ahead of time, seniors can enjoy the slopes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Read the rest of this entry »

There are times throughout the year when you need to be by your lonesome to ponder things and to communicate with nature. Jodi Thornton O’Connell stressed as much in her piece for USA Today’s travel blog:
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The storm that made for a white Halloween on Thursday night made for top-to-bottom skiing for those willing to work to get it Friday morning. Matt Tredway made his first assault this season on Mount Werner soon after an Oct. 4 storm. That pounding bogged Steamboat down in a foot of heavy, wet snow. It snapped tree limbs around town, but it made for a glorious start to the season.
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