Did you know at higher elevations the air is thinner and it filters less ultra violet light? For your eyes in particular, that is a big deal. We often get asked by clients “does it matter what color of lens you have on your goggles?” The answer is yes.

The combination of sunshine (or lack of), and snow hugely affects your vision. On a bluebird day, you will rarely catch a Steamboat local going about without their sunglasses. Snow-blindness is an actual thing.

Lighter lenses such as yellow, gold, amber, green and rose-color are excellent choices for cloudy days. They allow a higher amount of visible light transmission, which improves vision in flatter lights.

Darker lenses such as copper, browns, and grays have lower visible light transmission and will ward off the glare on a sunny day. Mirrored lenses reflect light, and a polarized lens will reduce the glare from the sun on snow.

If you’ve been prone to fogging, goggles with all around venting will help. However you’ll need to outweigh the risk of the air chill factor.  For those who can’t stand to throw out a pair of old favorites, consider applying an anti-fog coating.

Fit is everything. A snug connection with the helmet will eliminate the dreaded ‘gaper’ gap and avoid the ice cream headache on an extra cold day. A good fitting strap and comfortable padding will keep precious eye gear in place. Finally, avoid scratching the lens when you put your helmet down and purchase a lens cover.  It’s worth every cent of the $10-$15 you’ll spend.

On-mountain capacity will be limited, in particular during holiday and peak periods, and stand-alone lift tickets are currently not being offered. The only way to access the mountain is through advanced purchase packages and season pass products. 

Only guests who pre-book packages by November 2 through approved travel partners – of which Condos in Steamboat is one, will have mountain access for their reserved dates. 

“In Steamboat, we know that taking vacations isn’t as simple as it used to be,” said Rob Pearlman, President & COO, Steamboat Ski Resort and Corporation. “We want to welcome you back this winter, knowing that we are prioritizing your safety and making operational changes so you can enjoy your time on the slopes worry-free.”

The resort outlined the following guidelines for on-mountain services.

• For pass holders and pre-booked packages, additional lift-line management (specific queue times) may be necessary during holiday and peak periods. If this is the case, guests will receive further instructions closer to, or during, the season.   
• Ragnar’s and Four Points night dining will not operate due to capacity limitations on transportation to these venues. Hazie’s and Haymaker will be open with modified night dining. 
• Lodges and restaurants will be reconfigured to allow more space between tables. 
• Expanded outdoor dining options will be available at Rendezvous Lodge. 
• Advanced reservations will be required for all night dining, as well as day dining at Ragnar’s, Hazie’s, Stoker and Timber & Torch.
• Advanced reservations for Snowsports School lessons are required. Private lesson class sizes will be limited to 5 students. Group lessons will be half-day sessions with a target of 5 students per instructor. Children ages 2.5 to 4 years old may participate in private lessons with a maximum of 2 students. Childcare and group lessons will not be available for children under 5.
• Common COVID practices: We have all become accustomed to wearing facial coverings, socially distancing, practicing healthy hand washing/sanitizing, increased cleaning efforts at all high-touch points, etc. These practices will remain a priority for Steamboat Ski Resort staff and guests.