Steamboat is gearing up for another ski season, and the recent press release from Alterra Mountain Company shared what is in store for visitors this year. We, at Condos in Steamboat wanted to pass along the latest updates with all our valued guests and friends. 

Steamboat Ski Resort prepares for the 2019/20 winter season with a load of new programs and improvements creating a better guest experience across the resort. At the top of the list for this year’s biggest news is the hiring of a Sustainability & Community Engagement Director, the $15 million new gondola and an earlier Opening Day.

“Steamboat continues to invest in its guests and the destination experience that can only be found at Ski Town, U.S.A.^®,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We continue to work with Alterra to ensure the future of Steamboat Ski Resort is strong, and the improvements at the resort for the upcoming winter are major steps towards big master plans. A new focus on sustainability programming lead by our Director and the new gondola may be behind the scenes efforts, but the impacts of these improvements will certainly change the experience for skiers and riders at Steamboat.”

Sustainability Programming

stainability Director: Steamboat Ski Resort has hired Sarah Jones to oversee the resorts sustainability programming and community engagement efforts. Jones brings nearly two decades of professional experience in sustainability and environmental programming to Steamboat Ski Resort.  Most recently, Jones served as the Executive Director of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) since 2012 planning, executing and budgeting all programs for the organization. She worked closely with local government on climate mitigation, energy and waste diversion issues; supported the advancement of community sustainability and resilience efforts; and advocated for rural waste diversion and energy issues at the state level. Prior to her role at YVSC, Jones worked as an environmental consultant and helped schools develop sustainable practices in the Denver area.

In her new role, Jones will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing all the resort’s sustainability programming and practices as well as improving Steamboat’s operational environmental performance and further resort policy goals on climate and energy. Jones will champion the development and execution of guiding principles and an environmental management plan specific to operational performance, energy efficiency and clean energy, waste management, water conservation, education & outreach, and more. Jones will also be responsible for community outreach making sure locals, guests and the industry understand and support Steamboat’s sustainability initiatives.

Yampa River Fund: Steamboat Ski Resort is a proud to announce a $500,000 founding donor contribution to the newly launched Yampa River Fund, the largest single cash donation in the resort’s history. The Yampa River Fund is a water fund in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy and local partners that improves river flow in Northwest Colorado to sustain both people and nature. The Yampa River Fund is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect water supply, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities provided by the Yampa River. SSRC’s cornerstone contribution of $500,000 unlocked a 1:1 match ultimately allowing the resort to provide access to $1 million for the health and prosperity of the community’s main water resource.  For more information on the Yampa River Fund visit: www.yampariverfund.org

Opening Day

Earlier Opening Day: Steamboat will open four days earlier this winter season with Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, November 23. Historically the resort has opened on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, and will now shift to opening the Saturday before the holiday- allowing friends and family to gather on the slopes for more days. As in the past, Opening Day will include special festivities, a champagne toast, Olympians and more.

Lifts
New Gondola: With the installation of a brand-new Doppelmayr gondola, replacing the resorts previous 30+ year old lift, guests will be moved out of the base area and up the mountain nearly 38 percent faster than in the past, significantly reducing base area wait times. Multiple factors play into the increased capacity including the addition of 12 cabins to the line, a more advanced machine running at 6m per second versus the previous 5m per second and better tower setup, and level, walk-in cabins. The elimination of the nearly 9-inch step into gondola cabins will allow customers to load the gondola in a seamless action preventing stumbling which previously led to gondola slowdowns. The entryway and que for the gondola will also improve with an expanded enclosed area, RFID gates moved to the entrance of the building (versus closer to the gondola loading), a new guest resolution center at the entrance and new loading/unloading mats to create a smooth transition to the walk-in cabins. The top terminal at Thunderhead Lodge will feature a new exit with easier to navigate and more guest friendly stairs. Previously the stairs to the snow were steep and narrow, now they will be wider platforms with shorter rise. Additionally, the exit terminal will receive a facelift by adding a timber gabled roof to match the main entrance to the building.   The new gondola follows the same line as the previous gondola departing from Gondola Square and arriving at Thunderhead Lodge at mid-mountain. The new gondola is expected to start whisking skiers and riders up the mountain on November 23, 209, Steamboat’s winter opening day.

Ikon Pass

Night Skiing:  Ikon passholders can now access the trails after the sun goes down with access to night skiing Thursday- Monday from December through March. New this year, Full Ikon passholders receive unlimited access to night skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Ikon Base passholders can either ski the same night as they used one of their days, or use one of their days to ski or ride at night. This additional perk is best for guests arriving late in the day- there is no longer a need to wait until the next morning to get your on-mountain vacation started!

 Ski Your Pass Off: Bragging rights are part of the skiing and snowboarding experience and Steamboat continues to reward its most loyal powderhounds with the Ski Your Pass Off loyalty program. Adult Ikon passholders (ages 13 and up) are rewarded for the number of days they hit the mountain. When passholders log 10 days before the end of December 2019 they’ll earn a complimentary First Tracks ticket. From there, guests receive rewards at 10 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 days with an initial $10 dining voucher for the first 10 days and $20 dining vouchers at each remaining benchmark. Dining vouchers can be used at any Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation restaurant. Guest who ski all 144 days of the season receive additional recognition and rewards at an end of season celebration.
Retail

Steamboat Mercantile  Located in the heart of Gondola Square across from Gondola Joe’s, the resort’s newest retail outlet features Steamboat logo wear including apparel from resort partners such as Marmot and The North Face and gift items. Open daily during the winter season starting at 8 am.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton: The resort’s flagship rental and retail outlet received a complete overhaul during summer 2019 resulting in an additional 2000 square feet of commercial space, an improved rental process and more retail offerings. Located Slopeside from Christie Peak Express Lift, Steamboat Sports will be the place to go for equipment rentals of all ranges, and the latest apparel, logo wear, souvenirs and equipment for purchase.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton is one of seven Steamboat Sports^TM locations, renamed for the 2019/20 winter season including Thunderhead Peak, Gondola Square, Ski Time Square, Steamboat Grand, Delivery and Gondola Square Demo Center.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Thunderhead Peak: In its new location on the snow, trading in skis at the top of the gondola will be a much-improved experience as the resort opens a brand new building offering top of the line skis for demo and sale at the intersection of Spur Run and Tower trails.  Previously housed in the Yurt at the bottom of the exit stairs from Thunderhead Lodge, the new location for demo rentals and sales provides 360 square feet dedicated to Rossignol, Nordica, Volkl and Head ski as well as better mountain ambiance.

New Montana tuning machine: For the first time in more than a decade, Steamboat Ski Resort bringing ski tuning in-house with the latest technology and machinery from industry leader Montana. Steamboat’s rental fleet will be top of the line with more frequent tunes and the waxing/tuning specifically designed for current conditions. Guests may also drop off their own equipment for tuning and waxing at Steamboat Sports^TM– Gondola Square.

Seasonal Equipment Storage: Below Timber & Torch in Gondola Square, Steamboat has redefined overnight ski storage with a permanent Ski Corral facility. Complete with state-of-the-art racking systems, guests will be able to leave their skis and poles, and snowboards at the convenient, heated base area location at the end of the day and collect them with ease before loading the Gondola in the morning. In addition to guest overnight storage, a limited number of seasonal storage slots, including heated boot storage, are now available for long-term storage at www.steamboat.com/storage

Flights

14 nonstop flight markets: Steamboat’s air program continues to be one of the most robust in the Rocky Mountains with 14 total nonstop markets flying to Ski Town, U.S.A.^® via the major air carriers of American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. Winter seasonal flights begin in December and run through March, making Steamboat accessible from anywhere in the world. www.steamboat.com/flights

Snow making at Steamboat Ski Area. Photo: Larry Pierce.

As darkness lifted in the early hours this morning, little plumes of moisture could be seen clouding in clusters over the Steamboat Ski Area. The snow guns were out and Mount Werner was getting primed for her winter coat.

On November 21, Alterra Mountain Company will pop the cork on bottles of Korbel and open their gondola doors for the first riders and boarders of the 2018/ 19 season.

“The countdown to Opening Day is on with the start of snowmaking,” shared Dave Hunter, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We are just about 20 days away, the excitement is building, and our crews are hard at work assisting Mother Nature to create a great early season base for our guests to enjoy.”

New resort owners Alterra, have already started to make a mark on their master development plan for the ski area. The Bear River Bar and Grill at the base of the mountain underwent a mammoth transformation this summer and will reopen as the Timber and Torch. Expanded indoor seating, an oversized deck with outdoor fireplace and barbecue grill area are just some of the changes guests will be able to enjoy.

On the snow, diners can look out for the Taco Beast, a snowcat-come-food truck for some Mexican themed fast food and new signage marking trails and lifts. Although the resort’s 2,965 acres remains untouched, plans are afoot for future developments.

As the new season starts, one thing is certain, the annual line up of winter festivities stays unchanged. The Yampa Valley’s long list of winter traditions will be celebrated on and off the mountain, in true Steamboat style. Cheers to the next winter season.

Camera

Routt County’s scenery explodes into a backdrop of spectacular reds and golds during fall. Take to the roads and leave plenty time to pull over and take photos. Favorite drives include: The Flat Tops Wilderness Area Scenic Byway from Yampa over Dunkley Pass and Ripple Creek Pass; Elk River Road to Hahns Peak and Steamboat Lake; or Rabbit Ears Pass to Muddy Pass.

Binoculars

Spot an array of wildlife on the hillsides or roaming in the valley floor. It’s a busy time for our resident moose, elk, deer and bears. Keep a safe distance and use binoculars or telephoto lenses to watch them. Never approach a wild animal and make sure dogs remain on a leash.

Keep track of local bird sightings and document your own by using the popular app, ebird.org. For instant identification from a database of 650 North American birds, try merlin.allaboutbirds.org

 Warm Layers

Plan for cooler air temps in the mornings and evenings. Dress like a local and opt for layers. Several of the nations biggest players in outdoor recreation clothing and gear started out right here in Steamboat. Check out sidewalk sales throughout fall where last season’s gear can be a steal. You’ll have to race to the rack to grab anything from Smartwool or Big Agnes.

Taste Buds

It’s not just beer and brats on the menu this season, although you can find both in abundance at Steamboat’s OktoberWest festival on September 14 and 15. Sip local brews and pedal from pub to pub, while raising money for a great cause in the annual Mustache Ride on October 6.

Dine for less during ‘mud season’ when some of the town’s best eateries will be offering specials. Hunting season brings elk to the table in tasty stews and steaks. Homegrown apples, plums and the last harvest of peaches bubble inside cobblers and pies. Get a taste of local flavors at the first ever Yampavore dinner on October 11 at Harwigs Restaurant. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the Community Agriculture Alliance.

A Costume

We’re serious here – if you come on Halloween, you will need one. The downtown stroll is one of the community’s most cherished events. For two hours, Lincoln Avenue is closed to traffic and open to ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Join the throng of locals wandering from store to store on a trick or treat quest. Dress up and take part, or kick back with a cocktail and watch from the sidelines. October 31, 5-7 p.m.

When we sit around the table next week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we have a lot to savor. It’s not just the gravy smeared turkey with it’s colorful timings, but the everyday blessings we toast as we raise our glasses. We wanted to share some of the reasons we are thankful for living in Steamboat and hope you can enjoy them too on your next visit. 

Terrain – lots of it to explore in hiking shoes, ski boots, cross country gear. On boards, sleds, snowmobiles and horseback. Nature’s playground at its best. 

Horses and our ranching heritage. Miles of rolling farmlands to cycle past, livestock to watch at fair and cowboy traditions to uphold. 

Artwalk on the first Friday of the month. Strolling through downtown to glimpse or study works crafted by local talent. 

No hour-long waits in the car at rush hour. More time for happy hours with friends, dog walks, bike rides,  an early morning skin up the mountain or simple family time. 

Kicking back in the thermal waters of the hot springs to soak tired limbs after a day of skiing, hiking or biking. Watching the stars at night and the reflection of the moon in the water. 

Fireworks and festivals on every holiday. Carnivals and parades to watch from afar or join in if you choose. 

Understanding the challenges of mountain living and a community that is on-hand to help whoever is in need. 

Leaves – watching the seasons change on the branches of aspen trees. The light green of springtime, darker hue of summer and burst of gold in fall before the winter shed. 

Cheers to you and yours, may we all be thankful for blessings big and small. 

Sitting by the window with this morning’s first cup of coffee, I’m struck by Steamboat’s beauty following last night’s heavy snowfall. The sky is still grey, filled and heavy with more snow that continues to fall lightly. The branches in a small grove of Aspen trees are moving like an infant on a trampoline, feeling the weight of their newly adorned winter coat.

This week we will start welcoming visitors back to town, following the bi-annual monthly lull between seasons.  We’ll be caught up once again playing a small part in someone’s vacation, hoping that person leaves with the feeling they’ve spent their time in a very special place.

Today is a reminder of how fortunate we are to call Steamboat home, and how thankful we are to our visitors for making it possible for us to live here. This weekend we talked to the locals who we work with, raise our children alongside, hike, bike or ski with and asked them to share their “thanks” with you, our friends at Condos in Steamboat.

I’m thankful for our wonderfully generous community members. We have a very giving spirit.

Lynna Broyles, Director of Marketing and Development, Steamboat Boys and Girls Club

I’m thankful for all the loyal visitors that come to Steamboat every year to be a part of our town. You provide me with the best job on the mountain!

Leigh Ann McLaughlin, Ski School Instructor.

I’m thankful to live in a community full of wonderful volunteers and organizations that work hard to support one another and meet the needs of the less fortunate. I also am grateful every day for the natural beauty that surrounds us. It is truly awe inspiring.

Lisa Schlichtman, Editor, Steamboat Pilot & Today

I’m thankful for the people in our community for supporting our local businesses.

Savannah Bongiourno, Owner, The Comb Goddess.

I’m thankful for the opening day we are going to have this season, so much snow!

Kelly Bohmer, Owner, All Fixed Steamboat

I’m totally thankful for all our wonderful customers and this community.

Wendy Lyons, Owner, Lyons Drugstore and Soda Fountain

The Big Agnes Team is thankful this winter to share fleece blankets and apparel from BAP at the little red house on Oak Street, Honey Stinger waffles to help get you thru the day, and new puffy coats just in from Big Agnes.

Len Zanni, Big Agnes (who promises he isn’t biased!).

I’m so thankful for all this snow.

Colin Dunlap, Ski Technician, Ski Haus