Monday, December 31, 2007

20 more inches this weekend, 166 inches of snow so far!




SNOW: 9" (24 hrs); 20" (48 hrs); Base: 50"; Total: 166"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 17/18
TRAILS: 158/165
TEMP: 16/-14 F


The storms just keep on rolling in to Steamboat Springs. This weekend, the Steamboat Ski Resort received another 20 inches of snow in 48 hours. On Sunday morning, we woke up to the snow report of 11 inches of new snow, and 9 new inches since the ski resort closed on Saturday. Will I ever be able to sleep in again!

One of the greatest things about Steamboat is the trees. Sure, we are renowned for just how awesome our tree skiing is. But what is not often talked about is the protection they provide. On most snowy days in Steamboat, the flakes are big, fat, fluffy clusters of snow. So light and delicate that skiing during a winter storm is very pleasant.


Then occasionally, like every other ski resort, we get storms that blow in like yesterday's storm. Bitterly cold, windy conditions with snow that can bite the skin. But on days like this, you can escape the elements in the trees. Take your turns in the peace and quiet of the aspens and pines.


Want to know what to do on New Year's Eve in Steamboat Springs? Check-out the information in the Steamboat Pilot Newspaper.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Steamboat announces 100 inches in December

SNOW: 1" (24 hrs); 10" (48 hrs); Base: 46"; Total: 143"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 17/18
TRAILS: 150/165
TEMP: 14/-10 F



It's snowing in Steamboat, again! The skiing / riding is idyllic, but bundle-up. It's cold outside.

The Steamboat Ski Resort released the following information in a press release yesterday: With a recent series of storms dropping more than 4 feet of snow in the past week, the Steamboat Ski Resort has surpassed 100 inches of snow in the month of the December for just the 6th time in the past 29 years.

“December has been a Champagne Powder snow generating machine and with five days still to go, we’re closing in on a top-three month in terms of total snowfall,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat is enjoying some of the best snow in the Rocky Mountains, with one of the largest mid-mountain bases of any major Colorado destination resort.”

The resort is currently in an active storm cycle that has yielded over 2 feet of new snow in the past 72-hours. During the past seven days, the resort has piled up a whooping 49 inches (4.08 ft) of fresh snow at mid-mountain and is reporting a 50-inch base at both the mid-mountain and summit locations on powder conditions. Steamboat is currently offering powderhounds 2,820 acres (95% of the mountain), 147 trails, 17 lifts and 3,668 vertical feet of skiing/riding enjoyment.

For the month of December, 102 inches (8.5 feet) has fallen at mid-mountain, making this the 6th time the resort has surpassed the 100” mark for the month in the past 29 years. The resort has seen snow 21 out of 26 days (80.7%) this month, with 12 of those days recording more than four inches. This season, 142 inches (11.8 ft) of Champagne Power snow has staked up at the ski area’s mid-mountain site.


The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for Steamboat from 6pm this evening until 6pm Thursday. Sunny skies and mild temperatures today likely will be replaced by heavy snowstorms and low temperatures for the next week. Longer range forecasts continue to show the area in an active weather pattern heading into the New Year.


[Photograph courtesy of Larry Pierce, Steamboat Ski Area Photographer]

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Epic Skiing in Steamboat

SNOW: 9" (24 hrs); 20" (48 hrs); Base: 50"; Total: 42"
CONDITIONS: Powder!!!
LIFTS: 17/18
TRAILS: 147/165

TEMP: -5/20 F

I could continue to wax-lyrical about just how amazing the skiing in Steamboat is right now. But today, let's just take a moment to "ooh" and "aah" over Larry Pierce's photos from the past few days. Larry Pierce is the official Steamboat Ski Resort photographer.






Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Santa Gives Steamboat 19" in 24 hours



SNOW: 19" (24 hrs); 23" (48 hrs); Base: 52"; Total: 133"
CONDITIONS: Powder!!!
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 146/165

Today was epic! Definitely one of my top 10 days, ever.
As I skied on to Storm Peak lift, someone behind me remarked, "Someone must have asked Santa for a powder day." That someone must have been a good person.
11 inches of snow fell after the ski resort closed yesterday. Skiers and boarders were "whooping and hollering" all over the mountain. For me, carols echoed in my head all day "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." "[skiing] in a winter wonderland..." "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..."
I headed to Sideburn first and to my disbelief had untracked thigh-deep powder the whole way. In my seven seasons, I have never had this kind of luck. There were epic stashes waiting all over the mountain, but today, Sideburn beckoned me. I lapped it three times and each run was just as awesome as the last.
Kat Murphy, Steamboat Straighttalker, captured the day beautifully: "We have received a heaping helping of "Stellar Dendrites" the technical name for "Champagne Powder. Call it what you will, this is the best day of the ski season so far!"
"Years from now when we're sitting around reminiscing on a Summer day someone will say, "Remember Christmas Day 2007?" Everyone in the room will nod their heads and smile from ear to ear!"

Monday, December 24, 2007

Snow all weekend

SNOW: 5" (24 hrs); 5" (48 hrs); Base: 42"; Total: 122"
CONDITIONS: Champagne Powder
LIFTS: 14/18TRAILS: 146/165


It snowed ALL weekend. Big fat, fluffy, Champagne Powder Snow. The skiing and riding conditions are fantastic. My legs are aching from skiing ALL weekend... and now I am off to take a few more runs. What a perfect Christmas Eve!

..and there's a "100% chance of snow" tonight, and more snow expected for days to come. I hope you are in Steamboat!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Pow-Pow-Powder Day, Part 2

SNOW: 15" (24 hrs); 17" (48 hrs); Base: 42"; Total: 110" (as of 1PM 12/21)
CONDITIONS: Powder! Powder & more Champagne Powder!
LIFTS: 11/18TRAILS: 103/165
Mother Nature continues to generously share the holiday spirit throughout Steamboat as a foot of fresh Champagne Powder® snow blanketed Ski Town, U.S.A.®.

The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for the Steamboat Springs area until 6pm this evening. Forecasts are calling for snow to be heavy at times with significant accumulations especially over the northern mountain. The chance for snow will again develop over the northern mountains on Sunday including a good chance for snow redeveloping over the region again on Christmas Day. Longer range forecasts continue to show the area in an active weather pattern.As of 5am at mid-mountain, Steamboat has received 15 inches of new snow in the past 24-hours. With 5 feet of Champagne Powder® snow since Dec. 1st, the Steamboat Ski Area has enjoyed snow 16 out of the first 21 days of December.

As of 12:30pm at mid-mountain, Steamboat has received 15 inches of new snow in the past 24-hours and 17 inches of snow in the past 48-hours. With 5 feet of Champagne Powder® snow since Dec. 1st, the Steamboat Ski Area has enjoyed snow 16 out of the first 21 days of December. Since November 21st, Steamboat has received nearly 7 feet of Champagne Powder snow at mid-mountain and is currently reporting a 42-inch mid-mountain base and 45-inch summit base with powder conditions. With the addition of terrain in the Morningside Park area this morning, the resort is currently offering powder enthusiasts 1,983 acres, 103 trails, 11 lifts and 3,668 vertical feet of skiing/riding enjoyment.

It's a Pow-Pow-Powder Day! Yee Haw!

SNOW: 9" (24 hrs); 11" (48 hrs); Base: 35"; Total: 104"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 11/18
TRAILS: 103/165


Mother nature popped the Champagne over Steamboat! If you are not in Steamboat this weekend, you are missing out. That's all I can say. If you want to be in Steamboat this weekend, click here.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

It's Ho-Ho-Holiday Season!




SNOW: 1"(24 hrs); 1" (48 hrs); Base: 28"; Total: 92"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 10/18
TRAILS: 80/165

I am writing from my office, staring gloomily outside my window at the BIG FAT FLUFFY flakes falling over the Torian Plum sign. We had a dusting of 1 inch of snow last night. Not much, but if this keeps up, tomorrow could be a glorious powder day!

I have to be honest and say that I haven't skied the last few days. Reports from my fellow ski bums indicate that the conditions are great up on the ski area. Those big storms from the past few weeks have ensured an excellent base for the holiday season and on into the peak season.

I did ski, however, over the weekend. Two exquisite bluebird days. I found myself mesmerized by the views of downtown Steamboat Springs and the Sleeping Giant, or across the Yampa Valley floor to the Flat Tops. Perfect groomers and a picturesque landscape. It doesn't get much better than this.

On that note, I would also like to have a rant. Apparently other people around me were intoxicated by the views aswell because I was cut-off several by other skiers. I have one favor to ask of all my fellow skiers and boarders: Skiing is like driving. If you make a lane change, you should always check that you are not going to crash into another car. The same goes for skiing. Please be aware of people around you. It's that simple.

Friday, December 14, 2007

7 Inches of Inches of New Snow






SNOW: 6"(24 hrs); 7" (48 hrs); Base: 32"; Total: 85"
CONDITIONS: Powder
LIFTS: 8/18
TRAILS: 85/165


From Steamboat.com: With more than 3 feet of Champagne Powder® snow since Dec. 1st, the Steamboat Ski Area has enjoyed snow 10 out of the first 13 days of December and will open the Priest Creek area of the mountain including the Sundown Express and Elkhead chairlifts starting Friday, December 14th.

“Since Thanksgiving, Steamboat has been in a very snowy weather pattern, which shows no signs of stopping anytime soon,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “The next system, coming in tomorrow and Friday, looks like a good snow producer, so powderhounds better be ready.”

On Friday, December 14th, the resort will open the Sundown Express, a high-speed quad, and Elkhead chairlifts, which join Burgess Creek, Preview, Thunderhead Express, 4 Points, Storm Peak Express and the new six-passenger Christie Peak Express. In addition to the new lift, several of the popular upper mountain trails including the lower portions of Twilight, Three O’Clock, Two O’Clock and One O’Clock and High Noon as well as Rolex, Daybreak and Westside will be available to snowriding enthusiasts.

With the addition of Priest Creek terrain, the resort anticipates offering 1,133 acres, 65 trails and 8 lifts on powder and packed powder conditions.Then on Saturday, December 15th, the South Peak chairlift will begin serving the Sunshine Bowl area. With the addition of Sunshine Bowl, the resort will offer 1,444 acres, 80 trails and 9 lifts. In addition to all significant increase in terrain this weekend, by the middle of the next week Morningside Park is expected to open for the season offering 3,668 vertical feet of skiing/riding enjoyment.

Check-out the latest lodging and ski vacation package deals...











Wednesday, December 12, 2007

6 inches of New Snow

SNOW: 5"(24 hrs); 6" (48 hrs); Base: 31"; Total: 78"
CONDITIONS: Powder
LIFTS: 8/18
TRAILS: 53/165

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Major Storm Hits Colorado!

SNOW: 1"(24 hrs); 2" (48 hrs); Base: 28"; Total: 73"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 8/18
TRAILS: 53/165


It has been snowing in Steamboat all day today, and I am gearing up for an epic powder day on Wednesday morning.

Until then, I am deferring to the insightful comments of "Straight Talker" Steve Cole, from the Steamboat Ski Area:

"Greetings from Steamboat! We have had two feet of fresh snow in the last week. This has allowed the opening of more terrain and top to bottom skiing from the Storm Peak lift. Sunday saw the opening of many of our signature tree runs from the summit to the Duster cat track. With the Sundown lift still closed, access to these runs and others such as High Noon or any of the time pieces (One O'clock, Two O'clock...) requires a little navigational exploration. This, along with un-crowded runs ensures good soft skiing late into the day."


“Mother Nature has Steamboat squarely in her snow sights and continues to blanket the mountain with snow measuring in the feet,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “We’re in a very snowy weather pattern and it isn’t showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. Diehard powderhounds in the Home of Champagne Powder are loving it!”

Monday, December 10, 2007

Bluebird Day in Steamboat Springs

SNOW: 1"(24 hrs); 4" (48 hrs); Base: 29"; Total: 72"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 8/18
TRAILS: 53/165


A first attempt at movie making. To be honest, it is very challenging taking the time to capture video when the conditions are so good. That aside, this is just a taste of yesterday's Champagne Powder on One O'Clock, Two O'Clock and Three O'clock ski runs.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Unexpected Powder Day!

SNOW: 3"(24 hrs); 8" (48 hrs); Base: 29"; Total: 71"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 8/18
TRAILS: 40/165







Today was an unexpected powder day.

I skied yesterday, excited about the opening of Storm Peak express and the new terrain that opened with it. Saturday was a perfect day for skiing with friends and an opportunity to work on building up our skiing stamina. The conditions are good; easy carving on the groomers.

Today I had planned to ski for only an hour or so. 3 inches of new snow is nothing spectacular and other mundane tasks beckoned my attention. Just as my hour was nearing its end, we hopped off the top of Storm Peak lift only to spot one of Steamboat's ski patrollers skiing away with the ropes and signs that had closed the Sunshine Bowl area.

We headed over to One O'clock and discoverd untouched ski runs with about 6-8 inches of fresh powder. This is what I live for. This is why I live in Steamboat.

We charged into the powder, only stopping to see if anyone else was wearing the same goofy grin. We couldn't believe our luck! Three laps later, my legs were exhausted and my stomach growled, so we decided to leave the last few stashes for someone else to enjoy. My season has officially commenced!


Friday, December 7, 2007

It's Snowing Free Lift Tickets In Denver!

It's Dumping Champagne Powder® In Steamboat!5 Feet And Counting - Get Here Fast As You Can!

AND It's Snowing Free Lift Tickets In Denver!

The Steamboat Ski Resort has JUST ANNOUNCED that they will be giving away 6000 Lift Tickets In 6 Hours!

In celebration of the Grand Opening of Steamboat's new six-passenger Christie Peak Express (located just outside ResortQuest's ski-in/ski-out Torian Plum Condos), SIX thousand lift ticket vouchers for FREE skiing/riding from December 8-20, 2007 will be given away!

When: Saturday, December 8, 11:30-5:30pm
Where: The Denver Pavilions - on Glenarm Street between 15th and 16th Street Mall.

NOW, all you need is some Steamboat lodging to go with the FREE lift tickets. Check-out ResortQuest's unbelievable last minute lodging deals... (Save up to 30% off!!)

Powder to the People! 11" of New Snow if 48 Hours

SNOW: 6"(24 hrs); 11" (48 hrs); Base: 26"; Total: 63"
CONDITIONS: Powder
LIFTS: 6/18
TRAILS: 32/165

These are the storms we have been snow dancing for. The Steamboat Ski Resort is not only open for business, but the conditions are excellent. Two powder days in a row!

Steamboat's StraightTalk Snow Reporter, George Danellis, couldn't have expressed it better yesterday "If for some crazy reason you haven't gotten out and made some turns at Steamboat this season, it's most definitely time to get your gear waxed up, your ski socks washed and head up to celebrate some sweet early season skiing. Can you say, "Champagne Powder ® snow"? I thought you could."

And the front page of the Steamboat Pilot Newspaper reports, "The storm rolling through Steamboat Springs could bring more than a foot of snow before leaving the area Saturday, and may give the Steamboat Ski Area the snowfall boost it needs to open Storm Peak for the season... A snow advisory for the Steamboat Springs area began at 6 p.m. Thursday, and continues until 6 p.m. Saturday."

Only 8 hours remaining for ResortQuest Steamboat's 72-Hour Price Freeze Lodging Deal...



Thursday, December 6, 2007

5 inches of New Snow in Steamboat Springs!

SNOW: 5"(24 hrs); 5" (48 hrs); Base: 25"; Total: 57"
CONDITIONS: Powder
LIFTS: 6/18
TRAILS: 32/165


Steamboat received 5 inches of new snow overnight. 5 inches is not epic for Steamboat, but at this time of year, it promises some of the finest skiing you will ever experience.


This is the best type of new snow since it ALL fell after the Steamboat Ski Resort closed yesterday. The groomed runs are idyllic. Your skis glide so smoothly and effortlessly in and out of turns. Rather than concentrating on the sport, you have time to take in the scenery, listen to the peace and quiet.


For me, skiing on a few inches of snow, on top of a perfectly groomed trail is the closest thing to 'flying.' And, once again, when you have the whole run to yourself, the experience is thrilling.



ResortQuest Steamboat just announced some excellent new ski vacation deals and reduced rates. Check-out http://www.resortqueststeamboat.com/ for more information.




Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Snow Guns Are Making Snow

SNOW: 0"(24 hrs); 0" (48 hrs); Base: 19"; Total: 52"
CONDITIONS: Powder
LIFTS: 4/18
TRAILS: 18/165


The runs are practically empty at this time of year - and I love it! That gives me more time to enjoy the corduroy on the groomers.

It is colder today. Cold enough to blow snow. The snow guns are blasting up at Thunderhead. "On top its perfect corduroy almost, not quite, but almost perfect. Here in the home of Champagne Powder® we have pretty high standards, we'll open those runs when we're positive it will glue a smile to your face," says Riley Polumbus from the Steamboat Ski Resort.

Monday, December 3, 2007

I missed the first Powder Day!

SNOW: 0"(24 hrs); 9" (48 hrs); Base: 21"; Total: 52"
CONDITIONS: Powder/packed powder
LIFTS: 3/18
TRAILS: 13/165

Unfortunately I was not out on the slopes yesterday getting a much needed powder fix. I officially missed the first powder day of the 2007/2008 season. The resort received 9 inches of Champagne Powder® snow in the 24 hours prior to Sunday morning, totalling 12 inches in the previous 48-hours.


"The resort’s first powder day of the 2007/2008 season rounds out the perfect opening weekend, adding to the excitement of Scholarship Day and the Grand Opening of the Christie Peak Express lift," said Chris Diamond, president & chief operating officer of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation.


Since November 21st, Steamboat has received 32 inches of Champagne Powder snow at mid-mountain and is currently reporting a 22-inch base with powder conditions. The resort is offering ten trails with three lifts including the new Christie Peak Express, six-passenger chairlift. In addition, for those looking to get their jib on, a rail park on Eagles’ Nest is in full operation.

While everyone else in Steamboat was out making turns, I was out and around our properties. Here are a few photos of the new Emerald Lodge which officially opened this December!









Saturday, December 1, 2007

My First Day of Skiing

SNOW: 3"(24 hrs); 5" (48 hrs); Base: 16"; Total: 43"
CONDITIONS: Powder/packed powder
LIFTS: 3/18
TRAILS: 9/165




Today was a day of firsts. My first offical day of the season. My first day to wake up and call Steamboat Ski Report (970/879-7300). And my first day on the new 6-person Christie Peak Chairlift.

In true Steamboat fashion, I skied straight onto the lift without waiting. Even with the Gondola being closed for maintenance, Steamboat continues to uphold its reputation of "no lift lines."

3 inches of new snow meant that the few runs that were open were in great shape. Perfectly groomed for smooth turns. I took a few laps on the Thunderhead lift, stopped to watch the action at the terrain park, and then decided that was enough of a warm-up for the season. Yes, I am spoiled living here.

As I skied to the base, the clouds rolled in with thick, heavy snow. Temperatures are slated to drop and a Snow Advisory is calling for continued snow through the day and evening.



...What did you think of Steamboat's Opening Weekend? Please feel free to post your comments.