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.

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...

6 inches of New Snow

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

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!”

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.