Storm to bring significant snow to Steamoat Ski Area

A foot or more of snow is expected on the slopes of Mount Werner and at high elevations in Steamboat Springs this weekend.
This is perfect timing since the Steamboat Ski Resort is doubling the amount of terrain open for this weekend so that nearly 2,000 acres, almost 65% of the mountain will be open. That means there will be 3,668 vertical feet of skiing and riding!
This is the last weekend to take advantage or ResortQuest Steamboat's unbeatable lodging package - SKI FREE IN STEAMBOAT OPENING DAY TO CHRISTMAS DAY - Get FREE Steamboat Lift Tickets.
Tomorrow, the resort expects 104 trails offering 1,896 acres of terrain with 9 of 18 lifts spinning for skiers and boarders. The majority of new terrain opening is in the Sunshine and Priest Creek areas including Tomahawk, Flintlock, Quickdraw, Rendezvous Way, Sunshine Liftline, Rolex, Westside, Broadway, Daybreak and more. In addition, East Face, North St. Pats and Last Chance will open on the north side of the Ski Area on Saturday. However, Moonlight, Lights Out, lower Shadows and lower Priest Creek, Sundown Express liftlines as well as Christmas Tree Bowl and the Chutes will remain closed. The hugely popular mini-terrain park on Lil’ Rodeo will continue to feature rails for those looking for a park play.
In addition to the 5 chairlifts already operating, South Peak, Sundown Express, Elkhead and Sunshine Express will begin spinning on Saturday.
A strong storm system will begin moving through the area today, though the wind, cold and snowfall expected to intensify Saturday, with most of the storm’s accumulation to take place Saturday evening and early Sunday, said meteorologist Norv Larson, of the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction Fore­cast Office.
Overnight lows are poised to dip as low as 12 degrees Saturday night, with wind gusts up to 25 mph.
The Steamboat Ski Area reported a 26-inch base at mid-mountain Thursday and has recorded 66 inches of total snowfall so far this season.

Adventure Trip Magazine ranks Steamboat Ski Area No. 3 Ski Resort in the World

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); 0"(48 hrs); Base: 28"; Total: 62"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 6/18
TRAILS: 67/165
TEMP: 40/21

Adventure Trip Magazine, which bills itself as catering to people “who seek out travel destinations beyond the routine,” aggregated the results of top ski resort listings and placed the Steamboat Ski Area at No. 3 overall!

The article describes their decision making process: "The science behind this is simple. We took all the big “top ski resort” lists across the web and in print and found the resorts that made all or most of these lists. Each resort got 1 point for each time it was mentioned. Resorts got 2 points each time they got a #1 spot. We took the top 10 point earners got our own Top 10 Ski Resorts... Major sources for this article were - Orbitz, Sunset Magazine, Outside Magazine, AskMen.com, Forbes, Epinions."

The results:
#10 Alta, UT USA
#9 Lake Taho, CA USA
#8 Cortina, Italy
#7 Aspen/Snowmass, CO USA
#6 Big Sky, MT USA
#5 Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
#4 Banff, AB Canada
#3 Steamboat Springs, CO USA
#2 Vail, CO USA
#1 Whistler, BC Canada

Skiing Magazine readers chose Steamboat as the No. 1 spot for tree skiing and ranked it in the top five for powder, top 10 for après scene and top 10 for best resorts in North America. Ski Magazine ranked the Steamboat ski area as the No. 1 family resort in the West and the No. 8 resort in North America.

Steamboat’s No. 8 ranking is a slight improvement compared with the previous two years, when it ranked ninth. This is the third year in a row Steamboat has garnered a top-10 ranking. It was ranked 11th by SKI readers in 2005. Steamboat was sandwiched between Aspen Mountain in seventh and Breckenridge in ninth. Longstanding programs such as “Kids Ski Free” and “Kids Fly Free” made Steamboat SKI’s No. 1 family resort in the West.

SKI typically polls about 6,000 readers each year to get their perceptions of ski areas in 18 categories. They include overall satisfaction, access, après ski, dining, family programs, grooming, lifts, lodging, off-hill activities, on-mountain food, scenery, service, snow terrain/challenge, terrain variety, terrain parks, value and weather.

11 inches of new snow at Steamboat Ski Area in last 48 hours

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); 11"(48 hrs); Base: 29"; Total: 62"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 6/18
TRAILS: 67/165
TEMP: 37/19

The snow that powdered the valley’s nose Thursday - over 16 inches of the famous Champagne Powder Snow - ensured that skiers and riders would enjoy fresh fluff when the Steamboat Ski Area gondola opened yesterday morning, and Storm Peak Express today.

This latest dump ensured soft snow conditions for intermediates cruising on Rudi’s Run and Lower Rainbow. Ag­gres­sive skiers can begin building moguls on Burgess Creek Liftline and White Out.

The next chance for snow is expected Sunday evening.

Steamboat Ski Resort Opens Gondola This Weekend

After a few inches of snow this past weekend in Steamboat Springs, and more expected in the next 24 hours, the Steamboat Ski Resort will open the Gondola and 20 more runs for this weekend.

The Steamboat Ski Area will catapult to nearly 800 acres of open terrain including top-to-bottom skiing and riding on Saturday, December 6th. The gondola and Burgess Creek lift are scheduled to open Friday, followed by the Storm Peak Express lift on Saturday.

Final terrain decisions will be made day by day and are weather-dependent, Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. spokesman Mike Lane said Tuesday, but the ski area is poised to open access to more than 20 additional runs this weekend.

Priest Creek terrain off High Noon to Duster will be accessible from the Storm Peak lift.

Terrain and runs expected to open this weekend include: Buddy’s Run; High Noon; Duster; upper Shadows; upper Closet; One O’Clock; Two O’Clock; Three O’Clock; Twilight; lower Rainbow; White Out; Rudi’s Run; Lightning; Blizzard; Ego; Norther; BC Liftline; Arc; So What; Flat Out; Tower; and Skyline.

Forecasts are calling for additional snow and colder temperatures this week.

Experience Steamboat Springs this season with a variety of winter vacation deals like Ski Free at Steamboat, which offers free Steamboat Lift Tickets from Opening Day to Christmas Day when powderhounds book a minimum 3 nights lodging through ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals. Pick your perfect Steamboat lodging - the exact condo! Our website represents each and every one of our rentals with photos, maps and detailed descriptions. Take the guessing game out of vacation planning!

10 inches of new snow in Steamboat Springs

SNOW: 5" (24 hrs); 10"(48 hrs); Base: 22"; Total: 45"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 2/18
TRAILS: 7/165
TEMP: 34/20

Unfortunately I have been out of town over the Thanksgiving break and it appears that the Steamboat Ski Resort has received 10inches of new snow. Oh, I missed the first powder day.
Check-out the great photo gallery at the SteamboatPilot.com.
There is a break in Steamboat's weather today, but snow is predicted at least through Wednesday this week.
With all this powdery snow around, it is officially time to come to Steamboat Springs. Plus, the 'Ski Free in Steamboat' package has been extended. Book a 3+ night stay with ResortQuest Steamboat by 12/15/2008, and stay by 12/26/2008 and you'll get FREE STEAMBOAT LIFT TICKETS...!

Steamboat Ski Resort Opening Day, 11/26/08

The Steamboat Ski Resort opens for the 2008/2009 ski season this Wednesday, November 26, 2008. The first day of the season is known as Scholarship Day on which skiers and riders can purchase specially priced $20 lift tickets which goes to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s (SSWSC) Scholarship Fund. No season passes or value passes will be valid that day. Scholarship Day tickets may be purchased at the Main Steamboat Ticket Office, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are available in advance beginning Monday, November 24th.
For the past 95 years, the SSWSC has been providing opportunities for young athletes to become successful competitors and to achieve their personal goals through participation in winter sports. The Club’s success is one reason Steamboat Springs enjoys the moniker Ski Town, U.S.A.® The SSWSC is one of the oldest and most recognized ski clubs in the United States and was named the United States Ski & Snowboard Association’s Club of the Year three times in the past decade.
Since the 1991, Scholarship Day has raised more than $525,000 for children participating in SSWSC programs. So, come out and take a few turns in Steamboat and help our future Olympians.
(Don't forget about the "Ski Free in Steamboat Lodging & Lift package...")
Although a final decision about open terrain will not be made until tomorrow due to conditions, the resort anticipates the following trails for Wednesday: Preview, Stampede, See Ya, Sitz, Jess’ Cut-Off and Upper Boulevard to name a few. For those looking to get their jib on, a few rails and features are expected to be available on Lil’ Rodeo. The Christie Peak Express and Preview lifts will operate on Scholarship Day. Please note: no beginner or intermediate terrain will be available above the Christie Peak Express mid-station.
Steamboat will celebrate the start of the 2008/09 season with the new Winter White Wednesday Celebration, which includes specials across the resort’s food & beverage, retail and Ski & Snowboard School outlets. In addition, free Steamboat Opening Day lanyards will be handed out to the first 500 people on Christie Peak Express.

As part of Winter White Wednesday, the Bear River Bar & Grill will feature 2-for-1 White Pizzas, $2 Bud & Bud Light 20oz. drafts and $3 White Out drink specials. Worried Men will perform live in concert from 1-4pm at the Bear. Purchase a snowboard or pair of skis on opening day from RideSports or Steamboat Ski & Sport and receive a free one-hour private lesson. In addition, when you spend $300 or $500, receive $100 and $200 respectively off your purchase. In need of a quick tune-up on your technique, the Ski & Snowboard School is offering season pass holders a special buy one ½-day group ski or snowboard clinic and get one free. Gondola Joe’s will kick-off the season with $3 Thanks-A-Latte White Chocolate Lattes on Wednesday. Finally for the cowboys and cowgirls at heart, $5 mechanical bull rides will run throughout the day in the Coca-Cola Gondola Square Adventure Zone. Additional restrictions may apply to the above programs and specials.

Starting Wednesday, November 26th, free parking will be provided in the Knoll Lot (within walking distance) or Meadows Lot (with shuttle service). From Dec. 1-5, the Meadows lot will be closed with free parking available in the Knoll lot. Otherwise, paid parking will be available starting Nov. 26th in both the Gondola Square and Ski Time Square Parking Garages for $15/day. Guests may drop-off and pick-up family & friends at the “Passenger Unloading Zone” on the right at the entrance to Gondola Transit Center or utilize the Ski Time Square drop-off location. However, no unattended vehicles will be permitted in either location. Additionally, the resort will provide a limited number of free 30-minute spaces reserved on the lower level of the Gondola Square Parking Garage for drop-off/pick-up of children in KVC and Ski School programs.
The Meadows parking lot and shuttle service has been redesigned to improve the overall experience, including a new and expanded vehicle parking orientation and designed shuttle stops. Due to expansion permit conditions, shuttles will now go to the light at Pine Grove and make a left, then enter at the main entrance. To improve shuttle access and turn-around times, designated shuttle waiting areas have been established for loading and unloading

FREE Steamboat Lift Tickets from Opening Day to Christmas Day

ResortQuest Steamboat is unveiling its warmest welcome to the Steamboat Ski Resort yet--FREE lift tickets for the from Opening Day (November 26) through Christmas Day.

Simply book a minimum 3-nights lodging between Opening Day, Wednesday, November 26th, and Thursday, December 25th to secure your FREE Steamboat lift tickets. Tickets are per person, limit 2 people per bedroom and are valid one day less than nights stayed. Lift tickets range from $76 to $91 per day. With 2 tickets per room, per night, you can save big! (Restrictions apply)

ResortQuest's reservationists in Steamboat Springs can also book your entire ski vacation, including Steamboat flights, shuttle transfers, ski rentals and all of your Steamboat Springs activities.

Plus! Have you heard about the flights to Steamboat from $99?

Steamboat Ski Resort Opens in 10 days

The final countdown to the Steamboat Ski Resort opening day is on! 8 days to go until the unofficial opening day - Winter Sports Club Scholarship Day, Wednesday November 26; and 9 days until the official opening day on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 27.
The town of Steamboat Springs emerged this weekend from a week of drizzle and snow. Although has not stuck to the ground in the valley, people venturing above 9,000 feet are encountering winter-like conditions.
The November snow is in contrast to November 2007, when the Yampa Valley and surrounding mountains remained mild and dry right up to an early Thanksgiving. Of course, Steamboat powderhounds know what happened last winter, when the ski area recorded a record 489 inches of snow.
As of November 20 last year, Steamboat Springs had only recorded a trace of snow. Last week, on Thursday November 13, 2008, U.S. Forest Service personnel had observed an accumulated snow depth of 23 inches on Buffalo Pass, above the town of Steamboat.
The Steamboat Ski Area is reporting a 14-inch base on 27 inches of seasonal snowfall as of last Friday morning. The trend suggests the ski area won’t have to postpone its opening as it did last year.
Nordic skiers have been kicking and gliding for a week on the groomed trails maintained by the Steamboat Springs Nordic Council at Bruce’s Trail on Rabbit Ears Pass. The trails are maintained for early-season skiing only in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and Birgitta Lindgren, of the Steamboat Ski Touring Center.
PHOTO CREDIT: The Steamboat Ski Area reported a 14-inch base and 27 inches of total snowfall as of Friday morning. The winter conditions are in stark contrast to the dry, mild November of 2007. Enlarge photo Larry Pierce/Courtesy

It's Dumping Powder Snow on the Steamboat Ski Resort!

SNOW: 7" (24 hrs); 7"(48 hrs); Base: n/a"; Total: 11.7"
CONDITIONS: (Steamboat Ski Resort Opens November 27)
LIFTS: 0/18
TRAILS: 0/165
TEMP: 36/11
Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! On the day after America went to the polls to vote Red or Blue, in Steamboat Springs we're focused on our favorite color - White. Today we're seeing our summer-long campaigning start to pay-off (with a little help from Mother Nature) in the form of powder snow falling across the Steamboat Ski Resort. Opening day for Steamboat is just 20 days away. Keep your eye on the snow totals today as we begin piling up the powder!
This snow is just the optimism we needed! It's just one more thing piling on top of all our unbeatable Steamboat Springs travel deals - you can't afford to miss out:

• ResortQuest Steamboat's lodging discounts up to 30% off (in addition to reduced rates over select dates, including the Holiday Season 12/19-12/26/08)
• Steamboat lift ticket discounts + Kids Ski Free!
• ski/snowboard rental deals + Kids Rent Free!
• Steamboat Flight Specials from our Flight Desk + Kids Fly Free
• and special coupons to ship your luggage or get your groceries delivered...

You deserve a Steamboat Springs vacation!!!

It's Snowing at the Steamboat Ski Resort!

Today, Steamboat Springs' residents woke up to a winter, white, snow-covered landscape. As I type this afternoon, the flakes gently fall outside my window. Winter has arrived to the Steamboat Ski Resort!

Steamboat Springs has already had three snowfalls this year. I have not posted photos or comments since I felt none were significant enough to 'write home about.' So what makes today different? I have a new Golden Retriever, Matilda. "Tilly" is 5 months old and today was her first experience with snow, ever! So, by my judgement, today is really Steamboat's first official snow fall for the 2008/2009 ski season!

Steamboat has a few weeks to go until opening day, November 27, 2008. But, die-hard skiers and snowboarders are already carving up the Rocky Mountains. Just last week I posted an article to our general blog, http://steamboatvacationrentals.blogspot.com/ about the opening of Loveland and A-Basin ski resorts in Colorado, "The Ski Season is Upon US"

Yesterday, ResortQuest's 72-hour deals newsletter went out to the world. Here is a nice re-cap of the best deals from a few of ResortQuest's ski destinations at WeJustGotBack.com's blog:

Shop ResortQuest's 72-hour blowout and ski the West
Those early-bird ski deals keep rolling in fast and furious. The latest: Ubiquitous vacation rental resource ResortQuest has just announced one of its twice-monthly 72-hour sales and it's a doozy, with half a dozen terrific deals on the table at some of the West's most wishlist-worthy ski resorts. Here's a trio of deals that look especially good for families ...read blog.

Steamboat Ski Resort Opens November 27, 2008 & The Farmers Almanac Predicts Snow!!!

Old Man Winter is certainly making his presence felt in Steamboat Springs. It has been raining all week; the Aspen leaves are tinged yellow; the bars are home to football fans again; and snow is even falling at the higher elevations.

To be honest, I have so enjoyed the summer, that I have not been excited by the fact that we will be skiing the Steamboat Ski Resort in less than 100 days. But, before posting today, I perused last season's posts and the photos of our big grins in knee-deep powder brought a smile to my face; my feet even ached for my snug ski boots. How could I not be excited? Last season was epic! I can't tell you how many times I woke up to the Steamboat ski reporters shouting "It's another powder day in the 'boat!" I thought I would never ever get to sleep-in again. 500+ inches, the 2007/2008 Steamboat ski season was the snowiest season on record!

So what is the outlook for the 2008/2009 ski season. Each fall, skiers and snowboarders eagerly await The Old Farmer's Almanac predictions for the upcoming winter. The oldest continuously published periodical in the U.S., the Almanac has been using a combination of local folklore and a "super-secret" scientific formula to produce long-range forecasts since 1792.

"Numb's the word," says the 192-year-old Farmers' Almanac, which claims an accuracy rate of 80 to 85 percent for its forecasts that are prepared two years in advance. The almanac's 2009 edition says at least two-thirds of the country can expect colder-than-average temperatures this winter, with only the Far West and Southeast in line for near-normal readings.

Steamboat Springs falls into the Almanac's Intermountain Region: "Winter will be much colder and drier than normal, on average, with snowfall above normal in the north. The coldest temperatures will occur in late December; early, mid-, and late January; and early February. The snowiest periods will be in mid-November, early and mid-December, mid- and late January, and late February. April and May will be cooler than normal, with slightly above-normal precipitation.

A Coloradoan writes on the Almanac website: "I completely agree with your prediction about a colder winter approaching. We have seen the migration of birds much earlier this year here in Denver, Colorado. Eastern blue jays, which normally come through in later September, are here now. Pelicans flying south overhead. My husband and I commented on the unusual migration pattern last week thinking it indicated a colder winter. What plans can we make in Colorado other than to break out the snowboards and skis and get them ready for some great winter fun? Vikki."

Whatever you believe, winter is on its way, and as far as my experience goes, every season I have spend in Steamboat has been amazing. Check-out ResortQuest Steamboat's winter lodging deals - save up to 30% off lodging and get discounted Steamboat lift tickets.

Steamboat Ski Resort 2008 Capital Improvements

Winter feels like a long way off. I am relishing every opportunity to enjoy everything that Steamboat Springs has to offer in the summer - mountain biking, tubing, the Steamboat Wine Festival (only 1.5 weeks away!), the Brewers Festival (Sept. 22)... just for starters.

Winter feels like a long way, away. But, it's only 3.5 months till the Steamboat Ski Resort's Opening Day on November 27, 2008 to be precise!

Today, The Steamboat Ski Resort today distributed their press release about 2008 resort improvements. "Over the past three seasons, $27+ million in on-mountain improvements have been made to the Steamboat Ski Area, including more than $4 million invested specifically for the upcoming 2008/09 winter season. Steamboat’s on-mountain momentum augments nearly $8 million in completed and planned public revitalization projects sweeping the mountain village (Steamboat Unbridled).

Building upon last year’s record on-mountain capital expenditures, the majority of the 2008/2009 season improvements target continued base area re-grading, enhanced snowmaking, grooming, parking expansion, additional retail outlets, new rental equipment, automated external defibrillators, IT upgrades and master planning.

The truth is, Steamboat is still relishing in the benefits of the new Christie Peak Express high-speed quad that opened last December, as well as the excellent re-grade of the base of the ski area. If I may, let's hark back to Billy Kid's comments about the new lift: “It goes at a thousand feet per minute — you can almost get a speeding ticket it’s so fast, and you probably need goggles going up,” said Billy Kidd, the ski area’s Director of Skiing and a silver medalist at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

“This lift is unique because it services beginner, intermediate, expert and even Olympian training,” he said. “The fact you can go up and race in the NASTAR finals, you can compete in the World Cup aerials and moguls, you can go up and get in the halfpipe — there is just a variety of skiing you can do on this lift, and you may be riding with some of Steamboat’s Olympians on the way up.”

...so, it's not too early to start thinking about winter. Check-out ResortQuest Steamboat's ski season lodging deals. Don't forget to check-out our Snow Guarantee...