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.
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