Steamboat Has the Most Skiable Terrain Open in CO

The Steamboat Ski Resort officially has the most skiable terrain open in Colorado. Steamboat started the 2009-10 season with relatively low snowfall and low base levels reported up until the end of December. That trend reversed with the latest several batches of snow, and Steamboat now boasts more skiable acres open than any other mountain in Colorado.

The 2,692 open acres in Steamboat, of a possible 2,965, barely edges out the 2,689 at Snowmass and easily surpasses the 2,305 at Vail. Breckenridge reported 1,689 acres, Keystone had 749 and Loveland reported 206 acres open.

According to Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp., snow fell 17 days in December, and 96.25 inches of it has fallen this season. By the end of December 2008, the mountain had 140 inches total at mid-mountain, and 166 had fallen by this time in the record-setting 2007-08 season.

Snow is expected to settle in tonight, continuing with a 50 percent chance or better until Sunday with accumulation of 3 to 6 inches in town.

The 2009/2010 ski season is well underway. Just about all my fondest memories of the best skiing days in Steamboat have been in the month of January. A month when the conditions are epic; the powder days are plentiful; and we enjoy wide open ski runs and no lift lines. Bar opening season, and the last week of the season, January is the most affordable time to visit Steamboat Springs. Our Steamboat lodging prices are unbeatable, the deals are plentiful... and allow me to say it again, the snow conditions are excellent!

Epic Snow Storm

Check-out this Steamboat Skiing video (provided by Steamboat.com)

The snow just keeps on piling up at the Steamboat Ski Area. Snow has fallen lightly all day today, representing a break in the epic snow storms. Another powerful Pacific storm is expected to affect the region beginning Friday. Snow is likely Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Pack your powder skis and head to Steamboat Springs!

Winter storm warning for Steamboat until 6pm Wed. 33" & counting!

Forget about putting spring wax on your skis because the Steamboat Ski Area is boasting over 33 inches of fresh powder snow in 48 hours. In the past 7 days we have received over 63 inches of new snow. So far this year we have received 368", exceeding our annual snowfall average of around 335".

I can always tell a good powder day by the snow on my car. If I can open my car door slightly and slam it to release ALL the snow on my car, I know it is going to be a very special champagney snow day! And that's just how my day powder started...

With more than 30 feet of snow this winter, Steamboat has reached another snow milestone, recording a four-wire winter, when the snow stacks up past the fourth row of fence wires. Yampa Valley ranchers have traditionally measured the severity of a Routt County winter by how high the snow stacks up against their four fence wires.

Snow is expected through Wednesday afternoon!

(Photo provided by Larry Pierce of the Steamboat Ski Area)

Steamboat Springs Back to Winter - 19" in 48 hours

SNOW REPORT: 9"(24hrs); 19.5"(48hrs); Base:70; Total: 346.25"
CONDITIONS: Powder! Powder! (& some gorgeous groomers)
LIFTS: 15/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 25/7


Steamboat Ski Resort has returned to peak winter conditions. Steamboat Springs has been blessed with 9 inches of Champagne Powder snow overnight, 19 inches in the past 48 hours, and even more in the days before that. To top it off, it's Friday and the sun is shining again. A powder day and a bluebird day in one? What more can you wish for in life? Cold temperatures? Well, we have that too and that means the snow is perrrrfect!


After a few weeks of the most glorious sunshine and spring skiing, the
Want more good news? There is a break in the storm cycles for the weekend, so be sure to soak up some rays. I recommend hangin' out at the beach at Slopeside, alongside the Torian Plum. And then gear up for more snow to come throughout next week. See our Weather and Snow report. Put your mountain bikes away again and bring out the powder skis once more!The Team at ResortQuest Steamboat would also like to welcome all competitors to Steamboat for the NASTAR National Championships. Good luck! Check-out this great video about NASTAR in the Steamboat Pilot:

• Video: Nastar National Championships, Steamboat 2009

Free Refills in Steamboat!

Restaurants and fast food chains may be getting rid of free refills due to the current economic situation but here in Steamboat Springs if you went down anyone of the 165 trails at the Steamboat Ski Resort this morning you can be assured of getting a FREE refill this afternoon. It has been dumping snow all day long!

Looks like there will be a break in the weather tomorrow. Can you say Blue Bird Powder Day?

On that note I want to go ahead and dedicate tomorrow to all the locals that have survived Spring Break and ask all Steamboat employers to reward the hard working people with a mental health ski day. Who's with me?

If you are not a Steamboat Springs resident get your butt here ASAP to enjoy the awesome ski conditions and the great last minute lodging specials that ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals has to offer!

(Photo by Larry Pierce of the Steamboat Ski Resort)

Winter back in Steamboat Springs. Snow in the forecast.

After a few weeks of the most incredible bluebird days at the Steamboat Ski Resort, Old Man Winter has returned with his full force. I just love seeing all those animated snow clouds on our weather reports!

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Steamboat Springs and surrounding areas until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Between 5 and 10 inches are expected by Tuesday morning. The Ski Area reported 2 inches on Sunday night and it has been snowing consistantly all morning.

A chance of snow will remain in the local forecast through Thursday night. Daytime highs this week will be in the mid- to upper 30s, with overnight lows in the 20s and teens.

The Steamboat ski resort will be closed before you know it and you'll have to pack away those skis until next year. So, what are you waiting for. Booking your Steamboat vacation today!

Springing Back to Blogging about Steamboat!

SNOW: 0"(24hrs); 0"(48hrs); Base:63; Total: 296"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 18/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 51/26
Steamboat Weather & Snow Report

A whole month has slipped past without a word from out team here at ResortQuest about the ski conditions in Steamboat. There are several reasons I could speculate the lapse in posts: it's partly because we have been too busy carving up the powder, the groomers, Shadows, Closets and everything in between at the Steamboat Ski Area...

It's partly because we have been too busy accommodating guests at vacation rentals. Yes! Despite what everyone says, Steamboat Springs is still attracting skiers and riders from all around the country. Seriously, how could you pass up a ski vacation here - the Steamboat flight deals are unbelievable! And you won't come by lodging deals like these again, such as our "Every 3rd Night FREE + a FREE upgrade!"

It's partly because our security settings were recently changed and I have not been able to access my blog for a few weeks... hmm.

Excuses aside, we are back in blogging business and ready to report every snow flake, storm and epic dump on the Steamboat Ski Resort.

Steamboat has had some deliciously warm weather the past week. Fortunately we had great snow in December and January, and a good start to February. We have a solid, deep base. As I leisurely skied the groomers yesterday, I kept thinking about how days like this are some of my favorite days. I will never pass up a powder day. However, sometimes the freedom from extra layers, neck warmers, and the biting cold is blissful. On the chairlift, soak up the sun on your face, and on your back while your fly down the corduroy.

Steamboat Straightalker, Riley Polumbus, puts it nicely today: "The grooming crews did another stellar job last night they rolled both Rolex and Westside! Depending on elevation, the snow is either a carvy packed powder (top of Buddy's) or a soft and malleable spring snow (Eagle's Nest). I'm going to give the bumps a couple more hours to soften up and take a few more cruisers, I heard Valley View was fun and it too was rolled so I better get on it!"

By the way, now you can also follow-us on Twitter - Steamboat Condos.

Steamboat Ski Resort receives 25 inches in 48 hours!

SNOW: 16" (24 hrs); 25"(48 hrs); Base: 61"; Total: 175"
CONDITIONS: Champagne Powder® Snow!
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 17/14

Yesterday may have been another epic Tuesday in Steamboat Springs, but today is undeniably EPIC Wednesday. 25" in two days! That's a LOT of snow! There's fresh tracks to be found all over the Steamboat Ski Resort. With 16" since yesterday and most of that falling after the mountain closed, there is a lot of snowy territory to cover for even the most ambitious skier or rider. The smooth, buttery snow was absolutely bottomless - just lean back and dig those tails in!

The latest storm pushed the cumulative total for the 2008-09 season to within 6 inches of last year’s record-breaking pace.

Steamboat counted a record 489 inches of snow at mid-mountain last winter and by Jan. 7, 2008, the ski area had seen 181 inches fall at Thunderhead Peak. This year’s cumulative total now stands at 175 inches, ski area spokesman Mike Lane said.

January 2009 is actually ahead of January 2008 as of this morning, according to Lane. The ski area has already seen 35 inches of snow this month compared to 15 inches by Jan. 7, 2008.

This year’s monthly totals include 4.75 inches in October, 35.25 inches in November and an even 100 inches in December. The pattern last winter saw 17 inches fall in October 2007, followed by 23 inches in November and 126 inches in December.

Both years were similar in that the weather was unseasonably mild and dry right up to the hour that snowfall began in earnest in late November.

9 inches in 24 hours; 8 inches after the Steamboat Ski Resort Closed

SNOW: 9" (24 hrs); 9"(48 hrs); Base: 51"; Total: 159"
CONDITIONS: Champagne Powder® Snow!
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 17/14

Yesterday was bitterly cold in Steamboat Springs (by Steamboat standards, not by mid Westerner standards!!). Last night, a storm system collided with the Steamboat Ski Area and these cold temperatures resulting in 9 inches of fresh powder, 8 of which fell after the ski resort closed. This is the real thing - this is the legendary Champagne Powder® snow that Steamboat is famous for! The lightest blow-blow-off-your-glove snow you can imagine; the kind of snow you float through and it falls back in on your tracks, so it seems like you have endless fresh tracks; no snow man can come of this kind of snow...

I can't capture today's flakes on film, but check these out to get a taste:






This another epic Tuesday. Each year it seems like there is one day of the week that catches all of the snow storms. This year, it seems, Tuesday is the chosen day!

Frankly, if you are not here in Steamboat skiing today, you are missing out. Nevermind, there are plenty more powder days ahead. That is the beauty of Steamboat!

8 inches in a few hours! This is why we live in Steamboat Springs!

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); 8"(48 hrs); Base: 46"; Total: 150"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 22/10

With so much going on in Steamboat Springs over the past few weeks, I just have not had time to post to our Steamboat Ski Bums blog. That doesn't mean I have forgotten about it! All day Saturday I rehearsed the poetic words that might capture the amazing skiing at the Steamboat Ski Resort. Those words have escaped me now, but let me re-cap.

On Friday evening my husband and I went to see Marley and Me at Wildhorse Stadium Cinemas. We got home late - there was no sign of a winter storm. We went to bed even later - and still no sign of snow.

Like every morning, when our dog woke us up before daylight, we called the ski report. Just 3 inches - well that was a surprise we weren't expecting, but nothing to get too excited about. By 9am, however the ski report reported 11 inches! Yee haw! Now this is why we live in Steamboat.

There were very few people on the resort and each run we hit had little or no tracks. Twister-'cane-'bow (Twister/Hurricane/Rainbow) trees were unbelievable delicious! Not only was it untracked, i couldn't see ANYONE elses tracks. Powder flowed up over my knees as I floated effortlessly through the perfectly spaced trees... One run after another of grins ear-to-ear.

Days like Saturday January 3, 2009 are the reason why we live in Steamboat Springs!

The month ahead is jam-packed with events: The Steamboat Family Snow Festival January 16-18, and just a few days later on January 20 is the hilarious Cowboy Downhill. Check-out the photos! Don't forget about the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, the oldest winter carnival west of the Mississippi.

ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals is having a Super 'Value Season' Sale. Save 30% off 3-4 nights, and 40% off 5+ nights from now until 2/12/2009. If you can't make it by Feb 12, save 30% off 5+ nights 2/13-2/28/2009. Learn more about our Steamboat Springs lodging deals.

Time to taste 19" inches of Steamboat's famous Champagne!

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Well in Steamboat Springs, "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" It's time to ski our winter wonderland.

The Steamboat Ski Resort reported an epic 19 inches of new snow in 24 hours! Yee haw!! It is officially the best powder day of the 08/09 ski season so far. The conditions are idyllic and will imprint themselves in your memories for everafter.

If you haven't booked your Steamboat Ski Vacation yet --- what more encouragement do you need! 19 inches of fresh powder; 100+ inches so far; and up to 50% off Steamboat lodging. Seriously, it doesn't get better than this!!!

Photos of the Day courtesy of Larry Pierce, Steamboat Ski Resort

Snow predicted at Steamboat Ski Area throughout week

The Steamboat Pilot Newspaper declares on the front page today "The snow isn’t going to stop any time soon." Weather forecasts across the web show animated snow flake weather icons alongside each day of the week in Steamboat Springs! Bring on the powder!

The National Weather Ser­vice predicts snow will continue to fall in Steamboat Springs tonight through Tuesday afternoon, dropping another 6 to 12 inches.

The weather service also predicts more storms for the remainder of the week, with cold temperatures dropping be­-low zero in the higher valleys. Whiteout conditions are expected in the upper mountains.

Don't forget! This is the last day to book the 'Free Steamboat Lift Ticket' package for stays opening day to Christmas day. Can't make it for Christmas? Save 50% off December, or up to 30% off the rest of the Steamboat ski season.

3" new snow, new terrain and no lift lines at the Steamboat Ski Resort

SNOW: 3" (24 hrs); 3"(48 hrs); Base: 29"; Total: 69"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 9/18
TRAILS: 100/165
TEMP: 36/0

We had great expectations from this last storm, but it only produced about 3 inches. But who's complaining? This is the perfect time of year to get out and ski hard to build up those muscles so when it REALLY snows, we can last more than an hour.

And, as Tom Ross shows us in his Steamboat Pilot photo (above), there are no lift lines at the Steamboat Ski Resort. Truth be told, there are hardly any lift lines at any time of year in Steamboat Springs. In early December, there really is no waiting in line. So, what are you waiting for?

Don't forget, this is the last weekend for Free Steamboat Lift Tickets.

(Snow is expected for the next several days... See Steamboat Weather Forecast)

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.

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...!

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.