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...

Steamboat Ski Resort Ski Trails Become Mountain Bikers Paradise

Steamboat locals, and diehard mountain bikers have been pedalling the mountain biking trails in Steamboat Springs for a little while now. Howelsen hill and Emerald Mountain have had several trails open for a few weeks; other routes to explore have included Red Dirt at Mad Creek and the Hot Springs Trail.
For more mountain bike trail guides check-out:

• Trails.com
• RouttCountyRides.com

Today, the summer mountain biking terrain just got a lot larger with the opening of the Steamboat Ski Resort trails. Below is an except from the press release and a link to the resort's mountain biking trail map:

• http://steamboat.com/images/bikeHikeTrailMapLarge.jpg
  

MOUNTAIN BIKE & HIKING TRAILS OPEN FROM THUNDERHEAD TO BASE AREA
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-June 20, 2008
Rubber hits the dirt this weekend as the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation opens nearly all of its mountain bike and hiking trails from Thunderhead, top of the gondola, down to the base area today, Friday, June 20, 2008.
“Continued snowy/wet spring conditions including snow as recent as last week and construction on Headwall in the base area may have lead to confusion as to the timing of our opening for bikes and hiking,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Our crews have been working diligently to complete the grading on Lower Right-O-Way and to provide a dedicated route through the Headwall construction zone connecting the trail head at the base with the mountain trail system.”Zig Zag, Valley View, Short Cut, Huffman’s, Sitz, Spur Run and Yoo Hoo mountain bike trails as well as the Thunderhead and Vista Nature hiking trails are open. Moonlight and Creekside bike trails on the lower mountain along with all upper mountain trails will remain closed until conditions permit.
The resort will maintain a marked route through the Headwall construction zone and requests that all guests stay on the trails and follow signage in this area. Be aware that temporary trail closure and re-routes may occur due to construction or other mountain work. Please adhere to all closures, re-routes, signage and check with the Information Center for updates throughout the summer.
When in full operation, the resort will offer 50 miles of professionally designed and maintained mountain bike trails that offer plenty of variety for adventure seekers of all abilities. Mountain Bike rentals, lessons and Diggler All-Mountain Scooter rentals are available at RideSports in Gondola Square.
Yampatika offers guided interpretive tours on the Vista Nature Trail, or do a self-guided tour on the Thunderhead Hiking Trail, roughly 3.8 miles from the base to top of the gondola, a 2,180-foot vertical gain/loss.
Again this summer, extreme high-speed downhill riding as well as riding and/or hiking on renegade trails are prohibited. This policy will be strictly enforced; and violation will result in the loss of year-round (summer & winter) mountain/lift privileges.

The Steamboat Ski Season is Officially Over...

This Steamboat Ski Bums blog entry is a little belated because I had slipped out of town to Vail, Colorado, for a week. I left Steamboat at lunchtime on closing day, sadly missing the new Pond Skimming Event. I left in the midst of a snowstorm which did not stop until this past Saturday.

Regretfully, The Steamboat Ski Resort does not record snowfall after the ski area closes. We ended this epic season with a record breaking 40 feets of snow, 489 inches, but that does not count the several feet that fell after the last chair came to a halt on Sunday April 6th. Jon Wade alluded to the possibility of over 550 inches total snow this season (Steamboat-Spring.blogspot), "A friend told me that as of this morning there is 4 ft of fresh light stuff on top. So much so that the snowmobiles can't get close without a cut from the snow cats."

Whatever the total, as the Steamboat Ski Resort posted in it's final news alert: "This is one for the record books; a season that will no doubt live on in our memories through stories told year after year. It’s the story of the ultimate four-wire winter where over 500 inches of the light fluff fell at the summit and over 40 feet cascaded down at mid-mountain"

Diehard skiers and riders are still seeking those fresh track up on Buffalo Pass, located north of Steamboat up Routt County Road 36, then a few miles east on C.R. 38. It’s about as well kept a secret as the location of Old Town Pub & Restaurant. Neither appears on Google Maps, but everyone in town knows how to get there.

"The pass, the jumping off point for some of the best backcountry skiing in Northern Colorado, is a secret, at least according to its biggest fans."

Today, the sun is blazing over Steamboat Springs, helping speed up the spring meltdown, making way for wildflowers, luminous Aspen Groves and an abundance of summer activities and events. Record snowfall certainly makes way for epic wrafting, kaying and even tubing this summer. More events April - July, 2008

Stay tuned for more Summer in Steamboat information...

Last days to ski the Daze

SNOW: 2" (24 hrs); 4"(48 hrs); Base: 82"; Total: 82"
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder!
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 41/28

This morning I stepped outside in my little spring flats and had to turn around and pull on the winter boots again. A dusting of snow covered Steamboat Springs last night. Winter is certainly making a slow exit from Steamboat!

This weekend is closing weekend at the ski area. The Springalicious festival is Saturday and Sunday and includes a pond-skimming competition, the annual Cardboard Classic and live concerts by American Relay, The Radiators and Susan Tedeschi. Steamboat Ski Resort officials plan to hold the event annually.

The Cardboard Classic is especially near and dear to the ResortQuest Steamboat staff. Our very own maintenance employees, Jim and Carl, have been holed up in a the Timberline Lodge at Trappeur's Crossing Resort parking garage with a 10-foot ceiling almost every night for a couple of weeks now, preparing Steamboat Springs best ever Cardboard Classic craft!

For his sixth year participating in Steamboat’s most bizarre rite of spring, Fletcher is trying to include as many moving parts as possible in a craft that has been preceded by a “Talladega Nights” racecar, a Hummer, a gondola car and a tank.

...to read more about Fletcher's amazing talents for cardboard craft construction, check-out the Steamboat Pilot Article, Cardboard King Under Construction. Or better yet, check-out the Steamboat Cardboard Classic video:

Steamboat Cardboard Classic Preparation, Video by Steamboat Pilot

SPRINGALICIOUS FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE:

• 
  
  The 28th annual Cardboard Classic begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the base of the ski area.
  
  
  
• 
  
  American Relay performs in Gondola Square at 3 p.m. Saturday.
  
  
  
• 
  
  The Radiators perform in Gondola Square at 2 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
  
• 
  
  The Splashdown pond-skimming competition begins at 3 p.m. Sunday on the Lil’ Rodeo ski trail near the base of the mountain.
  
  
  
• 
  
  A children’s Jib Jam is at 3:15 p.m. Sunday on the Stampede trail.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Susan Tedeschi performs at 4 p.m. Sunday in Gondola Square.
  
  
  

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be sunny, with high temperatures in the low to mid-50s, according to the National Weather Service.

...and it just keeps on snowing in Steamboat!

SNOW: 10" (24 hrs); 16"(48 hrs); Base: 82"; Total: 478"
CONDITIONS: Snow, Snow, and more Snow!
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 32/13

Just when Steamboat locals were getting used to the idea of Spring, old man winter lodged himself over Steamboat in the form of yet another winter storm. The Steamboat Ski Resort received another 10 inches of snow overnight, and so far this Monday, it has been snowing all day!

Get up early to enjoy this snow. Not just because Fresh Tracks are abundant. But also because, it's not the light, dry and fluffy snow for which Steamboat has become the Champagne Powder Snow capital. The snow is a little heavier and denser and by lunch time you will be more than ready for the a Yard Sale wood fired pizza at Slopeside Bar and Grille. As Riley Polumbus from the Steamboat Ski Resort Straight Talk Report so eloquently explains, "Soft and slow, it's thick enough to keep your speed in check but light enough to feel like you are soaring...."

"Cascading along in my own little world and before I knew it I was just left of Sunset, above Duster. Today's powder seemed more like a day in January, not so much because of its water content (it's 11% at mid-mountain), or because of its depth, more so because this is another fresh start. Tabla Rasa, a clean slate."

After exerting every last little bit of your energy on the mountain, head home to one of ResortQuest's hot tubs, or to the **new** Old Town Hot Springs, or best of, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Not here to find your own powder stash?? There's still time. Along with an incredible 82" base, activities and entertainment this weekend in Steamboat Springs are infinite. Check out the Steamboat Ski Resort Springalicious Festival....

• STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY ARTICLE: Steamboat Springs — Spring officially began March 20, but Mother Nature has other ideas.
  
  The city of Steamboat Springs and vicinity are under a snow and blowing snow advisory until 6 p.m. this afternoon, with the National Weather Service predicting between 5 and 10 inches of snow in town before the storm system leaves the area. Gusty winds up to 40 mph are expected to cause areas of blowing and drifting snow. ...Read complete Steamboat Weather Article.

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); 0"(48 hrs); Base: 72"; Total: 52"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 49/20.

Snow finally fell on Steamboat last Thursday to ensure the 2007/2008 ski season is in fact the snowiest ski season on record. This past weekend, the Steamboat Pilot and today was knee-deep in articles (and photos) about the history of Steamboat Springs weather patterns.

Perhaps the most talked about article was the Pilot's "Steamboat Hits 450 Inch Mark" which presented all kinds of graphs, statistics, quotes and photos of Steamboat's record snowfall. Here is a taste:

The numbers

• 8,400,000
  Pounds of scoria spread on local roadways by city snowplows
• $106,000
  Money spent on truck rentals for hauling snow
• 1,300
  Overtime hours logged by city snowplow drivers
• 75,000
  Cubic yards of snow hauled out of town
• 450
  Inches of snow to fall on Mount Werner since October, a new record
• 23
  Snow removals, by dump truck, in Ski Time Square and along Lincoln Avenue
• 0
  Days of school cancelled because of snow by the Steamboat Springs School District

Top Steamboat winters

• 2007-08: 450 inches and counting
• 1996-97: 447.75 inches
• 1983-84: 447.5 inches
• 1995-96: 441.25 inches
• 2005-06: 432 inches
• 1992-93: 423.5 inches
• The ski area surpassed the 300-inch mark for the season Feb. 1; six days later, it surpassed the 350-inch mark on Feb. 7; and on March 2, it surpassed the 400-inch mark. These three key milestones were reached within a month’s time.

Tom Ross from the Steamboat Pilot and Today was perhaps unimpresed by the storm last Thursday that was supposed to deliver 14 inches of powder snow and only coughed up 4 inches. But, he was impressed by Jim Fain's passion for Colorado weather: "He’s so engrossed with snowfall statistics that he compiled an 11-page bound booklet this month. It is crammed with every statistic he could find about seasonal snowfall and ski area visitation — not just for Steamboat, but for the entire state of Colorado."

Fain's book raises some very interesting questions about Steamboat's record snowfall. Read complete "Winter of Powder Eating Grins."

Statistics, opinions and facts aside, Tom Ross is correct when he notes "The winter of 2007-08, with back-to-back-to-back 100-inch months, will always be remembered as the season of constant powder-eating grins..."

Snowiest Season on Record! Officially!!

It is official!!! After weeks of talking about being x-inches away from the snowiest season on record, the Steamboat Ski Resort finally reached the record-breaking milestone on Friday March 21, 2008.
If you weren't up on the ski resort on Friday, you missed out on Hershey Kisses in the gondola line and entertainment from the Worried Men. You also missed grins from ear to ear on every local and Steamboat guest alike. There was a feeling that we were all living and skiing history.
The Steamboat Ski Resort Official Press Release reports: "With more than 37 feet of Champagne Powder® snow this winter, the Steamboat Ski Resort will finish the 2007/2008 season in record fashion, breaking its previous season snow record of 447.75 inches set in 1996/1997.
“Despite early forecasts calling for a warmer and drier winter, big snows, often the norm in Steamboat, were a common occurrence and provided a season full of epic powder days,” said Chris Diamond, president & chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Powderhounds will have plenty of powder tales to tell for years or at the very least until the cycle begins again with the opening of the 2008/2009 season on November 26th.”
On Thursday, a storm blanketed the resort with 4 inches at mid-mountain and the summit resulting in a 74-inch base at mid-mountain and 97-inch base at the summit, moving the season snowfall total to 450 inches, 2.25 inches more than the previous record-breaking season. Currently, the top-three season snow totals for Steamboat include this year’s 450 (& counting); 447.75 in 1996/97; and 447.5 in 1983/84.
In addition to establishing a new all-time snowfall record and registering a “four-wire winter”, the resort hit three key milestones within just a month of each other: surpassing 300-inch mark on 2/1/08; six days later surpassing 350-inch mark on 2/7/08; and on March 2nd surpassing the 400-inch mark. Furthermore, Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. received more than 100 inches of snow for three months (December, January & February) for the first time in resort history.
Since November 21st, snow has fallen 91 out of 122 days (74.5%) with 51 of those days recording four or more inches. This season at mid-mountain, the resort has seen 17 inches in October; 23 inches in November; 126 inches in December (3rd snowiest); 129 inches in January (2nd snowiest) and 104 inches in February (2nd snowiest); and 51 inches in March for a combined total of 450 inches (37.5 feet).
“With each additional flake over the next few weeks, a new snowfall record will be set,” continued Diamond. “With just over two weeks left in the record-breaking snow season, spring skiing/riding in Steamboat should definitely not be missed.”

Today's Snow Report

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); .5"(48 hrs); Base: 74"; Total: 445.5" (2.5 INCHES TO GO TO SET RECORD!!!)
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 36/15.
The Steamboat Ski Resort is inching its way to setting the record. We have woken to a dusting of snow on the past two mornings, but not enough to close in on the ultimate goal. However, there is snow in the forecast for the next few days. Is this finally the record breaking storm?

7 inches of new snow and record about to be toppled!

SNOW: 7" (24 hrs); 7"(48 hrs); Base: 77"; Total: 445" (3 INCHES TO GO TO SET RECORD!!!)
CONDITIONS: Powder/Packed Powder
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 35/10.

The weather forecasters were pretty accurate about the potential of Steamboat's latest storm. Last night as the snow piled up, "...it appeared increasingly likely the winter of 2007-08 will be remembered as the most prolific snow year in Mount Werner’s recorded history." The Steamboat Ski Resort reported 7 inches of new powder snow this morning, and more is on its way!

Unfortunately, I am not out seeking powder stashes today, so I must turn to Kat, Steamboat Ski Resort's Straightalk Snow Reporter: "...And a powder day it is. A lovely creamy fresh 7 inches of new snow did a fine job of covering up the Spring Conditions under it. Although the visibility was a challenge on Storm Peak this morning, I found that Sunshine Bowl was just under the clouds. The snow is fast so you don't need a lot of vertical. This made for really nice laps through the trees around Sunshine lift and the "O Clock" runs.

"Now as I take a break to write this report, the sun is breaking through the clouds and the lower mountain is glorious. I am sure the racers competing in the Nastar races are psyched to see the sun. We are so close to that record snowfall, you can almost feel it. Next time it snows I think we'll have it in the bag. Until then enjoy the fresh pow and the Spring sun."

Snow storms in the weather forecast!

SNOW: 0" (24 hrs); 0"(48 hrs); Base: 72"; Total: 438"
CONDITIONS: Packed Powder
LIFTS: 16/18
TRAILS: 165/165
TEMP: 41/21.
Snow is in the Steamboat Springs weather forecast for the next week. Is this going to be the snow that dumps a few extra inches on the Steamboat Ski Resort and tops the record as the snowiest ski season on record?
Snow storms aside, Steamboatians and our visiting friends have enjoyed almost a week of glorious skiing days, abundant with sunshine and perfect temperatures. After all this powder snow, we certainly needed a good dose of vitamin D, and we need to give our legs a break from all these epic powder days. Bring on the groomer skiing.
The skiing and snowboarding conditions in Steamboat are idyllic and spring skiing is going to be as good as it gets. Don't put aways those skis and boards just yet!
The Steamboat Ski Resort will close on April 6, 2008 -- not for lack of snow. To celebrate an epic ski season, the resort is launching The inaugural Springalicious Festival, April 5 & 6. Events included the Annual Cardboard Classic, a new SPLASHDOWN pond skimming competition and three free concerts by American Relay, The Radiators and Susan Tedeschi.
The Cardboard Classic, Steamboat’s traditional rite of spring, and the new SPLASHDOWN Pond Skimming competition will act as the cornerstone events for Springalicious. The Cardboard Classic will celebrate its 28th year on Saturday, April 5th, featuring homemade cardboard crafts racing to a hysterical finish. New this year, entries will be limited to 50 crafts and there will be a $10/per craft entry fee that will be donated to Yampa Valley Recycles.
For the first year ever, Springalicious will feature a SPLASHDOWN Pond Skimming Competition Sunday, April 6th. Steamboat’s bravest (and maybe craziest) skiers/riders will attempt to cross an ice-cold pond at the base of the mountain, while being judged on distance, outfit creativity, and crowd response. SPLASHDOWN Entries will be limited to 75 individuals with a $25 entry fee. In addition to the new H2O event, Springalicious will feature something just for kids- a Jib Jam featuring a variety of small park features just for kids on April 6th at 3:15pm.
To top it off, you can stay in one of ResortQuest Steamboat's vacation rentals for 3 nights, and get your last night free! Arrive in Steamboat on Friday April 4th, ski Saturday, Sunday and play hooky on Monday!