❖Destination Report: West
Steamboat Springs By Vanessa Day
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Nestled in Routt National Park in the northwest region of Colorado, Steamboat Springs is a classic ski town that has stayed true to its cultural roots. Humble beginnings as a ranching town have helped Steamboat maintain a small-town feel, while the state-of-the-art ski resort honors the town’s long history with the sport.
“Steamboat Ski Resort and the town of Steamboat Springs offer the ideal winter vacation for families and friends of all ages,” says Loryn Kasten, public relations manager for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “With daily flights from Chicago, it’s easy to get to Ski Town, USA® and take advantage of our incredible Champagne Powder® snow, legendary trees and #1-rated family programs.”
Known as the birthplace of organized skiing in Colorado, Steamboat Springs in 1915 opened Howelsen Hill, the oldest ski area in continuous use and training ground for nearly 70 Olympians. Steamboat Ski Resort opened in the 1960s and today features six peaks—Christie Peak, Storm Peak, Sunshine Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Mount Werner and Pioneer Ridge—2,965 acres of skiable terrain and 18 ski lifts for visitors to enjoy. Skiers and snowboarders can carve through the light powder of Steamboat on any one of the 165 named trails. With so many options, visitors—no matter their experience—will find an area of Steamboat perfect for their skill level. Christie Peak is ideal for beginners, while Thunderhead and the Sunshine bowl area cater to intermediate skiers
and boarders. Elite athletes can maneuver their way through the famous tree runs on Storm Peak or make their way up the Morningside Park lift to access the extreme double black diamond terrain. According to Kasten, the mountain has upgraded its snowmaking this year for better early season coverage, and it has added 30 new rails in the three terrain parks for those tricksavvy souls. Steamboat has one of the best ski and snowboard schools in the state, providing instructional programs for adults, teens and kids. They offer full- and half-day lessons for all ages and skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance. The highly skilled and friendly instructors are dedicated to helping guests with their skiing and boarding goals. On top of general group lessons, they also offer specialty clinics, private lessons and childcare services. Steamboat offers plenty of other winter activities to satisfy diverse interests.
Photos Courtesy of Steamboat.com/Larry Pierce
14 ❖ MIDWEST SKIER
2010/2011 DIRECTORY ❖ www.skicmsc.com