MELISSA VANARSDALE
Sports
Summer construction of the new Steamboat Ski Area gondola.
Irons in the Fire
This year’s improvements at the Steamboat Ski Area are just the beginning.
T
he multi-year improvement project at the Steamboat Ski Area is aptly named “Full Steam Ahead.” The group of improvements is the largest in the resort’s 58year history, powered by a $135 million investment by Alterra, Steamboat’s parent company. “Alterra wants to support resorts who support their communities,” says Loryn Duke, director of communications for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “This opens up a lot of opportunities for us. Alterra has a lot of irons in the fire.” The beginning of these improvements is evident as soon as you walk into Gondola Square. The older gondola has been moved to a different part of the base area and is fully operational for the 2021-22 ski season. New this winter are a Kids Vacation Center location on the mountain, and the Underplaza Promenade Building. Technology improvements from last season – including ticket kiosks and a mobile ordering system – remain in place. For the 2022-23 ski season, look for the 10-passenger Wild Blue Gondola, which will be the longest of its capacity in North America. The first 4,561-foot leg of the gondola has been approved and is scheduled for construction in summer 2022, improving the out-of-base capacity at the ski area from 6,000 to 10,000 people per hour. “The new gondola will relieve a lot of congestion at the base area,” Duke says. “These changes have been on our wish list for a long time.” 30 | ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMBOATMAGAZINE.COM
Other base area improvements to expect in 2022 and 2023 include an outdoor ice rink and additional lodging, restaurants and bars. Future on-mountain updates include lifts and an additional 295 acres in the Fish Creek Canyon area. When added to the previously announced 355-acre Pioneer Ridge expansion, this will add an additional 650 acres of terrain, making Steamboat the second largest ski resort in the state. New snowmaking on Sunshine Peak will guarantee excellent snow conditions even in the early parts of winter, and a dedicated learning area for beginners called Greenhorn Ranch will make the Steamboat Ski Area less intimidating for beginner skiers. Improvements to the the base area entrance include installation of escalators in place of the non-ski-boot-compliant stairs. “Steamboat hasn’t had a real entrance up to this point,” Duke explains. “This might not be complete this winter, but it’s another main focus of ours.” While many changes are taking place, Steamboat won’t be straying from its roots. New buildings will maintain the same Western aesthetic skiers are familiar with, and visitors will still be greeted with the same small-town friendliness and hospitality. “One of the cool things about Steamboat is the balance between history and improving,” Duke adds. “We want to stay true to that. We want to stay true to our Western roots.” Details about the entire Full Steam Ahead redevelopment, including project timelines, can be found at www.steamboat.com/FullSteamAhead
