While Steamboat has been shaped by its rich past, today, with this project, we look forward to shaping the future. We’re investing $200 million on and around our mountain, so we can enhance the Steamboat experience for everyone who visits us. This unprecedented venture will help to make us one of the premier ski destinations in the world for decades to come.
This is an ambitious undertaking the likes of which our resort has never seen. With plans for an après ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, new lodging, a ski beach and an ice rink. On the Mountain – new lifts and new terrain that will make us the second largest resort in Colorado. In the tradition of our pioneering spirit and out of the genuine western heritage of Steamboat, comes and entirely new vision for our resort. Welcome to the new west.
Throughout the construction process, we are focused on four critical strategies to be as green and sustainable as possible.
Full Steam Ahead is a $220MM base area redevelopment and on-mountain improvement project that pays homage to Steamboat’s rich western heritage while reimagining the guest and staff experience. So far, the project has transformed the base area into a multi-use, amenity-rich plaza creating an easy-to-navigate resort core, adding escalator access, new dining, shopping and entertainment and becoming a welcoming gathering place for guests to enjoy year-round. On the mountain, Greenhorn Ranch a new dedicated beginner’s learning area is at the mid-way point for the resort’s second gondola, Wild Blue, the longest & fastest 10-person gondola in the U.S., which will take skiers and riders all the way from the base area to the top of Sunshine Peak. Additional snowmaking in the Sunshine bowl and 650-acre expansion into Mahogany Ridge rounds out the project and make Steamboat the second largest resort in Colorado.
While Steamboat has been shaped by its rich past, this project shapes the future. We’re investing on, and around, our mountain, and updating much needed amenities, so we can enhance the Steamboat experience for locals and our guests. This unprecedented venture will help to make secure Steamboat as one of the premier resort destinations in the world for decades to come.
By opening day:
December 2023:
Based on Terrain:
Since there are two sections to the gondola there are two answers, and both are dependent on weather. The lower section (the one that opened last year) is scheduled to begin turning on Monday, November 27, based on weather conditions. The second section is scheduled to open in December, but we don’t have a specific date at this time as it’s dependent on and mother nature and terrain readiness.
The lower section of the Wild Blue Gondola starts in the base area and goes to Greenhorn Ranch. While it will mostly be used by SnowSports to access Greenhorn Ranch, other guests may ride Wild Blue Gondola in order to access the Thunderhead Lift. The upper section will continue from the mid-station at Greenhorn Ranch to the top of Sunshine Peak. Wild Blue Gondola is the longest and fastest 10-person gondola in North America.
Yes and no. Foot Passengers may ride the gondola to the mid-station, and this is mostly used by folks dropping off children, friends and family for Snowsports school. Foot passengers are not allowed past mid-station (i.e. to the top of Sunshine) because we do not have an alternate way down if the Gondola should need to close due to weather (wind).
Once open the hours will generally be from 9:00am – 3:15pm. Here is the detailed schedule:
Access to skiing and riding terrain is the only amenity at the top of Wild Blue Gondola. The closest bathroom facilities are at Rendezvous Lodge, which requires skiing/riding access. There are no additional amenities at the top of Wild Blue Gondola (it’s similar to the top of Storm Peak Express lift).
We are still finalizing our plan for summer 2024 and will follow up in early Spring with decision including which lifts will operate for bike access.
Full Steam Ahead continues as we identify new opportunities for guest and staff enhancements. At this time we do not have plans to add lifts in the Sunshine area.
Our uphill capacity is increasing because it’s necessary to minimize congestion in the base area, at the top of the Gondola and at Thunderhead. We believe the combination of Wild Blue Gondola to the top of Sunshine and additional 655 acres of expert terrain in Mahogany Ridge will help spread our skiers and riders out more effectively and efficiently.
The purpose of our snowmaking expansion into the Sunshine area is to provide access to the most popular terrain earlier in the season. When exactly it opens still depends on Mother Nature, but as long as temperatures are conducive for snowmaking, we plan to open trails in the area as early as possible.
Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon have long been a part of Steamboat’s backcountry experience and now the terrain will be inside the resort boundary and will be managed by patrol. Located to skier’s right at the top of Pony Express lift, Mahogany Ridge will offer lift serviced gladded skiing at the advanced level. Fish Creek Canyon drops off further skiers right from Mahogany Ridge. This north facing area will be double black diamond extreme terrain with very steep treed slopes, rocks and cliffs. Access will be through gates similar to our other extreme terrain like No Names and Christmas Tree Gully. Egress from the area will involve a short 15–30-minute hike back to the Mahogany Ridge Lift. Check out more details on Mahogany Ridge here.
Similar to terrain accessed by Pony lift, the Mahogany Ridge area will open when natural conditions allow.
All parking lots remain the same for winter 23-24 season. There will be paid parking at Gondola Square and Ski Time Square and free parking in the Knoll and Meadows lots, with a resort shuttle running daily from Meadows. Staff parking will remain the same with employees encouraged to carpool and utilize the Meadows lot/shuttles. Parking status and availability is updated continuously on the Steamboat app. Please download the app to view parking options in real time. SSRC and Steamboat Springs Redevelopment Authority continue to work on plans for the future of the Transit Center, and we will share more information as it becomes finalized.
No, we will have fully delivered all projects for phase III and there will not be any active construction taking place.
What started as a three phase, multi-million-dollar project has transformed into a bigger vision for the Resort’s future. The momentum of Full Steam Ahead will continue to shape the future of the Resort, our community, and experience at Steamboat. Future Full Steam Ahead projects will focus on innovative transportation solutions, addressing community issues, and continuing to provide an enhanced experience.