News / The Amble: A home ri... March 13, 2024

The Amble: A home right in the middle of the action

Featuring 42 residences, The Amble is right in the heart of the action of the new redevelopment of the Steamboat Ski Resort base. A new, all-electric, residential community at the Steamboat Ski Resort, by East West Partners is under development and ready for prospective property seekers.

The Amble is offering an innovative Priority Reservation Purchase Process. By setting up an account and making a priority reservation you will be among the first to select a residence.

Learn more and begin your reservation at https://theamble.com/.

 

News / What is GTC? January 18, 2024

What is GTC?

Earlier this year we shared a proposal to transform the transportation experience at Steamboat Ski Resort, announcing our plans for the “Gondola Transit Center (GTC). The first phases of this concept were to identify and secure appropriate funding mechanisms- that background story lives here– and we are proud to have a private-public partnership with the City of Steamboat Springs and the Urban Renewal Authority Advisory Committee (URAAC) to maximize URA funds for the upper terminal component of the concept. We expect to have a Metro District in place in 2024 to collect tax dollars ONLY from Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation outlets and properties, with the exception of third-party developers who purchase and build on SSRC properties, moving forward. There are still caveats and steps to accomplish our vision for innovative transportation and every step along the way needs to fall into place for the next one to work; but we are headed in the right direction. 

 

We’re excited to formally introduce the Gondola Transit Center 2.0 concept. Our vision for a new GTC transforms the current single-passenger, bus and shuttle drop off on Mt. Werner Circle to be a comprehensive Transportation Center with the hub originating in Meadows Parking Lot and connecting to the base area via high-speed 8-10 person Gondola. The redesigned Gondola Transit Center will be safer, more pedestrian friendly and meet current and future transportation and capacity needs.  

 

This is a perfect example of a collaborative partnership between the City of Steamboat, the resort and URAAC- all working together to protect Steamboat’s heritage while moving forward to address community needs and enhancing the transportation experience. Steamboat Ski Resort has long been dedicated to creating innovative solutions for transportation, a critical need in the Yampa Valley. A long time in the planning, a Gondola from Meadows lot to Steamboat Square will reduce congestion on Mt. Werner Road and Mt. Werner Circle; create a more pedestrian friendly Mt. Werner Circle for better guest engagement at the Steamboat Grand street-level businesses and future development; provide a sustainable alternative for traffic; and support future transportation needs. A dedicated transportation hub originating in the Meadows Parking Lot at full build out will include specific drop off zones for kids, groups and guests, a better ADA experience, additional parking infrastructure; a more convenient traffic flow and regional transportation connectivity.  

 

Using a free gondola as transportation has proven successful in other mountain communities such as Telluride and Breckenridge, where traffic congestion has greatly been reduced. Breckenridge specifically has a similar model with Gondola access as a primary transportation resource from town to the resort base area, eliminating potential pedestrian and car interactions.  

 

City staff and representatives from the ski area and Alterra have been meeting regularly over the last year to create a plan for the design, construction and on-going operations of the GTC and Meadows gondola. Additionally, the group has met with key stakeholders, impacted businesses and citizens and community members at large to collect input and feedback on the most effective designs and concepts.   

 

If all goes accordingly on the GTC transformation, the earliest the project could break ground would be summer 2025. As the private-public partnership moves forward with these concepts, we will update the community here; as well hosting additional community informational and input sessions.  

News / Steamboat’s Newest... November 3, 2023

Steamboat’s Newest Terrain: Mahogany Ridge & Fish Creek Canyon

Beginning this winter, Steamboat Resort will officially become the second largest ski resort in Colorado with the addition of 650 acres of advanced/expert terrain. A previously out-of-bounds area that has been skied for years will soon be in-bounds at Steamboat Resort. Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon will offer advanced/expert skiers and riders exciting new terrain that will be maintained and patrolled.

Located lookers left of Middle Rib off Pony Express, Mahogany Ridge will offer Steamboat guests an experience similar to Closets and Shadows. Mahogany Ridge Lift Line and Edge of the World Trail running along the rim of Fish Creek Canyon, are the only distinct runs cut in the area, and mostly the terrain will feature Steamboat’s infamous glade skiing and riding. This new in-bounds area will be serviced by the new Mahogany Ridge Express chairlift which will transport guests back up to a point where they will be able to traverse back to the top of Pony Express lift.

Along with Mahogany Ridge, Fish Creek Canyon will also be an in-bounds, patrolled area with access through six different gates. This extreme, expert-only double black terrain will be mitigated for avalanches and patrolled by Steamboat’s amazing ski patrol team. This terrain will feature steep cliffs and a 45-minute hike back to the bottom of Mahogany Ridge Express if you choose to ski or ride the canyon. The Resort is hard at work making comprehensive signage to guide guests through these areas, including imagery to show upcoming cliffs and offering suggested routes.

Crews are working to complete the Mahogany Ridge Express chairlift (which is on schedule) and to remove standing dead trees and cut known ski lines. The previous yurt at the top of Pony Express is being converted into a new ski patrol station that will have up to 10 patrollers on duty each day. Patrol will have the Mahogany Ridge area fully roped off with a couple access points off Pony along with the six access gates to Fish Creek Canyon in place come winter. With very clear and straightforward roping and signage in place, all guests will know exactly what they are getting into when they venture into these two new advanced and expert zones.

“This is really exciting, to offer new terrain that we know skis well, and features that Steamboat tree experience,” explains Jon Feiges, Assistant Director of Ski Patrol.

Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon will debut this winter season when there is enough snow and patrol deems the area skiable. And certainly not for the faint of heart, Mahogany Ridge and especially Fish Creek Canyon are for advanced/expert skiers and riders only. Steamboat Resort is taking every step to keep guests as safe as possible with proper roping, detailed signage, avalanche mitigation and patrolled slopes, but ultimately it is up to you to determine if you are ready for Steamboat’s newest terrain.

Written by Erin Campbell

News / 2023 Construction Im... November 3, 2023

2023 Construction Impacts

Multi-use trails at Steamboat Ski Resort are open this summer but may be periodically impacted due to work on the installation of the Mahogany Ridge Express lift and the upper portion of the Wild Blue Gondola. Trails may have detours or delays on impacted days depending on weather and flight opportunities. When helicopters are done flying for the day, impacted multi-use trails will be available for riding and hiking. Check out the Steamboat App and website for the most up to date information on open and closed trails, and please respect all closures for your own safety.

Impacts will be listed and updated below:

November 4:

  • A helicopter will be spreading mulch around the mountain, resulting in the following impacts:
    • Closure of forest service trails: Moonlight and Elkhead Loop
    • Intermittent closures to Pioneer, Thunderhead Hiking Trail, Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road and Duster Road.

As a reminder, the Steamboat Bike Park is officially closed for the season.  Multi-use Forest Service trails remain accessible when weather conditions allow.

This will be the last trail impact update provided as summer and fall operations have wrapped up for the season and snowmaking and grooming operations have begun. Resort crews will be working across the entire mountain with heavy machinery and snowmaking equipment in preparation of our Opening Day scheduled for November 22. Uphill access is not permitted at this time. Mountain resources are also not available including facilities such as bathrooms, water fountains, etc., and patrol. More information about our Uphill Access programs and policies here.

October 26:

  • A helicopter will be spreading mulch around the mountain, resulting in the following impacts:
    • Closure of forest service trails: Moonlight and Elkhead Loop
    • Intermittent closures to Thunderhead Hiking Trail, Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road and Duster Road.

Oct 13 – 19

  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
  • Haul Rope installation for Mahogany Ridge continues, with the splice taking place Oct 16-17.
    • No impacts to Pioneer anticipated

Oct 5 – 12

  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
  • Now starting Oct 11: Haul rope installation for Mahogany Ridge Express begins, which means Pioneer is open today through Tuesday, Oct 10.
    • Manned closure of Pioneer forest service trail on Wednesday, Oct 11
    • Pioneer to remain closed Oct 12-15

Sept 29 – Oct 6:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
  • Sept 29: Rocky Mountain Youth Corps will be performing trail maintenance on upper forest service trails.  Trails will remain open, but have signage to alert hikers/riders when work is in progress.  Impacted trails include Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Valley View, Elkhead loop, Moonlight and Vista Nature hiking trail. Haul rope installation for Mahogany Ridge Express will now begin in October, so there are no scheduled impacts to Pioneer forest service trail this weekend or next week.
  • Oct 2: Duster Road will be closed for crane activity.
  • Oct 2 – 3: Lariat Road closed for fiber pull for Mahogany Ridge Express
  • Starting Oct 6: Haul rope installation for Mahogany Ridge Express begins
    • Manned closure of Pioneer forest service trail
  • Check out the Steamboat App and website for the most up to date information on open and closed trails, and please respect all closures for your own safety.

The Steamboat Bike Park will be officially closed for the season after this weekend (Fri – Sun).  Multi-use Forest Service trails remain open, but may be subject to construction impacts which we will continue to share in advance.

Sept 21- Sept 28:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
  • Haul rope installation for Mahogany Ridge Express will now begin in October, so there are no scheduled impacts to Pioneer forest service trail this weekend or next week.
  • Sept 25: Duster Road will be closed for power tie-in work.
  • Sept 26 – 29: Rocky Mountain Youth Corps will be performing trail maintenance on upper forest service trails.  Trails will remain open, but have signage to alert hikers/riders when work is in progress.  Impacted trails include Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Valley View, Elkhead loop, Moonlight and Vista Nature hiking trail.

Sept 16 – Sept 21:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm
  • Starting Sept 21: Haul rope installation for Mahogany Ridge Express begins
    • Closure of Pioneer forest service trail

Update for Thursday, September 14 

  • Helicopter will be spreading mulch around the mountain, resulting in additional closures and impacts:
    • Closure of forest service trails including Zig Zag, Creekside, Pioneer, Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff,  Sunshine, Elkhead Loop as well as Duster Road.
    • Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.

Sept 8 – Sept 15:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Why Not Road remains closed Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm.
  • Sept 8 – 11:  Wild Blue Gondola haul rope installation continues with the second splice taking place on Monday, Sept 11.
    • No bike park or forest service trail impacts
    • Intermittent closures for  Yoo Hoo Road.
  • Sept 8 – 9, 11-14:  Helicopter flying for logging activities, including spreading of wood chips around the mountain.
    • Closure of forest service trails including Zig Zag, Creekside and Pioneer
    • Intermittent closures of Tenderfoot bike park trail

Sept 1 – Sept 7:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Sept 1 – 3:  Wild Blue Gondola haul rope installation continues with steel cables.
    • Forest service trails will be closed including Pioneer, Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff,  and Sunshine
    • Intermittent closures on bike park trails of Flying Diamond, Tenderfoot, and Rawhide
    • Intermittent closures for Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road, Short Cut Road and Snowmaking Control road
  • Sept 6 – 7:  Helicopter flying for logging activities
    • Intermittent closures on forest service trails of Zig Zag, Creekside and Pioneer

Beginning Tuesday, September 5 the Steamboat Bike Park will be closed during the weekdays and only open weekends (Fri-Sun) through the end of September.  Multi-use Forest Service trails remain open during the week, but may be subject to construction impacts which we will continue to share in advance.

August 25 – August 31, 2023:

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Moonlight trail is now open as the snowmaking installation is completed for that area.
  • Wild Blue Gondola haul rope installation continues with steel cables.
    • Forest service trails will have intermittent closures including Pioneer and Sunshine.
    • Intermittent closures on bike park trails of Flying Diamond, Tenderfoot, and Rawhide
    • Intermittent closures for Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road, Short Cut Road and Snowmaking Control road
  • Friday, August 25 – Wednesday, August 30: Sundown haul rope splice, necessary for maintenance of the lift
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s Wicked Trail and Cathy’s Cutoff.
  • Tuesday, August 29 – Wednesday, August 30: Helicopter will be installing Mahogany Ridge Express towers
    • Forest service trails will be closed including Pioneer, Creekside, Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • Intermittent closures of Tenderfoot bike park trail.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.
    • Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.

August 17 – August 24, 2023:

  • Moonlight trail remains closed for snowmaking installations through early next week. Cathy’s Cutoff and Pete’s Wicked will be closed for snowmaking installation August 21-25.
  • Thursday, August 17 – Friday, August 18: Installation of the Wild Blue Gondola haul rope begins with the pilot line.
    • Forest service trails will have intermittent closures including Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff and Sunshine.
    • Intermittent closures on bike park trails of Flying Diamond, Tenderfoot, and Rawhide
    • Intermittent closures for Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road, Short Cut Road and Snowmaking Control road
  • Friday, August 18: Fiber installation work will close Pioneer Trail
  • Beginning Tuesday, August 22: Haul rope installation continues with steel cables.
    • Forest service trails will have intermittent closures including Pioneer and Sunshine.
    • Intermittent closures on bike park trails of Flying Diamond, Tenderfoot, and Rawhide
    • Intermittent closures for Why Not Road, Yoo Hoo Road, Short Cut Road and Snowmaking Control road
  • Christie Peak Express lift is closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.

August 11 – August 18, 2023

  • Christie Peak Express lift will be closed for the remainder of the summer season as soil stabilization work is completed around one of the towers. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Moonlight trail remains closed for snowmaking installations.
  • Tuesday, August 15:  Helicopter will be flying concrete from Rainbow saddle to the top of Wild Blue Gondola terminal.
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.
    • Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.
  • Thursday, August 17 – Saturday, August 19:  Installation of the Wild Blue Gondola haul rope
    • Forest service trails will be closed including Pioneer, Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff and Sunshine.
    • Intermittent closures on bike park trails of Flying Diamond, Tenderfoot, and Rawhide
    • Intermittent closures for Why Not Road, Short Cut Road and Snowmaking Control road

July 31-August 3, 2023

  • Christie Peak Express lift remains closed. Beginner Bike Park access at the top of the Gondola is available via Tenderfoot. Access to beginner trails below Christie Peak will only be accessible via the Gondola and Rustler’s Ridge, an intermediate trail.
  • Friday, July 28 Helicopter will be flying concrete from Rainbow saddle to the top of Wild Blue Gondola terminal.
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.
  • Monday & Tuesday, July 31 & August 1- a Chinook helicopter will be installing Wild Blue Gondola towers. This will impact all trails except for Rustler’s Ridge, Valley View, and Thunderhead Hiking Trail (periodic closure of hiking trail during refueling).
  • Wednesday, August 2- Helicopter will be flying concrete from Rainbow saddle to the top of Wild Blue Gondola terminal.
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.
  • Moonlight trail remains closed for snowmaking installations. Sunshine Trail and Cathy’s Cutoff will also be closed for pipe installation beginning July 31.
  • Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.

Saturday, July 22 UPDATE

-Helicopter work will be wrapping up in the morning before 9am. Expect impacts on Four Points Road.

-The Priest Creek haul rope removal project will continue, impacting Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, and Storm Peak Challenge.

-Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.

July 21 – 27, 2023

  • Moonlight forest service trail remains closed for snowmaking installations.
  • Friday, July 21 & Friday, July 28: Helicopter will be flying concrete from Rainbow saddle to the top of Wild Blue Gondola terminal.
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s Wicked, Cathy’s Cutoff, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • Access to the Resort via Mountain View Trail will be impacted during these  closures. Please follow all signage, closures, and reroutes.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.
    • Lift Maintenance crews will also be removing the haul rope on Priest Creek lift on Friday, July 21 with impacts on the same trails as above.

July 14 – 21, 2023

  • Moonlight trail remains closed for snowmaking installations.
  • Friday, July 14: Pioneer trail will be closed during business hours (approx. 8am – 5pm) for backfilling of towers along Mahogany Ridge Express lift line
  • Friday, July 21: Helicopter will be flying concrete from Rainbow saddle to the top of Wild Blue Gondola terminal.
    • Upper forest service trails will be closed including Pete’s, Cathy’s, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
    • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of bike park trails including Cowpoke, Lickity Split and Gunsmoke as well as YooHoo Road and the Thunderhead hiking trail.

July 7 – 14, 2023

  • Moonlight forest service trail remains closed for snowmaking installations.
  • Friday, July 7 & Monday July 10: There will be concrete trucks at work from the Rainbow Saddle area; there will be no trail closures as a result but please slow down and yield to vehicles on the roads.
  • Monday – Friday, July 10 – 14: Pioneer trail will be closed during business hours (approx. 8am – 5pm) as sawyers work in the area

**Friday, July 7 Morning Update**

Helicopter operations are done for the week.  There will be no additional trail closures due to construction activity today or this weekend.

There will be concrete trucks at work today and Monday, July 10 from the Rainbow Saddle area; please slow down and yield to vehicles on the roads.

**Thursday, July 6 Morning Update**

Helicopter will be flying concrete to the top terminal of Mahogany Ridge Express.

  • Pioneer and Creekside will be closed along with upper forest service trails including Pete’s, Cathy’s, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge.
  • When the helicopter is refueling there will be temporary closures of the Thunderhead hiking trail as well as the bike park trails of Cowpoke, Lickity Split, and Gunsmoke

**Monday, July 3 Morning Update**

Week of July 3 – July 7: Construction work this week will focus on Mahogany Ridge lift line and the upper terminal for Wild Blue Gondola.  We will update trail status on a daily basis but anticipate the following impacts:

  • Monday, July 3: no additional closures beyond Why Not Road and Moonlight forest service trail.
  • Tuesday, July 4 – Thursday, July 6: Pioneer closed.
  • Wednesday, July 5: Upper forest service trails closed including Pete’s, Cathy’s, Sunshine, Duster, Elkhead, and Storm Peak Challenge. Helicopter activity to fly concrete to top terminal for Wild Blue Gondola.
  • Thursday, July 6: Helicopter activity to fly concrete to Mahogany Ridge lift line.

**Friday, June 30 Morning Update**
The helicopter will be active today working on installing the Wild Blue Gondola Towers. While in operation we will have to close a number of trails.

Bike Park closures: Tenderfoot, Bullwhip, all of Rawhide, and Flying Diamond are closed. There will be no beginner biking from the top of the Gondola.

Forest Service trail closures: All upper mountain trails including Pete’s, Cathy’s, Sunshine, Duster, and Storm Peak Challenge are closed. Pioneer is also closed.

The Forest Service trails will be limited to Zig Zag, Short Cut Rd, Yoo Hoo Rd, Creekside, and Valley View as an out and back with no access to the Gondola. The Thunderhead Hiking trail will be open.

There will be periodic closures of Yoo Hoo Rd and the Thunderhead Hiking Trail as the helicopter refuels.

**Thursday, June 29 Morning Update**
The helicopter will be working again today installing Wild Blue Gondola towers. The same closures as Wednesday, June 28 will be in effect.

**Wednesday, June 28 Morning Update**
The helicopter will be active today working on installing the Wild Blue Gondola towers. While in operation we will have to close a number of trails.

Closed in the Bike Park: Tenderfoot, Bullwhip, all of Rawhide, and Flying Diamond. There will be no beginner biking from the top of the Gondola.
Forest Service trails will be limited to Zig Zag, Short Cut Rd, Yoo Hoo Rd, Creekside, and Valley View as an out and back with no access to the Gondola. The Thunderhead Hiking trail will be open. All upper mountain trails Pete’s, Cathie’s, Sunshine, Duster, and Storm Peak Challenge are closed. Pioneer is also closed.

There will be periodic closures of Yoo Hoo Rd and the Thunderhead Hiking Trail as the helicopter refuels.

**Tuesday, June 27 Morning Update** The helicopter has been delayed until mid-afternoon.
All Bike Park trails will be opening this morning except Flying Diamond, Lower Rawhide, and Bucking Bronco.
All Forest Service trails including Storm Peak Challenge, Pete’s Cathie’s, Sunshine, Pioneer, Valley View, Creekside, Thunderhead Hiking Trail, Spur Run, Short Cut, Zig Zag, Yoo Hoo Rd, and Elkhead Loop will be open. Why Not Rd. the Vista Nature trail and Moonlight remain closed.
When helicopter work begins in the afternoon, Look See, Cowpoke, Lickety Split, and Gunsmoke will be closed, along with the Yoo Hoo Rd and the Thunderhead Hiking trails. Check out the Steamboat App and website for the most up to date information on open and closed trails, and please respect all closures for your own safety.

June 23-30, 2023

  • Pioneer will be closed during business hours (8am to 5pm) 6/23 and 6/24. 
  • Monday, June 26-Leitner Poma will be flying concrete for the Mahogany Ridge Express towers along the lift line. Impacts will include Pioneer trail.
  • Tuesday-Friday, June 27-30- Doppelmayr will be utilizing a Chinook helicopter to fly Wild Blue Gondola towers. Impacts include: Four Points, Sunshine, Pete’s Wicked, Kathy’s Cutoff, Duster, Tenderfoot, Bull Whip, Upper Rawhide (lower remains closed), Elkhead, and Moonlight trails. Yoo Hoo Road may also have rolling closures.

June 14-16, 2023

  • Mahogany Ridge Express lift- Pioneer Trail is impacted through Friday during business hours. There will be helicopter traffic Wednesday, June 14 starting around noon between Burgess Creek lift to the future location of the Mahogany Ridge Express lift lower terminal. So What Road and Yoo Hoo Road will also have occasional impacts.
  • Wild Blue Gondola- On Thursday, June 15, there will be a helicopter flying cement to the top of Sundown/Sunshine. This will impact Why Not Road, Four Points Road, and Duster Road. Access to the top of Thunderhead may not be possible for most of the day. Flaggers will be on site directing traffic but significant impacts and delays are expected.

June 5, 2023

  • Why Not Road will be impacted while a helicopter is flying between 8 to 10:30 a.m. to deliver hardware and equipment for installing the upper Wild Blue Gondola towers.
News / The Wild Blue Gondol... October 10, 2023

The Wild Blue Gondola: Transformational and Impactful at Steamboat Resort

One of Steamboat Resort’s most anticipated on-mountain improvements will be fully complete for the 2023/2024 ski season: the Wild Blue Gondola. With both sections fully installed, it will become North America’s longest and fastest 10-person gondola, transporting skiers and riders from the base area to the top of Sunshine Peak in an impressive 13 minutes.

Section one of the Wild Blue Gondola was operational for most of the 2022/2023 ski season, transporting skiers and riders from the base area to Greenhorn Ranch at six meters per second. Section two will be operational for the 2023/2024 ski season, transporting guests from Greenhorn Ranch to the top of Sunshine Peak at seven meters per second. These two sections can run independent of one another, or all together, making it highly functional and adaptable.

With a total of 171 cabins (58 on the lower section, 113 on the upper section), the Wild Blue Gondola will increase the out-of-base capacity from 6,000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour. Helping significantly in redistributing skiers and riders across the mountain, Wild Blue will especially ease morning congestion at the base area and afternoon congestion at the Sundown/Elkhead saddle.

Featuring the single largest direct drive in the world, Wild Blue brings state-of-the-art technology to Steamboat Resort. By installing a direct drive, which is a mechanical concept that comes from the windmill industry, a traditional gearbox is unnecessary. Most issues arise in gondolas and chairlifts due to a failure within the gearbox, and when it happens during the winter, it can be especially hard, if not impossible, to repair. By eliminating the gearbox all together, the direct drive will provide skiers and riders with a smooth, fast and highly efficient ride, which is especially exciting when Champagne Powder® is falling.

Spanning a distance of 3.16 miles, the Wild Blue gondola will give skiers and riders quite the scenic ride across Steamboat Resort. With two spans over 1,100 feet and the highest point reaching 136 feet above ground as you cross the Rainbow Saddle, Wild Blue will not only ease skier and rider traffic but will also provide a stunning and fast ride to the top of Sunshine Peak.

“I think our guests are going to be blown away. When they experience it, I think everyone will truly understand how transformational this gondola is to this world-class ski area,” explains Dave Hunter, Vice President of Mountain Operations.

Transformational indeed, the Wild Blue gondola if one of the most impactful projects within the scope of Steamboat Resort’s Full Steam Ahead improvements. It will give skiers and riders quick and easy access to the highly cherished and coveted Sunshine Peak area trails and will make for a seamless progression for SnowSports school from Greenhorn Ranch to the top of Sunshine. Skiers and riders will also have an option to download at the end of the day if their legs are tired, or more easily move around the mountain for lunch at the various lodges.

In August, crews are still working hard towards the completion of Wild Blue. Concrete is being transported to the top terminal, and crews are installing the second leg of the independent haul rope, which weighs in at an impressive 160,000 pounds.

As we approach three months until the start of the 2023/2024 ski season, excitement is certainly building in Steamboat Springs over the completion of Wild Blue. Scenic, functional and hugely impactful, the Wild Blue gondola is sure to transform your experience at Steamboat Resort in all of the right ways.

Written By: Erin Campbell

News / October 2023 Constru... October 5, 2023

October 2023 Construction Updates

News / September 2023 Const... September 21, 2023

September 2023 Construction Updates

September 21, 2023 Update

Wild Blue Gondola

  • Top terminal platform nearly complete.
  • Second splice of haul rope and installation complete.

Mahogany Ridge

  • Communication lines installed for Mahogany Ridge Express lift.
  • Top terminal and lift shack complete.
  • Foundation and walls for bottom lift terminal being poured over the next few weeks.
  • Lift towers 1 & 2 being installed via crane.
  • Haul rope installation to begin.

Resort Construction

  • Logging operations are complete.

September 7, 2023 Update

Wild Blue Gondola

  • Upper terminal concrete pours have been completed with a helicopter.
  • The haul rope installation continues and the first splice was completed this week. The second splice will take place next week.

Mahogany Ridge

  • Lift towers for Mahogany Ridge Express have been installed via helicopter.
  • Up next: pulling of communications lines for Mahogany Ridge Express lift and crane work for both upper and lower terminals.

Resort Construction

  • Logging operations are underway with helicopter support.
News / Steamboat Proposes P... August 17, 2023

Steamboat Proposes Partnership for Innovative Transportation Solutions

How can we provide a world class experience to local skiers and riders, without hitting adding a new tax to Steamboat Springs community members.  It’s a question that has been top of mind for leaders from our community and the resort for decades. As the resort wraps up the Full Steam Ahead project improving the base area and on mountain experience it’s time to address transportation in and around the resort.

The IDEA: Transform the current single passenger, bus and shuttle drop off on Mt. Werner Circle to be a comprehensive Transportation Center connecting the Meadows Parking Lot to the base area with a high-speed 8 to 10 person Gondola. The redesigned Gondola Transit Center will be safer, more pedestrian friendly and meet current and future transportation needs.

The MONEY: Do this without tapping into City funds or asking Steamboat Springs/Routt County citizens to foot the bill via new collected taxes, in partnership with the City.  The resort is working diligently to create a new funding mechanism that, combined with the current URA funds, will support this innovative concept.

    1. Metro District: A metro district is a property tax that only applies to specific property and locations in a specific area with funds collected used for a specific end result.  SSRC’s Metro District is a self-tax that will only be put on SSRC businesses and land parcels. This means that ONLY SSRC outlets will pay the tax and any future development on land owned by SSRC or sold by SSRC will be responsible for paying the tax in the future. Current non-SSRC businesses in the base area, outlining the mountain, in downtown Steamboat Springs, etc will NOT be a part of the Metro District. Which means current non-SSRC businesses in the base area, outlining the mountain, in downtown Steamboat Springs, etc will NOT pay additional taxes for the proposed Gondola Transit Center Project.

    1. URA Funds. Back in 2003 the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) was created to address blight around the mountain area with the goals of spurring public-private partnerships and building a revitalized place for community and guests. URA projects are funded through TIF (tax increment financing) and guided by URAAC (the Urban Renewal Authority Advisory Committee) to meet the goals of the URA. Funds collected through URA are directed by SSRA (Steamboat Springs Redevelopment Authority) which is made up of City Council Members. Let us explain- SSRA is made up of City Council Members, BUT when SSRA is in session the city council members are directing the use of only URA funds, not City funds or functions.

SHOW ME the Money: If approved by SSRA and City Council, Steamboat Ski Resort will pay $30 million dollars of the Gondola Transit Center Project, via the Metro District, with most of that funding covering the Meadows Parking Lot Improvements and the Gondola connecting Meadows and the base area.

The URAAC will use $20 million of URA funding, if approved by SSRA, to transform the transportation experience on Mt. Werner Circle. Steamboat Ski Resort will reimburse $13 million of the URA funds, via the Metro District collection, so URAAC can reinvest additional funds in future URA projects. And since Steamboat Ski Resort pays into the TIF that feeds URA funds, over the course of the project Steamboat will have contributed an additional $1 million. That means, while URRAC is spending $20 million up front to make the project happen, ultimately the URA will have only spent $6 Million to make the Gondola Transit Center a reality.

WHY this is cool for the community: This is a perfect example of a collaborative partnership between the City, the resort and URAAC- all working together to protect Steamboat’s heritage while moving forward to address community needs and enhancing the transportation experience. Steamboat Ski Resort has long been dedicated to creating innovative solutions for transportation, a critical need in the Yampa Valley. A long time in the planning, a Gondola from Meadows lot to Steamboat Square will reduce congestion on Mt. Werner Road and Mt. Werner Circle; create a more pedestrian friendly Mt. Werner Circle for better guest engagement at the Steamboat Grand street level businesses and future development; provide a sustainable alternative for traffic; and support future transportation needs. A dedicated transportation center in the Meadows Parking Lot at full build out will include specific drop off zones for kids, groups and guests, better ADA experience, additional parking infrastructure and a more convenient traffic flow.

Using a free gondola as transportation is not a unique concept, it has proven successful in similar mountain communities such as Telluride and Breckenridge, where traffic congestion has greatly been reduced. Breckenridge specifically has as similar model with Gondola access the primary transportation resource from town, eliminating potential pedestrian and car interactions.

WHAT needs to happen next? On August 22, Steamboat Ski Resort goes before SSRA to seek approval for the Public Improvements Agreement (PIA), which outlines the project funding strategy for $30 million collected via a resort self-tax and the reimbursement of $13 million to URAAC. Once the PIA is approved by SSRA, the City Council will convene (also on August 22) and the resort will seek approval of the PIA and Metro District Service Plan. If/when these two plans are approved, the next step is another meeting where SSRA allocates $20 million of URA funds for the Gondola Transit Center with a future $13 million reimbursement from SSRC; and the Metro District being put on the November Ballot for impacted businesses (SSRC) to vote.

City staff and representatives from the ski area and Alterra have been meeting regularly over the last six months to negotiate the agreement and create a plan for the design, construction and on-going operations of the GTC and Meadows gondola. If/when the PIA and Metro District are approved, the resort, URAAC and the City can move forward on the design of the Gondola Transit Center, gondola, and Meadows lot and opportunities for community education and input beginning early fall 2023. This timeline sets the foundations for construction work to potentially being 2026.

Reimagined Transit Center at Steamboat Resort

News / August 2023 Construc... August 15, 2023

August 2023 Construction Updates

August 10, 2023 Update

Wild Blue Gondola

  • Wild Blue Gondola tower cross arm and sheave installation is complete.
  • Terminal construction continues with helicopter activity to deliver concrete and steel delivered via truck.
  • Haul rope installation will take place over the next few weeks.

Mahogany Ridge

  • Retaining wall construction continues at the bottom terminal of Mahogany Ridge Express.

Snowmaking Installation 

  • Snowmaking installation in the Sunshine Area continues on High Noon.
  • Blockhouse construction is underway and tie-ins to blockhouse will be completed over next few weeks.
News / July 2023 Constructi... July 27, 2023

July 2023 Construction Updates

July 27, 2023 Update

Wild Blue Gondola

  • Concrete was poured via helicopter at the top terminal.
  • Terminal construction continues.
  • Wild Blue Gondola tower cross arm and sheave installation will take place next week.

Mahogany Ridge

  • Grading for the upper terminal is complete.

Snowmaking Installation 

  • Snowmaking installation in the Sunshine Area continues on continues on High Noon.

July 13, 2023 Update

Base Area

  • Burgess Creek Beach restoration and drainage work is complete.

Wild Blue Gondola

  • Towers have been installed for the upper section of the gondola using a helicopter.
  • Helicopter work will resume over the next few weeks to deliver concrete to the upper terminal and to install cross arms on towers.

Mahogany Ridge

  • Towers and chairs for Mahogany Ridge Express have been moved to on-mountain staging locations from the Meadows lot.

Snowmaking Installation 

  • Snowmaking installation continues on High Noon.
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