Full Steam Ahead
Major capital enhancements are unfolding at Steamboat over the next three years.
This ranching town turned ski town has experienced a lot since the ‘60s. Today, we’re stampeding in a whole new direction, teaming up with world-class partners for $180 million in monumental improvements.
Upgraded mountain flow, more expert terrain, revamped learning and base areas and much more come together with loads of pioneering spirit to shape the Steamboat experience for every visitor.
Decades in the making, three thrilling years of growth and stoke are underway at Steamboat. Here’s what we’re excited about:
A Base Area Facelift
Pardon our dust while we redo the entire resort base area. The ambitious Steamboat Square undertaking includes escalators (read: easier access to snow!) and plans for an après ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, a ski beach and an ice rink. Watch for The Range Food & Drink Hall, a new retail spot for kids and a stage for live music.
Mountain Camp – New this season, Steamboat’s Mountain Camp building — formerly the Kids Vacation Center — is a one-stop-shop for families with small children. Little skiers ages 2 to 6 enjoy lift access, lunch, lesson instruction and equipment rentals. The new location in the west wing of the Sheraton Hotel has been built from the ground up as an intentional, warm and welcoming environment.
A Top-to-Bottom Gondola – The new Wild Blue Gondola arrives for Winter 2022/23 as the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10-person gondola in the country. The state-of-the-art gondola will feed skiers/riders through a newly created mid-station adjacent to Bashor bowl with the final destination at the top of Sunshine Peak. At a total length of 3.16 miles, the new gondola will increase the out of base capacity from 6,000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour, getting skiers from bottom to top in 13 minutes. The bottom gondola portion opens next winter and the top half opens the following season.
More Lifts, More Terrain – New lifts and 650 new acres of terrain will make Steamboat the second largest ski resort in Colorado. Crews are re-grading a whole section of the mountain, transforming Greenhorn Ranch into a new dedicated learning area for beginners. Mahogany Ridge will serve up 650 acres of new expert terrain. All in all, terrain will increase from 2,965 permitted acres to 3,615 permitted acres. Increased snowmaking efforts on Sunshine Peak will guarantee great early season snow.
Take a Ski Tour – We love sharing the Steamboat Dream with guests! Guided tours are a great way to get the lay of the land and master chairlift navigation. Now, your guide will also fill you in on how Steamboat is investing $180 million on and around the mountain to enhance the guest experience. Tours are offered Sunday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. from January 10, 2022 until April 6, 2022. Meet at the top of the Steamboat Gondola at 9:45 a.m. Cost and Requirements: Adults 13+: $15, Child 12 and under: $5, Kids 12 and under complimentary with purchase of adult. Proceeds are given to a non-profit focused on sustainability efforts in the Yampa Valley. Must be 10 years or older and comfortable on BLUE runs. Children age 10-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Author: Lisa Blake
