Photo Credit: Steamboat
Steamboat Ski Resort will move its Opening Day from Saturday, November 21 to Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Limited snowmaking and little early season snow did not provide adequate acreage for the resort to open and comply with mitigation plans on its originally scheduled date.
“There are many things for us to balance as we approach this winter. While normally Christie Peak Express and a few trails would suffice for opening, operating in 2020 means we have to take into consideration the limited terrain and responsible course of action for our staff, guests and community,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski Resort. “With only two natural snowstorms this pre-season and few snowmaking opportunities, we do not think it’s the best decision to open the resort without ample space for skiers and riders to spread out among lifts and trails.”
The resort will target December 1 for its new opening date based on projected forecasts with snowmaking opportunities. As the resort prepares to open, activities including trail work, snowmaking and snowcat operations may be active at all times of the day. These activities make it unsafe for skiers or hikers and therefore, uphill access at the resort is currently not allowed.
“It’s important for the community to stay off the mountain. When people play on the snow we have made, whether it’s skinning or sledding or hiking, they severely impact the conditions and curtail the progress of our team to build the resort’s base. That can continue to delay the resort’s ability to open,” said Perlman. “We’re hopeful the extra week will allow our crews to make more snow and cover more acreage, and hopefully Mother Nature continues to deliver during that week as well. We are confident in the plans we have put in place to help keep the resort and our community healthy this winter, and we look forward to welcoming skiers and riders to the play in the Champagne Powder® snow in December.”
Guests who have lodging or other product reservations for Nov. 21- Nov 30 should email Steamboat Central Reservations at traveldesk@steamboat.com for more information regarding their vacation.
In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, mitigation plans have been put in place for staff and guests at the ski resort and the Steamboat Grand Hotel. Guests should familiarize themselves with protocols and guidelines at www.steamboat.com/trailforward. Resort guidelines and protocols will be in place for the duration of the winter season and may be adapted or changed as necessary. All staff and guests are asked to adhere to signage communicating expectations located around the ski resort and Steamboat Grand Hotel, as well as in the town of Steamboat Springs.
