St Patrick’s Day Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display

A great family event!

The Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School treats tourists and locals to spectacular on-snow parade down the mountain, lit only by torches. In conjunction with the torchlight parades, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky providing a perfect ending to the evening. This event is free and open to the public; the best viewing is in Gondola Square. The parade begins at 7:30pm. If you have any questions feel free to contact me 970.819.6930. Come back to view Steamboat’s St. Patrick’s Day pictures that will be taken on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010.

Steamboat rocks this winter with an incredible lineup of concerts at various locations, including the Steamboat Music Tent, the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel and Gondola Square! The Steamboat Music Tent is an 80′X180′ heated tent providing more than 14,000 square feet of indoor concert space.

Check out the upcoming concerts: (Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series) Easy Star All Stars -Saturday, March 13th, at 3:00pm at the Gondola Square. Lyrics Born -Saturday, March 20th, at 3:00pm at the Gondola Square. Pimps of Joytime -Saturday, March 27th, at 3:00pm at the Gondola Square. Dirty Head -Saturday, April 3rd, at 3:00pm at the Gondola Square. Donavon Frankenreiter -Saturday, April 11th, at 3:00pm at the Gondola Square.

Come check out these FREE Concerts here at the ‘Boat!

If you would like to know more about what is going on in Steamboat give me a call at 970.819.6930.

 Cheers!

The interstate’s closure created a detour to U.S. 40, which went through Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We had many vehicles going through downtown Steamboat due to this breathtaking rockslide. A tremendous rockslide on I-70, which was near Glenwood Springs smashed through a bridge and dumped boulders the size of tractor trailers on the highway, closing a 17-mile stretch of the road. The slide struck at about midnight just west of the Hanging Lake Tunnell in Glenwood Canyon. The collapse caused major problems for truckers and other motorists, who had to travel 200 miles to avoid the slide. They pronounced that as many as 20 boulders, ranging from 3 feet to 10 feet in diameter, his the interstate, Colorado Department of Transportation estimated that the largest rock weighed 66 tons and some were as big as semi trucks. Thankfully no one was injured or on this section of the interstate at that time.

Full moons are typically seen with moderate interest and for the cramp they put on stargazing. In Steamboat, for many, the light gives us the ability to extend the day and continue enjoying the activities we love, long into the night.

I spent this past Friday night back on the mountain climbing up, really earning the downhill turns that were to follow later. Skins, for those unfamiliar, are long strips of synthetic material that are stuck to the bottom of skis allowing you to climb up the mountain. Perfect for side and back country hikes they are also super for late night, moon hikes. Getting out just as the moon was rising it was stunningly bright for 8pm. The climb took me a bit longer than it should have but the solitary climb in the dark was a refreshing break after a long week. Upon reaching the top i stopped to relax for a while. A combination of exhaustion and the beautiful view of downtown were both overwhelming.

Having reached the top fairly early in the evening i beat the cats, and skied down before they had the chance to make perfect the perfect lines of corduroy. Getting home i was quick to jump in bed to get a bit of sleep before getting back out to ski in a few short hours…

With excitement in the air for our US Olympic Nordic Combined team, well over 100 people crowded into into the top level of the lodge at the base of Howelsen Hill getting ready to cheer on the Americans and local Steamboat men Johnny Spillane and Todd Lodwick. Every one was ready at 3 for the race to begin and crowded around 2 tvs that were broadcasting a live internet feed of the race.  Starting a mere 2 seconds behind the Finns after the ski jumping, the US team finished the first leg still in first but the rest fo the field had closed the gap.

A race consistating of 4 teammates each racing a 5k, each athlete raced for about 15minutes, a long, solid effort. Without a live tv feed, we were required to use the internet to stream the video, which was a bit spotty. The chorus of groans when the feed went out was louder only when the race momentarily cut out to watch the skier cross final; while a fun race it was not an event anyone was particluarly interested in watching at this moment. But it was a gutsy race for the American team, Todd Lodwick was the second leg, and spent his leg feeding off the Australian leader, switching the lead for first no less than 3 times. Johnny Spillane struggled a bit to finish his leg and put Bill Demong in position to chase the leader. Making up for a 15 second gap over the first half of his leg, the entire crowd in Howelsen was standing and screaming as the two traded spots for the gold position. In the final 200m Demong was out-kicked by the opposing Austrian. But a Silver medal, awesome! A great effort by the Americans and a few of the Steamboat locals!

We spent the morning rolling through the side country outside of the Pony Express, fully enjoying the blessing of new powder. Enjoying a nice ‘German Bratwurst’ we took a short break at 4 Points, chowing down with speed, eager to get back on the fresh lines that still needed to be run. The afternoon we camped out by a great rock over in Morningside. Somewhere between 15-20ft we made a five or so loops through, seeing who could launch the furthest off, with the most style. Not winning was almost more fun, watching some great airs and grabs. Spending the day ripping from first chair to last i just woke up from a much needed nap and am looking forward to more powder skiing later this week!

But when we finally arrived at our turn point, we all stopped together and looked down the valley in front of us. Not using lights for the past half-hour we had grown accustomed to the dark and all just stood, looking ahead in silence. Switching our lights on the journey back was significantly easier, following our own tracks and knowing where we were heading made it a much quicker trek. A fun adventure that will not quickly be forgotten. Both the soreness in my legs and the memories of the beautiful snow-laden valley are sure to last quite a while.

For an interview with Johnny Spillane and a short clip with Rick Devos of Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, check out NBC – Winter Olympics Interviews

Each day got a bit better. Friday was the first powder day in a little bit. Saturday it just kept dumping.  And yesterday, the skies parted, the snow was plentiful and the bright blue from above was blinding. A great weekend on the slopes and spent in the back-country.

Its seems as though each time we head to Buff, the snow and conditions are better and better. Friday we reached the top and cruised through 14+ inches of fresh snow. It was one of those days that passes in a blur but you know that each moment, each turn was excellent.

Saturday started with snow lightly falling as the morning began and the mountain was busy. Great to see people out and enjoying the fresh new snow. Wanting to dodge the crowds i spent the morning with a few friends hitting a few runs by Elkhead, where untouched snow seemed to last all morning. The afternoon i met up with a different crew who were taking the fresh snow as a sign to go big. Working on throwing a few backflips one buddy landed on his face, staining the previously virginal snow crimson red. But not wanting to miss anytime cruising through fresh terrain, we were quickly back on our feet, trying to go bigger than before.

And yesterday, you really felt like you were flying. With over 2 feet of light, fluffy, Champagne pow pow, we started the day on Dad’s. While one of our favorite runs to ski, the pitch wasn’t nearly steep enough and we found ourselves quickly leaving in search of steeper terrain. Never a bad problem, we were more than happy to move on. We quickly found another run and spent the rest of the afternoon just cruising down, floating just below the top of the snow. Our first bluebird day while on Buff Pass, everything shone, glistened and looked spectacular. A fantastic way to spend a Valentines Day in Steamboat.

Let’s Win the Oddball Events, Too

Tonight’s schedule is packed full of equally entertaining events. With tubing going on right now, from 3-6, along with Nordic jumping at Howelsen Hill, there are tons of great activities to keep you excited about winter and enjoying the comradare of friends and family. Highlighting tonight’s activities is the Olympic Send-Off, complete with fireworks, big screen video, and the 17 Olympians themselves.

So if you are reading this, stop right now, get outside, and jump in on the activities around downtown Steamboat! I know that is what I’m about to do! All weekend is sure to be filled with fun activities and events, look forward to seeing you out there.

For a full calendar of the weekends activities, check here – Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival Schedule of Events

Check out the list below to see all the athletes who qualified for Vancouver that have ties to Steamboat -

2010 Olympians with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Ties:
(name, country, discipline, past Olympics)
Caroline Calve, CAN, Alpine Snowboard
Brett Camerota, USA, Combined (2006)
Bill Demong, USA, Combined (1998, 2002, 2006)
Patrick Deneen, USA, Moguls
Taylor Fletcher, USA, Combined
Michelle Gorgone, USA, Alpine Snowboard (2006)
Tyler Jewell, USA, Alpine Snowboard (2006)
Ellie Koyander, GB, Moguls
Jana Lindsey, USA, Aerials, (2006)
Todd Lodwick, USA, Combined (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Adam McLeish, GB, Alpine Snowboard
Michael Morse, USA, Moguls
Johanna Shaw, AUS, Alpine Snowboard (2006)
Callan Chythlook Sifsof, USA, Snowboard Cross
Johnny Spillane, USA, Combined (1998, 2002, 2006)
Ryan St. Onge, USA, Aerials, (2006)
Kimiko Zakreski, CAN, Alpine Snowboard

Both skiers have embraced a larger workload than previous years and are reaping the benefits. ‘Demong, a high school cross country runner, also took up cycling after the 2006 Games for offseason training. He entered dozens of bike races the last two summers. Learning bike racing tactics has helped him in cross-country skiing, he says, and the low-impact nature of cycling helps him put in more training miles than he can running.’ In addition to doing more work, Lodwick has changed his outlook on the running and building a base.  He states that ‘before, it was something I had to do. I had to go run. I had to go roller ski. I had to get on my bike. I had to go to the gym. Those are things I get to do now.’

But when it comes down to the all the competitions both athletes have been involved in over the years, they have the same outlook on the Olympics. “You look back at people’s careers,’ Lodwick says, ‘and regardless of how many World Cup victories they have, the question always arises, ‘Does he have any medals?” All of Steamboat will surely be cheering for him and Billy in a few short weeks in Vancouver.

To see the entire article, follow the link – Demong, Lodwick carry ISA’s Nordic Combine Medal Hopes

As the morning continued we moved on to a steeper a longer run. An awesome change. The deepest, consistent powder many of us had seen all year, our whoops and hollers could surely be heard off in the distance. At one point we looked up after the completion of a run and saw a dogsled press by in the distance, a cool reminder that Buff Pass is open for a range of activities. Finishing just before lunch and returning to the office it reminds me why i live in Steamboat. The opportunity to enjoy activities I love at any point of the day, week or year.

A bit of wind kept the day interesting. Storm Peak remained closed throughout the day, making traversing around the mountain a bit different than usual. Spending much of the afternoon on Bar UE was a change. The slow, two person lift was a peaceful reprieve between the long powder-filled runs.

But the best part of the day were the handful of runs we took off of Morningside lift. With enough snow, we were able to huck off of some of the rocks and ledges we have been looking at the past few weeks. While all our landings were not perfect, we were met with a comfortable landing with each fall. The two runs we took off of East Face and North St. Pats, can only be described as superb. All that could be heard from our group were yells, screams and a ton of laughter as we cruised through banks of snow up to our chests, with a few shots that went over our heads. Definitely not what many of us were expecting this morning, but a welcome surprise.

Not wanting the day to come to a close, we continued to ride until the end, reaching the base at 4. To top the day off we were just in time for the last of the courtesy hot chocolate and cider offered by the mountain ambassadors; the warm drinks hitting the right spot. One of those great days where the end is met with fantastic exhaustion and a yearning for more. More snow, more skiing and more memories that can come close to matching those of the day past.

The 36th annual cowboy downhill stampede was a success this year and finished as the snow began to fall. The cowboy downhill is comprised of 2 races. ‘The first, participants race through a dual slalom course on skis or a snowboard, hit a jump, lasso a Steamboat Ambassador and saddle a horse before crossing the finish line. The second is an all-out, every-man-for-himself race to the bottom of Stampede…The Cowboy Downhill began 36 years ago when Billy Kidd and Larry Mahan, a six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, decided to put a few pro rodeo stars on skis.’

With some crazy falls, awesome cowboy garb and lots of yelling and screaming, the atmosphere was awesome. The base area was packed with people making it difficult to move, but fun to be a part of. With the concert beginning as the snow began to fall, it added to the atmosphere, livening everyone up just a bit more. Reckless Kelly played a great show, bringing the crowd together and getting everyone excited, concluding a great Tuesday night! Hope to see everyone just as excited for the upcoming Winter Carnival in Steamboat!

We took two snowmobiles up the pass and were pleasantly surprised to see 6-12 in of untouched fresh powder covering the line we wanted to ski. Despite the lack of snow we had a great time skiing all morning. Being my first time skiing with a sled, i was just as excited to get pulled back up to the top of the run (on a rope behind the snowmobile) as i was to ski down. Overall a great time. And with snow in the forecast for 8 out of the next 10 days, we will hopefully get some more powder skiing in soon!

Ski Jam follows, beginning next week on January 14th, and is set-up as a concert series focused on both bringing in a large outside crowd and giving locals a few concerts to enjoy. This series features a few big name bands, with ‘The Wailers’ and ‘Keller Williams’ headlining events. With both concerts set to go off, Steamboat is sure to be excited and in great spirits after the holiday season.

By far the coolest part of the night was the initial decent to get to where the flares were initially lit. With a rare blue moon lighting our way, we cruised down toward ‘See Me’ with only the moonlight as our guide. Fresh corduroy coupled with the almost daylight conditions, the large group of motley dressed ski and snowboard instructors cranked down to the stopping point. After the 10 was formed the group disbanded in a uniform decent, as we all carved back and forth in a cohesive line. As we cruised past Edgemont, i noticed people were lining the sides cheering us on. As we reached the bottom and took our final bow, extinguishing our flares as we bent over, the fireworks began behind us. A great way to start 2010!

Myself, having family in town for the holidays has made me once again appreciate the small nuances of Steamboat that can often be overlooked by someone living here year-round. Having family constantly oooing and ahhing at small things like the gorgeous view heading up Buff Pass or just the simple fact that everyone in town is so open and nice, i am happy to be a Steamboat resident. Plus having family around at the holidays is always fun, whether just hanging out at the end of a tough ski day or joking around at the difficulty some have at getting their ski boots on, everything is always more enjoyable. Hope your holidays were equally as relaxing and fun as mine and I’m hoping Santa decides to take his spring break in Steamboat as well, bringing back more of that fluffy powder

Another beautiful day in Steamboat Springs as we all enjoyed bluebird skies and some groomed runs up on Mt. Werner. Venturing around the mountain, a friend and I were able to find some spots with 12+ in of untouched snow. Since the base was not too deep, we were quite careful to avoid the still protruding rocks, bushes and trees. I still managed to take a few spills though. A great day on the mountain and a lot of fun to find some hidden spots. Rumor is that storms are supposed to stop through tomorrow, just in time for the holiday crowds.

The most interesting point that arose in the article was their attempt at debunking the commonly touted idea that snowboarders are more dangerous. The article states that “’most people think that snowboarders whack into skiers…but it’s completely the other way around,’ a phenomenon related to how each group falls. ‘Snowboarders stop abruptly,’ Shealy says, their boards biting into the snow. ‘Skiers slide,’ he says, often into a downed snowboarder.” While still leaving many aspects of snowboarding undiscussed, an interesting comment none-the-less. Even more interesting than the article itself are the comments below. Take a look for yourself and remember to be safe this winter!

Phys Ed: How to Avoid Injury on the Slopes

Getting to the bottom there was a large crowd over by the ski storage area. Walking over i was a bit surprised to see Santa and a few of his Reindeer had taken a short stop in Steamboat a bit early this year. I had never seen reindeer before, so i was excited to see them up close!

It was quite cold when i got to the top. Rumor was spreading as i continued to ski throughout the day that temps at the top of Storm Peak were reaching as low as -25 F with the wind chill. With Buddy’s Run as the run open off the top of Storm Peak there were quite a few people exploring the newly opened terrain. This proved to be quite useful today the visibility quite limited. Great fun to get out on a new run and with Thunderhead Express chair being prepped for tomorrow things are only getting better!

The day finally arrived. After months of counting down to the first chair ride, opening day is here. A unique day in the season, anyone interested in skiing, season pass-holders or not, must purchase a ticket with proceeds going to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Arriving as the lifts began to shuttle people up i was surprised at the relativly small crowd, only about 100 people, waiting for the lifts to begin. Despite the small numbers their cheers seemed to carry as the first group of people were shuttled up the mountain. The skiing was great, especially for opening day. With a few blacks and blues open it was awesome to get warmed-up on for the rest of the season. Christie Lift was the main chair today, but rumor is the Gondola is supposed to open tomorrow. As the sun began to peek out, the lift line suddenly became quite busy and I found myself standing behind a outside the maze, at the end of a rather large lift line. Looks like Steamboat decided to sleep in and wait for the blue-bird sky! Working for a little bit this afternoon, but more photos to come later!

For more information on where to pick up a permit near you call – 970.638.4516.

“Intrawest was acquired in 2006 by Fortress Investment Group of New York. The company has acknowledged financial issues over the past few years and the sale of Copper Mt., a good asset in the center of Colorado Ski Country, had been rumored to be on the block. Powdr, already a major player in the ski industry, just upped their profile to an even higher peak.”

• Watch ski movies – Always a favorite, whether you are watching the newest Poor Boyz Production or an old school movie with Glen Plake and his infamous mohawk, anything that involves riding is great. I now have a movie playing in the background as I wake up before work, as I make dinner, really at any point I’m at home.
• Head to other spots in Co- I know that this site is mainly dedicated to how amazing Steamboat is, but our location within Colorado is also a great part of living here. Just a short drive away you can head to A-Basin, Copper, or Loveland. If your really excited for early season skiing, take the 5hr drive from Steamboat to Wolf Creek,where currently 100% of the mountain is open.
• Subscribe to a podcast – A cool option if your looking for very current updates on the ski world. Personally I’m a huge fan of  ‘Snowfix,’ a ski podcast based out of England, but there are tons out there. Just go into your i-tunes and search ’ski’ or ’snowboard’ or whatever your looking for. There are some that haven’t been updated in forever, but just click around, there are some fun podcasts out there.
• Wear your boots as much as possible around the house – Perhaps this is just me, but hey, I’m pumped.

With temperature lows scheduled to stay in the teens for the next week it appears as though the snow is here for good. Awesome!

Yesterday, I took an extended lunch break to enjoy biking up Emerald Mtn. A great way to break up the day in the office. The service road leading up to the quarry was rock solid from the cool night temperatures, making for a great ride up. While much of the single-track off to the side is still a bit wet, it is awesome to get out and enjoy biking on the mountain this late in the year. Stopping to talk to a neighbor half-way up, I learned that the single-track on Lower Bear is still very dry due to its southern orientation. Hoping to get out there before Friday when the temps are supposed to reach back down into the 30s. Will be sure to post some more pictures if i make it out that direction!

Outside Magazine: Steamboat Springs Article

One of the major draws for improving Steamboat’s trail system are the positive economic benefits. With the addition of new trails and events, biking could, in-turn “exceed the influence of Triple Crown Sports’ summer baseball and softball tournaments in Steamboat, with a fraction of the negative impacts and controversy.” Stay tuned, as an avid biker I am very interested in the possibility of expanding the trail system in Steamboat and will keep you updated as planning hopefully shifts to development next summer.

• Hike or Run- With the leaves down and the temperatures beginning to drop, getting out for an run or hike is often a great afternoon or day activity.  If the snow happens to fall it only adds to the experience. Heading out to Mad Creek or even Spring Creek, the trails are often empty allowing you to enjoy the scenery.  Make sure to bring plenty of layers, you never know what the weather will bring!
• Bike- Whether this involves heading over to Howelsen to cruise around some of the single-track, taking a day-long trip on your road bike along River Rd, or riding your cruiser down the Core Trail, everyone can get out and enjoy the fall weather on their bikes.
• Visit the Hot Springs- Enjoying the cooling fall temps, trips up to the Hot Springs are often great ways to spend a fall evening. As the sun sets, temperatures drop, and the snow-flakes begin to fall, you never want to get out of the hot water. With smaller crowds, you can often get one of the hot spring pools all to yourself!
• Enjoying the Local Concerts- The concerts don’t end with the summer concert series, but continue indoors throughout Steamboat. Mainly located in bars and restaurants throughout town, there are some talented acts that are brought into town and many more who live and preform right here in Steamboat.
• Get Stoked for the Winter- There is no shortage of planning, shopping or checking the weather report that can be done. Or if you are free, stop by one of the many Steamboat Ski Movie Showings. With films from Teton Gravity, Warren Miller and even some talented locals, there is always something to be done for the upcoming season.

But this is just my list, feel free to add any of your favorite things to in Steamboat, I would love to hear some things that keep you busy during the fall!

Second homes: Steamboat Springs is more than a ski town

I got this photo from one of my neighbors yesterday. It appears as though these three moose wandered into their backyard to enjoy a light snack on the flowers and brush. Earlier this summer I was out on my bike riding down the Yampa Core Trail and coming around a corner I almost hit a baby moose head-on. I think he was just as surprised as myself. Not originally from Steamboat these encounters with wildlife still throw me off my guard a bit, but are more than welcome. Just another one of the unexpected surprises living in Steamboat brings into daily life.

This year however, there are more than the traditional incentives to be in Ski Town USA at the end of December. Announced yesterday, US freestyle and nordic skiers will have a winner-take-all shot at making the 2010 Olympic Team. On December 23-24, a total of 5 Olympic Team spots will be available for the taking. And after the events of the day, “the party continues after the awards are made on Dec. 23 with a night of live music and celebration in the heart of the mountain village.” So come on out and catch the opportunity to see future Olympians compete!

Having a friend visit Steamboat makes one contantly remember the beauty of the town and the many fun activities that we sometimes take for granted. After a short, strenuous run up through the meadows on Howelsen we finished casually streching and talking by the base of the Alpine Slide. Seeing the slide I was told it was next on our list of things to do. Taking the chair to the top, the banter began, who was going to win if each took one of the slides. Pushing the sled to its limits, and not touching the break once, i was able to take the edge. A great way to spend a few hours in the afternoon and provide discussion on who is the fastest friend or family member, the Howler is truly a Steamboat Summer Event not to be missed!