Steamboat Springs Business Blog

Focus on service helps Steamboat Springs get through tough economic times. Steamboat introduces “Spurs on Service” and the timing couldn’t be better.

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:39:00 +0000

You can’t run and you can’t hide, but you can prepare. The year we face on a national level is uncertain, but Steamboat Springs is optimistic. The tourism industry is not immune from economic turbulence or the fact that people are suffering financial woes not faced in decades. But as they say, timing is everything.

Steamboat Springs is known internationally for its genuine Western hospitality and when times get tough our resilience is as strong as an old cowboy’s chaps. Spurs on Service, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association’s revamped hospitality program proves that the best thing you can do in tough economic times is focus on what you do best. Steamboat’s advantage is its famous friendliness and reminders, education and awareness about this message never hurt. Spurs on Service is an effort to get back to the basics.

Working with local businesses to enable them to empower their staff, Spurs on Service gets employees to think about why they live in Steamboat Springs, how winter and summer visitors contribute to the lifestyle we enjoy and embrace the fact that one person really can make a difference. From face-to-face workshops on Steamboat-style service training to secret shopper evaluations, this program is about going the extra mile.

“In this community, we hang our hats on our special brand of friendliness and the service we provide speaks volumes about our values and professionalism,” notes Sandy Evans-Hall, Executive Vice President of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. “Now is the time to turn up the volume on basic courtesies and hone in on what make us special.”

Guests want to know that their hard earned money is being spent in a friendly place that values and appreciates their business. “We understand that our guests have taken the time out of their busy and hectic life to spend their vacation and their money with us,” added Hall. To that degree these efforts couldn’t come at a better time.

“Genuine Western hospitality isn’t just our brand; it is something that we live up to every day,” says Lynna Broyles, Marketing Director of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. “We continue to treat our visitors as if they were guests in our own home, not strangers passing through town.”

Great customer service heightens brand loyalty, improves the experience and encourages us to stay true to our gracious, welcoming roots. We need to live up to the reputation that this town has established. It’s about pride and ownership.

Call it The Power of One, the Mayberry Effect or even just good old-fashioned manners. By simply saying hello, smiling, holding a door open and even just talking to someone on a chairlift, a town’s efforts go a long way in making a positive difference in someone’s vacation and memory of Steamboat. If success is 90 percent preparation, then with Spurs on Service this community will be ready.

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Celebrating over 100 years of service in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association works to promote summertime activities and programs. To learn more about chamber events and activities please check out www.steamboatsummer.com or call the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association at (970) 879-0880.
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Christy Sports, Steamboat Restaurant Group and Smartwool receive top honors at Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Navigator Awards Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Saying thank you to more than 900 different businesses is no easy task. The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association thanked all its members on Friday, October 31st at the 101st Annual Meeting and Navigator Awards Luncheon held at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel. The accomplishments, leadership and forward-thinking of many local businesses and business people were recognized and acknowledged. The event was sponsored by The Steamboat Pilot & Today, Pinnacol Assurance, Wells Fargo, Holiday Inn of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Floral and PostNet.

The 2008 Navigator Award top honors went to Christy Sports (Business of the Year), Steamboat Restaurant Group’s Rex Brice (Business Person of the Year) and Smartwool (Sustainable Business of the Year).

The contenders for the three awards given at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon were as diverse as they were deserving. The nominees for the Business of the Year award differ in what their businesses do, but they see eye to eye when it comes to community involvement and public leadership. The 2008 Navigator Award Nominees for Business of the Year were Holiday Inn of Steamboat Springs, Christy Sports, BAP, Wells Fargo and Fox Construction.

The title of Business Person of the Year recognizes efforts of individuals who are committed to giving back to the community, have a high level of involvement and their leadership capabilities span a broad spectrum. The 2008 Navigator Award Nominees for the Business Person of the Year were Kristi Brown (The Cantina of Steamboat), Rex Brice (The Steamboat Restaurant Group), Roger Good (Retired), Laurie Good (Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation), Ernest Richardson (Steamboat Springs Orchestra and the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory).

For the second year, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association in partnership with Lyn Halliday and Environmental Solutions Unltd. gathered nominees for the Sustainable Business of the Year. The 2008 Sustainable Business of the Year Nominees were Big House Burgers, Smartwool, City of Steamboat Springs and PostNet.

Along with recognition of our leadership, the passing of the gavel from Past Board President (Scott Marr) to New Board President (Chris Diamond) and a winter marketing presentation by guest speaker Rob Perlman, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, guests at this year’s Navigator Awards were the first to see the debut of the Chamber’s new hospitality program. Spurs on Service is a program for businesses with the intention of perpetuating our western, friendly culture. It is a multi-pronged program with incentives for employees and employers. Components of the program include “Steamboat Culture” training, website resources, information packets that will be helpful for lodging properties, retail shops, restaurants and local activity centers as well as being enrolled in the Business Service Certification Program.

First Friday ArtWalk on December 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:43:00 +0000

Fourteen local art venues are offering special hours on Friday, December 7th for a new monthly event called the First Friday ArtWalk . The public is invited to stop in for refreshments, entertainment and special exhibitions between 5 pm and 8 pm at these locations: Blue Sky Pottery, East West Frame Shop, Gallery 11, Images of Nature, K. Saari Gallery, Sleeping Giant Gallery, Spill the Beans, Steamboat Art Depot, Steamboat Arts & Crafts Gym, Steamboat Art Museum, Steaming Bean Coffeeshop, The Artists’ Gallery of Steamboat, The Portfolio Collection, and Wildhorse Gallery. A map showing all the locations is available at any of these shops as well as other sites around town.

“We expect that the list of local art venues participating in First Friday ArtWalks will grow,” states Linda Laughlin, Visual Arts Director for the Steamboat Springs Arts Council. “This is the first one of a regular event we hope to continue throughout the year.”

Among the special events happening this Friday are the showing of new works by Hellen Amero and Larry Pierce at Spill the Beans; new works by Barb Sanders, Dancy St. John, and Denise Bohard Brown at the Artists’ Gallery of Steamboat; the artwork of Max daMore at Steaming Bean; the opening of new works by Rodney Wallace, Ron Johnson, and Emily Hall at K. Saari Gallery; a special collection of ceramic holiday ornaments and serving pieces at Blue Sky Pottery; and new landscape and wildlife images by Ken Lee at Gallery 11.

Other artwork on view includes Navajo Weavings and new weavings by Wendy Kowynia at the Art Depot; quilts by Judy Kendall and Sharon Yanaconne at Steamboat Arts & Crafts Gym, photography by Jim Steinberg at The Portfolio Collection; works by Thomas D. Mangelsen at Images of Nature, and works by Don Tudor and Cully Kistler at Sleeping Giant Gallery as well as works by 50 regional artists at Wildhorse Gallery. Also, the Steamboat Art Museum is featuring works by E.W. ‘Bill’ Gollings and East West Frame Shop has artwork by local artist Michelle Ideus.

Some venues will also be offering in-store specials during the ArtWalk hours only.

For more information about the First Friday ArtWalk, contact Linda Laughlin at the Art Depot, 879-9008.

Marathon & Beyond Features the Steamboat Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:11:00 +0000

Get your hands on to the March/April issue of Marathon & Beyond to see our very own Steamboat Marathon as the featured race.

Feature races are chosen by the editorial staff and every edition features a new race including a race overview, community information and runner reviews. Unlike other race profiles organizers cannot buy their way into the publication so it is a real honor to have the Steamboat Marathon as the featured race.

The March/April issue of Marathon & Beyond goes on newsstands in February. Pick up a copy and then go register for the 2008 Steamboat Marathon here in Steamboat Springs, CO. Registration for the 2008 race opens on January 1, 2008 and usually fills by the end of April (500 cap).

Visit http://www.steamboatmarathon.com/ for race information or to register.

Black Tie Skis Earns Gold Certification by Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:02:00 +0000

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (November 29, 2007) – Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery’s Steamboat Springs Colo. branch has earned Gold Planet certification from the Steamboat Sustainable Business Program.

Black Tie Skis worked with the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association’s environmental consulting service, Environmental Solutions Unlimited, to learn about common sense business practices that help attain sustainability. The program is strictly voluntary; offers community-wide recognition as well as access to resources that help implement, measure, and continually improve environmental sustainable practices.

"The owners of Black Tie Ski Rentals have placed a strong emphasis on incorporating sustainability practices into their organization," said Lyn Halliday, president of Environmental Solutions Unlimited. "They have made a commitment to continually look for new ways to incorporate environmental excellence into daily operations."

As a Gold Planet certified business, Black Tie Skis has integrated sustainability into their mission statement; designated two in-house sustainability coordinators; pledged to educate and train employees about sustainability; and completed a comprehensive energy assessment summary, successfully meeting ten of the program’s elective practices. Additionally, employees are encouraged to car pool to work and volunteer for non-profits. Incentives include daily ski passes at Silverton Mountain and up to 24 hours of paid time off respectively.

Black Tie Skis Continues to Re-Define the Ski Rental Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:30:00 +0000

Award-Winning Ski Rental Delivery Company Enhances Client Services for 07/08 Season

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Co. (November 13, 2007) - Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery, who forever changed the ski and snowboard rental process five years ago, encourages winter enthusiasts to re-discover their ski vacations this coming season. With 10 locations serving 21 winter destinations markets, Black Tie Ski Rentals is the industry leader with the largest delivery rental network in the US and Canada. Black Tie Skis provides personalized service, exceptional equipment, and a convenience level that traditional rental facilities can’t match.

"At Black Tie Ski Rentals we decided to knock down the walls of the conventional ski shop and create North America's premier ski rental delivery service", said Ian Prichard, founder of Black Tie Skis/owner of the Steamboat Springs, CO branch. "We are inspired by having our service revolve around our guest's needs and consistently providing them with exceptional ski rental experiences."

For 07/08 Black Tie has committed additional resources to ensure memorable winter vacations from start to finish. The website has been re-designed and features "Club Black Tie", a fast, secure, time-saving, booking system created to compliment the reservation process. Members can manage their own accounts, create skier profiles, view past and future trips, receive equipment suggestions from Black Tie owners based on their skier profiles, access trip planning tools, provide customer feedback, and by enrolling, receive the lowest available rates.

Read the full Press Release:
http://www.blacktieskis.com/media/

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if need additional information, images, or would like to schedule an interview.

Cathy Wiedemer, Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery Public Relations, 970.291.9013, cathy@blacktieskis.com

STEAMBOAT RESCHEDULES SCHOLARSHIP & OPENING DAY TO NOVEMBER 30th

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:03:00 +0000

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-November 15, 2007 - Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation announced today that it has rescheduled its 2007/2008 Scholarship/Opening Day to Friday, November 30, 2007 due to the recent period of warm weather.

Read more...

Historic Howelsen now offering Winter Tubing

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:16:00 +0000

Steamboat Springs – offering the best in wintertime fun

Print or download the PDF of this press release by clicking here.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – Located just steps from downtown Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill, the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado, with the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America, has just added a NEW activity for the winter 2007-2008 schedule.

Read more...

City Sales Tax Up 10.88% for September 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:57:00 +0000

September 2007 sales tax collections increased 10.88% from sales tax collections for the month of September 2006. Year-to-date, sales taxes are up 8.66% over the same time period for last year...

Read more

Help Wanted in Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:40:00 +0000

Now is the time to find a job or second job for the winter...

The Colorado Workforce Center, located at 425 Anglers Drive, can be a useful stop for individuals seeking employment in Steamboat Springs. With the winter toursim season just around the corner many of our local businesses have employment opportunities and the Workforce Center can help you find the right job.

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Assoc. also has Job Listings on their website at www.steamboatchamber.com.

Available positions can usually be found to fit any schedule. Whether you're looking for a full-time day job, evening hours, a second job or a new career the Workforce Center will certainly point you in the right direction.

Visit the Steamboat Springs branch of the Colorado Workforce Center, 425 Anglers Drive, by clicking here or call (970) 879-3075 for assistance.

Steamboat Springs Sets Birth Record

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:30:00 +0000

(AP) STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. No one is sure why, but Steamboat Springs set a record for births last month.

The earlier recorded, 49, was set in July of 2006.The Steamboat Pilot reports that last month, 59 infants were born.

Yampa Valley Medical Center spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said the numbers of births has been rising as more people move into northwest Colorado.

Dr. Mary Bowman, who delivered many of the children, said maybe it was the cold winter.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story indicated that Riley Polumbus delivered some of the babies.

Steamboat Unbridled

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:42:00 +0000

Stampeding Towards An Era of Change & Improvement
In A Place Where Old-Fashioned Friendliness Remains

Learn more about the exciting changes in Steamboat Springs @
Steamboat Unbridled

Coming Soon!
http://www.steamboatunbridled.com/

Tubing in Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:01:00 +0000

Tubing
Tubing is a fun winter activity for kids and adults of all ages.
Available at Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs or at Saddleback Ranch’s Yee-Haw Tubing Hill.

Tubing Steamboat
Come to historic Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs for the ride of a lifetime! Ride the Magic Carpet to the top and come screaming down on a snow tube provided at the hill. There is a special lane for those who wish for a slower ride. This is a must-do experience for all ages. Children must be at least 36″ tall.

Location
Located just steps from Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Steamboat Springs. Walk across the bridge at 9th Street or drive across the Yampa River at 5th Street and turn right on Howelsen Parkway.

Hours
Tubing sessions begin on the hour and last one hour in length. Tubing office hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm. Snow Tubing at Howelsen will operate, weather and snow conditions permitting, Dec. 14 - April 1 daily, afternoons and evenings.

Tubing Steamboat - Rate*
$18.00

Saddleback Ranch
Strap on your spurs, pull down your hat and ride Saddleback Ranch’s brand new Yee-Haw Tubing Hill. The hill is groomed and equipped with a state of the art tube-tow lift system that attaches itself to the tube to transport you back to the top. From there, speed down the hill on a large inner tube provided by the ranch. At the bottom, warm up in the Longhorn Warming Lodge, grab a bite to eat or a warm drink from the concession stand and hit the slope again. Snow tubing is suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Discounts for groups over 20 people. Children under five are free and must ride with a paying adult. All riders must sign waiver, if under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location
Located just 15 miles west of Steamboat Springs, pick-up and drop-off is at the transit center on Mount Werner Circle.

Hours
Pick-up times are 11:45am, 1:15pm, 3pm, 4:30pm Monday-Sunday with night tubing pick-up at 5:15pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Tubing on Yee-Haw Hill - Rate*
$22.00

*These are the 2007-2008 winter rates. Prices include transportation and 1.5 hours of tubing.

Howelsen Place, Alpenglow Tenants TBA

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:46:00 +0000

Steamboat Springs — Colorado Group Realty is expected this week to announce the commercial and retail tenants at two local developments, which are scheduled to bring a number of new businesses to downtown Steamboat Springs in 2008.

More than half of the commercial space at Howelsen Place has been leased, and the Alpenglow development has filled more than 70 percent of its commercial capacity, according to John Sanders of Colorado Group Realty.

“It’s a great mix of tenants going in. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised,” Sanders said.

Both of the mixed-use developments currently are under construction. The two developments have 17 commercial tenant spaces — 11 at Howelsen Place and 6 at Alpenglow — and will bring 49 new housing units to downtown Steamboat, including loft condominiums, townhouses and affordable housing.

Howelsen Place is located at the corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue at the former site of the Harbor Hotel, and Alpenglow is a block away at Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue, former site of the Nite’s Rest motel.

Because demand for commercial space in the new developments is much higher than can be accommodated, Colorado Group Realty currently is weighing its options and deciding which businesses will be selected to lease the remaining parcels.

“We’re trying to decide which are going to be the best fit,” Sanders said, emphasizing that Colorado Group Realty is aiming for a good mix of different types of businesses at both Alpenglow and Howelsen Place.

Sanders declined to release any additional information about the developments’ future commercial tenants.

“We could fill the whole building right away if we wanted to,” he said. “But we’re not just filling holes.”

Commercial tenants currently are scheduled to take possession of their spaces this spring at Alpenglow and in fall 2008 at Howelsen Place. Each commercial tenant will open sometime thereafter on their own schedule.

Major developments also under construction or site preparation downtown include The Victoria at 10th Street, the Olympian at Fifth and Yampa streets and the Riverwalk project at the east end of Yampa Street.

At Wildhorse Marketplace on Mount Werner Road, Resort Ventures West recently took over commercial sales and leasing from Prudential Realty Steamboat and is working on an overhaul of the center’s marketing campaign.

With Wildhorse 6 Stadium Cinemas as its anchor, Resort Ventures West is specifically seeking restaurant tenants to add to the “overall destination and experience” of Wildhorse Marketplace, according to Kerry Shea of Resort Ventures West.

“The overall theme that we’re really looking to hit out the park … is entertainment,” Shea said.
The development has about five commercial spaces still available in its completed construction, though some of those spaces may be subdivided.

Steamboat Socks on U.S. ski team

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:37:00 +0000

Steamboat Springs socks will continue to grace the feet of the premier skiers and snowboarders competing for the United States. SmartWool recently announced the continuation of its partnership with the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as its official sock supplier through 2011. The partnership spans nearly a decade.

“SmartWool is a great long-running partner of the teams,” said Ted Morris, the U.S. Ski Team’s vice president of sales and marketing. “SmartWool continues to provide our athletes with the most comfortable and top-performing product available, and we are very excited to carry on our phenomenal partnership as we head to Vancouver.”

Prudential Steamboat Realty Named Business of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:24:00 +0000

Prudential Steamboat Realty was named Business of the Year during the annual Chamber Navigator Awards Presentation on October 27th. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration for the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association at Sidney Peak Ranch.

The Navigator Awards are intended to not only recognize exceptional business practices, but also to honor businesses that demonstrate leadership in the community.

Broker Owners, Cam Boyd & Pam Vanatta are thrilled with this great achievement. “The success of Prudential Steamboat Realty is a direct reflection of who our agents are within the Steamboat community, and their commitment to making our valley better each and every day,” Boyd said of Prudential’s more than 70 employees. “Everybody in the office is part of some sort of charitable contribution to our community.”

“We are very fortunate to be in a lucrative industry in the Yampa Valley, and have the ability to give back to the community that has been so good to us,” Vanatta said. “The greatest success for us is to be recognized by our peers as role models for other member businesses.”

The reason Steamboat is such a unique community is due to all the financial support coupled with the relentless dedication locals give on a daily basis. Prudential values the Steamboat community and is honored to be recognized as a Navigator for the local area businesses.

STEAMBOAT LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:19:00 +0000

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-October 26, 2007-The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation launched a new redesigned website, www.steamboat.com, this week after the site underwent a comprehensive redesign in conjunction with TextureMedia, an industry leading, interactive technology agency.

"The web environment is one in which Steamboat focuses a considerable amount of energy, resources and money, with the ultimate goal of providing the latest functionality and technology to our guests," said Andy Wirth, executive vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer for Intrawest. "The new site combines the latest in web development technologies, all new navigation and architecture, an incredible brand communication platform and most importantly integrates seamlessly with our industry-leading iCORIS vacation booking engine, developed right here in Steamboat by the Steamboat team."

Last modified in 2002, site visitors will notice right off the navigation ease, interactive features, as well as a cleaner and crisper overall look and feel, which has been designed to mirror Steamboat’s most sought after qualities among our guests--western atmosphere, small-town charm, big snow and epic skiing/riding.

Steamboat.com’s interactive content will provide a richer, more compelling online experience as well as a hassle free transition into the resort’s state-of-the-art online booking engine-iCORIS, providing online guests direct reservation and booking capabilities through Steamboat Central Reservations. Steamboat’s website is maintained in-house using a sophisticated and custom-built Content Management System, allowing the resort to quickly update the most current information, incorporate evolving technology and improve functionality.

"Steamboat has one of the most sophisticated and proven web based reservations systems in CORIS- the system on which Steamboat Central Reservations runs," commented Wirth. “Booking a mountain vacation can be a daunting task and finding the best deal on airfares, lodging and more can be a complex proposition for many. The outstanding look, feel and functionality of this new site coupled with the power of iCORIS take the complexity and hassle out of the vacation booking process for our guests. It’s truly “hassle free” vacation booking.”

Steamboat.com is the ultimate online resource for resort information including facts, ski & snowboard school, snow conditions, trail map, on-mountain dining & activities, events calendar, comprehensive vacation planning services, media center and several online transaction services that enable direct access to lift tickets, season passes, rental equipment and more.

Steamboat teamed with TextureMedia earlier this year for a comprehensive redesign and remodel of www.steamboat.com. TextureMedia, a Boulder-based interactive technology agency, offers unparalleled expertise in design, technology and online branding services, completing work for companies including Google, Intuit, Crocs, Pearl Izumi, Wells Fargo, Fidelity, Thule, Pentax, Kelly Slater and the Denver Art Museum.

Ski show outgrew Vegas space, coming to Colorado in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:34:00 +0000

This is interesting news DNA published today about SIA moving to Denver, Colorado...

By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
Originally published 11:09 a.m., October 30, 2007
Updated 11:09 a.m., October 30, 2007

The Snowsports Industries America trade group said it will move its huge ski show to Denver in 2010 because it has outgrown its convention space at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay complex.

"We've literally been turning companies away and denying established brands the opportunity to expand their presence at the trade show," SIA President David Ingemie said in a statement ahead of a press conference today. "Strictly from a space issue, especially meeting and event space, we have been looking at alternatives for some time."

The group has committed to bringing its annual January confab here for 10 years, a move expected to attract $30 million in spending each year to the metro area.

The SIA gathering draws manufacturers, retailers, distributors and sales representatives from all facets of the snowsports world.

Exhibit space at the 2008 show in Las Vegas, scheduled for Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, has been sold out since last winter.

The SIA said the Denver space will give it room to expand over the years, while also aligning the trade show with a venue in a snowsports mecca such as Colorado.

Steamboat Springs Is Not Alone In The Struggle To Match Wages And Cost Of Living

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:23:00 +0000

PAY RATES AT ISSUE IN TELLURIDE

October 29, 2007

SAM Magazine — Telluride, Colo., October 29, 2007 — Dave Riley, Telluride’s new CEO, is creating controversy in this southern Colorado ski town. Riley has raised eyebrows with his contention that the operators of the Mountain Village to Town gondola do not deserve a raise, as they are already getting paid too much.

While the town of Telluride operates the gondola, which connects the historic mining town of Telluride to the ski area’s Mountain Village complex of shops, condominiums, hotels and second homes, the ski resort has a voice in the gondola’s operations. According to the Telluride Watch, Riley questioned a pay increase of $1 per hour for gondola operators. Currently, operators are paid $12 per hour, with a $1 per hour bonus for sticking out the season.

“The National Ski Areas Association comparable position and the national wage for that job is $8.06,” Riley said, adding, “only 36 percent of the ski areas provide an end-of-season bonus.” Opponenents claim that in Telluride, though, most hourly jobs are well above $8. “There is not one job in the newspaper that is $8, $9, $10 an hour,” town councilman, Jonathan Greenspan told the Telluride Watch. “The employee turnover rate will be astronomical (at a lower wage).”

Most jobs in Telluride command substantially more than comparable work in cities like Denver. The town faces, like many of Colorado’s other resort communities, a severe shortage of both workers and places to house them. And, with some of the highest real estate prices in the country, it’s unlikely that employees will be buying homes in the valley anytime soon.

Boom uncorks Steamboat splendor By Kyle Wagner

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:17:00 +0000

When former Burton Snowboards sales rep David Helman and his wife, Laura Brewer, were looking to leave South Haven, Mich., for a ski town in Colorado last year, they asked Helman’s industry contacts for recommendations.

And then they moved to Steamboat Springs, sight unseen.

“We chose Steamboat on blind faith,” Brewer says. “Totally based on Steamboat’s reputation as a small town with a progressive attitude and, of course, the champagne powder snow conditions.”

So many of Helman’s buddies at Burton, as well as boarders he ran into at competitions and people Brewer talked with through her work as a professional photographer, mentioned Steamboat’s “laid-back lifestyle, ‘real town,’ as opposed to some of the faux ski towns you see, and killer powder days,” that they were sold.

“As snowboarders, we were seeking longer winters, better snow conditions and generally living the mountain lifestyle. And we love the scenery here,” says Brewer, who is trying to establish a photography business in town.

“Because we both work on the Internet now — David runs a surfing/eco-tour company in El Salvador — we can basically live anywhere. And now we’re really looking forward to checking out the mountain.”

With nearly 3,000 skiable acres and an average of 331 inches of snow, not to mention legendary tree skiing in sections such as Christmas Tree Bowl, smooth corduroy on runs such as Buddy’s and plenty of champagne powder pockets in the Chutes, there’s a lot to look forward to.

The champagne reference, trademarked by the ski area, points both to the way the snow drifts down, light and fluffy like bubbles in a glass, how it sparkles when it lands, and how, on a powder day, it makes skis and snowboards do magical things.

And it seems to make the people who live in Steamboat pretty happy to be there.

“Well, I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” says Kent Eriksen, who hitchhiked from Aspen to Steamboat on the last day of 1974 and never looked back. “I mean, where else can you ski to work?”

Eriksen’s office is in the back of Orange Peel Bicycle Service on Yampa Street, where the Mountain Bike Hall of Famer builds custom bikes. His wife, world champion mountain bike racer Katie Lindquist, handles the books. But in the winter, he skate- skis every time he can get a free moment.

That’s after he skis to work, of course. “I live about 7 miles north of town, right on the edge of full-on wilderness, and it’s about a 1,200-foot drop into town,” he says. “I can get a block away from the shop on my skis.”

When Eriksen first came to Steamboat, the Wisconsin native had planned to be a photographer, but then mountain biking came along, and he fell in love with the sport.

Steamboat “was a different town then,” he adds. “It’s really changing right now; you look at the corners downtown, there’s all these three-story to four-story buildings going up with retail on the bottom and luxury condos on top. But I think the people here will stay the same for a while.”
The word “unpretentious” is often applied to the town and its inhabitants.

Steamboat is at the center of some of Colorado’s most valuable ranch country, as much wrangled as wrangled-over in agricultural versus developmental disputes. This all infuses Steamboat with an authentic cowboy charm, and it influences the choices in the shops and restaurants. That means plenty of Western wear and top-notch local produce.

Improvements abound

Intrawest, which bought Steamboat Ski Resort in March, continues to pump money into the area, with $16 million invested this year and an unspecified commitment over the next five years, says Michael Lane, the resort’s public relations director.

New this year is the Christie Peak Express, a six-passenger high-speed detachable chairlift that was installed in response to complaints about Steamboat’s inability to handle early-morning, powder- day crowds.

Also look for the new Headwall redesign at the bottom of the mountain, scheduled to be done by opening day Nov. 22. “It had better be,” Lane says, laughing.

“It’s in the beginner area,” he adds. “Look for a couple of different fall lines, three new trails with consistent pitch from 9 to 20 percent. It will really be a great improvement in that area, especially when there are a lot of people coming down.”

The resort does expect a significant increase this season over the 1.02 million visits last year, in part because of the addition of Steamboat to the Rocky Mountain season-pass lineup. The Super Pass Plus to Winter Park/Mary Jane and Copper Mountain ($499) allows for six days of unrestricted skiing as well as free skiing after noon every Friday at Steamboat. The Rocky Mountain Ultimate Pass ($1,344) offers unrestricted skiing at all three resorts.

“We’ve had tremendous response to those passes,” Lane says. “No final numbers yet, of course, but definitely a noticeable amount of response.”

Not all of the locals applaud the influx of newcomers, but Eriksen says you have to take the increased traffic and construction noise in stride.

“It’s getting expensive, but luckily we got a home before it got out of our price range,” he says. “There are good people here, and if more come, well, I just hope it’s more good people.”

Reshaping Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:38:00 +0000

Explosion of development leaves some locals feeling steamrolled

By Elizabeth Aguilera
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 09/29/2007 01:34:04 PM MDT

The arrival of ski-giant Intrawest in this already bustling ski town was like adding gasoline to the fire of furious development already underway.

Intrawest, the world's second-largest ski company, purchased the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. in March. The move has been described by many as a validation of all the backhoes, cranes and construction workers overrunning the town.

But the development has also come with a load of headaches for local business owners who say traffic and increased prices are changing their town.

Steamboat is preparing for more than 4,000 new beds across the town and more than $600 million in development over the next five years, ski-resort officials estimate.

Add to that the $16 million Intrawest is pumping into mountain improvements that include the installation of the new Christie Peak Express, a high-speed detachable six-passenger chairlift, and headwall slope regrading. The Urban Renewal Authority is overseeing $23 million in public improvements, and developers are in various stages of construction on the mountain and throughout downtown Steamboat.

Most of the ongoing projects were moving down the pipeline pre-Intrawest, said Chris Diamond, president and chief executive of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.

"These visions were created several years ago," he said. "It's not that Intrawest got here and all of this happened; the horse was out of the barn long before."

Read the entire article...

For more information about Steamboat Springs, events, local activities, dining and lodging visit www.steamboatchamber.com or www.steamboatsummer.com.

New Restaurant in downtown Steamboat!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:12:00 +0000

Bistro c.v. is located on 4th and Lincoln. The atmosphere is fresh and contemporary, and the menu features jet fresh food and is constantly changing based upon the freshest ingredients available.

With a style growing in popularity around New York and Miami, Bistro c.v. brings the sous vide technique to the Rocky Mountains! Sous Vide is French for “under vacuum.” Food that is cooked using this method is vacuum sealed and then cooked in water at a low temperature for long periods of time, sometimes days. Meat may be combined with vegetables or seasoning inside a single vacuum-sealed bag. “It really infuses flavor into a product,” Vaughn said of the method.
Be sure and try the Fox Fire Farms Lamb Rack, which is raised near Durango. This entre can either be prepared sous vide or grilled pending on the cut. I had the steak tartar with a fantastic salad…and a delicious glass of wine to complete the meal!

The bistro c.v. wine list highlights a variety of smaller production wineries while cherishing some of the larger vineyards as well. The wine list, like the menu, is constatnly changing pending availability and Craig’s (front of the house manager) mood. Owners, Brian Vaughn & Kevin Caparrelli, are focused on raising the bar of the Steamboat dining experience.

Call 970.879.4197 to make a reservation today.

Learn more about the many dining options in Steamboat or search local restaurants by category, right here.

New Nonstop Flight Service to Steamboat!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:09:00 +0000

The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation’s nonstop flight program will offer unprecedented access to Steamboat this season via nonstop air service from ten major airports on American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United Airlines. This is the highest number of nonstop destinations ever provided by the program, with all flights into the Steamboat/HDN airport.

“There’s no comparison, this season will irrefutably be the biggest in the history of nonstop flights into Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.®,” said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing. “Most importantly, this will make Steamboat even more easily accessible from major markets across the country and globally.”

Click here to see the 2007/2008 flight schedule

All flights to Steamboat can be booked through Steamboat Central Reservations (SCR). SCR represents the majority of lodging properties in the area and offers the greatest value and convenience with packages customized to include any or all of the following: air transportation, lodging, lift tickets, rentals, clinics, mountain dining, ground transportation, off-mountain activities, and travel protection insurance.

For one-call personalized service, virtual tours and easy booking, contact 1–800-922–2722 or online bookings at www.steamboat.com

To learn more about all that Steamboat Springs has to offer visit www.steamboatchamber.com or www.steamboatsummer.com.

New Gondola Planned for 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:07:00 +0000

Wildhorse Meadows has moved forward on the final details of planning a gondola from their multi-phase development to the ski area base. The gondola will carry passengers from the new Trailhead Lodge to an upper terminal near the ski area’s gondola building. Construction on the new gondola will need to run in conjunction with the progress of One Steamboat Place, as the landing terminal will be located in the public plaza, a part of their project.

Construction on the Wildhorse gondola will begin next summer, but it will not operate to the public until the beginning of the 2009–10 ski season. Wildhorse Meadows has entered into an agreement with Leitner-Poma to engineer the gondola.

Learn about what Steamboat Springs has to offer during the summer, www.steamboatsummer.com.

Nordic Center of the Rockies hosts the 5th Annual Steamboat Nordic Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:24:00 +0000

Nordic Center of the Rockies, Steamboat Springs Colorado, hosts the 5th Annual Steamboat Nordic Camp. This year Olympian Sarah Konrad will join the top notch coaching staff which includes other former Olympians and collegiate skiers. The 2-day format is an action packed, fun filled way to kick the ski season. Catering to all level skiers, beginner to advance (race oriented), the camp includes 2 coaching session per day (classic and skate technique), 2007/2008 demo equipment available from Fischer, Atomic, Salomon, Rossignal, Swix, Craft, Toko, video analysis clinics, lunch and a fun social hour on Saturday pm.

At 6,700 ft elevation Steamboat typically has excellent snow in December which allows the camp to be held at two different xc ski venues offering beautiful scenery and diverse terrain. Camp director Emily Lovett says that the camp originally started for the local community in conjunction with a equipment demo-day at the local ski/outdoor shop, Ski Haus. “Now that and that the word as got around, we’re seeing folks from all over Colorado, Utah and the Midwest. We’re committed to keeping group sizes small and personal so that skiers get individual feedback that they can take away with them. We have great coaches – they make this camp what it is. It’s a fun way to kick off the season, get some good skiing in early and spend of weekend with the Nordic community that all we love.”

www.thenordiclink.com