Just happy to be here! Steamboat, opening day 2009
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It’s easy to be thankful in Steamboat,when your mountain opens every year the day before Thanksgiving. This year Steamboat opened with 12 runs served by 2 lifts, including the Christie Peak Express six-pack. The day was sunny, the snow was soft and there was something for everyone. Skis and boards were waxed and edges were sharpened for the big day as beginner, intermediate and expert terrain were all open.
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Enjoying the Park on Opening Day
And let’s not forget the Park scene. Not bad for opening day… Steamboat offered 14 park features including rails and jumps, keeping the kids (and those of us watching from Gondola Square) entertained all day.
Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t typically bring big powder days at any resort and terrain is usually limited, to say the least. But Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp’s upgrades to the snowmaking system this summer allowed Steamboat to shine.
“This is one of the best Thanksgiving holiday weekends I can remember for many years,” commented Chris Diamond, president and chief operating office. “With the anticipated opening of the Gondola and Burgess Creek, there’s a lot to be thankful for as we kick off the 2009/10 season in terrific fashion.”
Opening Day was Scholarship Day for the local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Everyone (even pass holders) gladly pay a discounted price of $20 per lift ticket because 100% of the proceeds go to the SSWSC. Scholarship Day has raised over $500,000 for local athletes and the SSWSC has been a part of sending over 70 athletes to the Olympics. Not too shabby!
Friday, the mountain will open even more terrain! The Gondola will be running and Burgess Creek Chair will be added to the mix, adding seven more trails.
Open runs will be: Arc, Big Foot, Boulevard, Flat Out, Preview, Right-O-Way, Stampede, Why Not, Yoo Hoo, Ego, Heavenly Daze, Jess’ Cut-Off, Lightning, Rudi’s Run, Sitz, Tower, Vogue, See Me and Lil’ Rodeo.
Warm Western Hospitality. Every day, all day in Steamboat.
We’re off to a great start in Steamboat and we can promise there is snow in the forecast this winter, so it’s time to book that vacation and come enjoy a resort where the locals’ are the friendliest around, prices are actually reasonable and the snow…well, it’s truly Champagne Powder all season long. What are you waiting for?
Photos courtesy of Larry Pierce, best darn photographer in Steamboat.
