Opening day is upon us for the 22/23 ski season at Steamboat Resort. On November 23, 2022, skiers and boarders will get their first glimpse of improvements at the resort, which is undergoing a multi-year, $200M+ development plan.

Full Steam Ahead

Now in its second year, phase 2 of the project known as Full Steam Ahead is nearing completion. Upon entering the base area, guests will find Skeeter’s Ice Arena, named after the Steamboat-raised Olympian and founder of the Steamboat Ski School. A revamped stage area will play host to a line-up of concerts throughout the season.

The Wild Blue Gondola

Across the promenade from Steamboat Square, the Christie Peak Express lift was moved south this summer to make way for the highly anticipated Wild Blue Gondola. Phase 2 saw completion of the lower leg of the gondola, which will eventually continue to the top of Sunshine Peak. By the end of phase 3, the new gondola will be the largest in North America, covering 16,008 horizontal feet and 3,371 vertical feet with 171 cabins.

This winter, it will operate with 54 cabins and a journey time of five minutes with access to the new beginner area, Greenhorn Ranch. The designated learning space includes one lift, four beginner magic carpets, and 30 snow guns on 14-acres of terrain-based learning. A warming structure will provide a place for students of the Snowsports School to take breaks and have lunch.

New Food and Drink Hall

In mid-December, The Range Food and Drink Hall is set to open in the Steamboat Square, bringing four new eatery options to guests. Diners can opt from Sunshine Bowl Ramen, Twister Tacos, Why Not Sweet Spot and Pioneer Pie. A second-floor bar with outdoor deck space will offer views of Steamboat Square and the lower mountain.

New STARS Patrol Base

Full Steam Ahead also includes a new patrol base and a permanent home for Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) on-mountain operations. Around $100M has gone into construction this year, with another $5.4M in upgrades to existing infrastructure, employee housing and other on-mountain improvements.