In January 1963, Storm Peak Mountain opened with one Poma Lift, named the Cub Claw. Sixty years later, that mountain has morphed into an international destination known as Steamboat Ski Resort, and by the 2023/24 Ski Season it will be the second largest ski resort in Colorado.

Ski Mountain Closing Day Extended

For the first time in three decades, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation extended closing day by one week to April 16, shutting the door on an epic winter. At the time of writing, the resort recorded 442 inches of snow at mid-mountain, and fingers are crossed around town it will still make the 450 mark. This puts the 2022/23 season among only eight other winters to see over 400 inches, since recording began in 1979/80.

New Features At Steamboat Resort

Beyond the endless supply of legendary champagne powder, riders and skiers had plenty to smile about. When the resort opened in November 2022, it was nearing completion on phase two of a three-phase, multi-million-dollar investment campaign. Greenhorn Ranch, a brand-new area designated for beginners proved a welcome addition to the resort, which is known for its family friendly appeal. The ranch is located next to Bashor Park, and boasts four magic carpets, a beginner chairlift, 30 snow guns and 14 beginner sculpted areas.

The lower portion of the new Wild Blue Gondola opened, bringing guests from the base to Greenhorn Ranch, with easy access to Thunderhead Lift and the upper mountain area. The second phase of the gondola will be built this summer and will continue up to Sunshine Peak. Upon completion, it will be the longest and fastest 10-person gondola in North America.

At the base area, an escalator now offers a seamless connection to the transportation center. The newly opened Skeeter’s Ice Rink proved to be a great success, alongside the purpose-built stage and fireside gathering area.

Ending The Ski Season In Style

Last weekend saw the start of annual spring shenanigans with the Splashdown Pond Skim and the Cardboard Classic. This year’s winner of the Classic was a robust stagecoach built by 10-year residents, Camille Di Trani and Robin Jackson.

“I think the last week of the season is going to be really fun for anyone who comes up because conditions are going to be fabulous, and there’s not going to be a lot of people skiing or riding. It’s just that time of year.” – Loryn Duke, Director of Communications for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.

Celebrating Olympian Billy Kidd

One person who will be celebrating the last weekend of the season in style is legendary Olympian Billy Kidd, who turns 80 years old. Everyone is invited to join the festivities on Sunday, April 16 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. With any luck, mother nature will grace him with eight more inches of snow and make his birthday weekend a record breaker for the mountain.