100-INCH SNOW MARK SURPASSED DUE TO NEARLY TWO FEET OF POWDER IN TWO DAYS
Storm Brings 10.5 Inches in 24-Hours; 22.5 Inches in 48-Hours and 34.5 Inches in Past 7 Days
More Than 8.5 Feet of Snow Has Blanketed The Mountain Since October 1
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 16, 2015-With snow still falling across the mountain, the Steamboat Ski Resort surpassed the 100-inch season snowfall mark for the year due to a series of storms over the past week and nearly a foot of Champagne Powder® snow which fell overnight.
“This past week has been a huge snow maker, providing one of the largest mid-mountain bases of the major Colorado destination resorts, and a summit base that’s topping out over 40 inches,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat is enjoying some of the best snow in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.”
Steamboat is currently in a storm cycle that has yielded 10.5 inches in 24-hours; 22.5 inches in 48-hours and 34.5 inches in the past seven days at mid-mountain. Snowfall will continue for the northern mountains with an uptick on Wednesday evening and during the day Thursday when a shortwave moves over the area, bringing possibly 6 to 11 inches of new snow.
In December, snow has fallen 9 out of 16 days with 4 of those days recording four or more inches. So far this season, Steamboat has seen 5.5” in October; 58.5” in November; and 39.75” in December for a combined total of 103.75” (8.65 feet). The resort is reporting a 42-inch base at mid-mountain and 41-inch base at the summit on powder conditions.
Currently 13 lifts with 120 trails covering 2,085 acres, or 70% of the resort’s terrain, are open, including most of the resort’s legendary tree skiing areas. The resort recently opened Sunshine Bowl and
Morningside Park as well as some of its extreme terrain such as the Chutes off Mt. Werner (10,568 feet). Additional terrain is expected to be available over the coming week. As conditions change, lift operations and terrain may vary based on additional snow. A complete list of open mountain trails and lifts is available each morning.
Snowmaking crews recently surpassed the 95 million gallons mark, far ahead of what is typical for this time of year, and will continue to take advantage of weather patterns that are favorable to snowmaking. Crews are currently focused on Huffman’s, Moonlight, lower Valley View, Bashor Bowl, Maverick’s Halfpipe, NASTAR, Rough Rider, Sundial and Voo Doo. As snowmaking slows, the resort anticipates opening Rabbit Ears Terrain Park as early as this weekend. In addition, several new pocket parks on Vagabond and lower Concentration will open over the coming week.
“With more storms headed to Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.® over the coming days, winter is in full force and everyone 
should be ready for any type of weather. DEEP SNOW CONDITIONS exist on all parts of the mountain,” said John Kohnke, patrol director. “If skiing and riding in deep snow or near trees, steer clear of tree wells and stay with a partner. Remember; there is always room for a friend on a powder day.”
The current Colorado Avalanche Information Center backcountry avalanche rating for the Steamboat zone is CONSIDERABLE near and above treeline slopes and MODERATE below treeline. Skiers and riders venturing beyond the resort boundary need to be cautious of unstable conditions, carry proper equipment and be knowledgeable of backcountry terrain.
Steamboat is serving up heaps of Champagne Powder® snow and package values almost as deep as the snow! Steamboat’s nonstop flight program offers convenient access to Ski Town, U.S.A.® via nonstop air service from 11 major airports on Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines. Contact Steamboat Central Reservations® to explore travel options or for winter vacation packages including the SVIP package at www.steamboat.com or 1-800-922-2722.
