STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO- November 18, 2024 — Steamboat’s 62^nd winter season starts Saturday, November 23 when Christie Peak Express begins spinning for skiing and riding at 8:30 am. That moment we’ve been waiting for is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you out for another Opening Day and winter season.

“There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of Opening Day,” said Dave Hunter, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “All the hard work that goes into the off-season and the anticipation for the winter to come all comes together in this celebration. This winter’s mild La Nina forecast looks favorable for Steamboat and everyone on our team is excited to get the season kicked off and start sliding on snow!” 
 
For the first day of the season, guests can ski and ride on 10 trails including Sitz, Jess’ Cutoff, Vogue, Boulevard, Right O-Way, Skidaddle, Stampede and more, plus a “pocket terrain park” on Stampede, all accessible via Christie Peak Express. “This is a traditional opening for the resort,” said Hunter. “The new snowmaking and Wild Blue Gondola going all the way to Sunshine Peak means we can open that popular terrain earlier than ever, and our teams are working hard to get it ready for skiing and riding, but it’s not quite there yet. I think folks will be pleasantly surprised with how soon we can have that open.” 

Forecasts through Thanksgiving are calling for cold temperatures and light snow, which will assist the resort’s snowmaking capabilities, though high winds accompanying these storms could impact productivity.  

Opening Day festivities kick off at 7:30 am on Saturday with complimentary Powder Day donuts and Korbel mimosas (while supplies last). The official countdown starts at 8:29 at the base of Christie Peak Express Lift and the ringing of the Champagne Powder® Snow Bell and Champagne Ski Sabre at 8:30 am. After skiing and riding, stick around Steamboat Square for the presentation of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club donation and a free concert at 2:30 by Heavy Diamond Ring, the band behind the resort’s Steamboat Way songs.  

Greenhorn Ranch and Two Whoops carpet will be accessible via lower Wild Blue Gondola for first time skiers and riders, and students of Steamboat SnowSports School; a lift ticket is required to load Wild Blue Gondola unless a non-skiing parent is accompanying a child to a lesson. Steamboat Square will be ready to welcome guests with Skeeter’s Rink open daily from 3-6pm, including rentals as well as dining at The Range, Timber & Torch and T&T Grill, plus rental, retail and Creekside lockers. For early season, not all resort operations will be open. Skiers and Riders should be aware and respect all trail/terrain closures for the safety of themselves and the safety of mountain crews. Uphill Access is not currently accessible to allow mountain crews to continue snowmaking and grooming efforts. The Steamboat App, Website and snow report will keep skiers and riders updated about new trails, lifts and operations opening.  

The Steamboat Grand Hotel is also now open after a summer of improvements including infrastructure improvements, amenities upgrades and new room furniture. The Grand Pool and Fitness Center, Cabin Restaurant and all new Grand Market are open daily. 

With another winter season on deck, we can’t wait to welcome new faces and old friend back to our mountain and community. To learn more about winter in Steamboat or start planning your trip out, check out the buttons below. Don’t delay, there are some awesome deals and savings still available.