Happy Hallowinter!
We haven’t even celebrated Halloween yet and it already feels like mid-winter in Steamboat Springs. Happy Hallowinter!
With the recent snowfall over the past several days and 44 inches of snow received this month, October 2019 is officially the snowiest October on record in Steamboat Springs. In fact, October has been a record-breaking month for other parts of Colorado as well. Denver had a record-breaking low temperature of 9 degrees recorded earlier this month, and today, the 1 degree midday temperature in Steamboat feels much more like January than October. Brrr!
While the recent snow and frigid temperatures present a challenge for trick-or-treating on Halloween in Steamboat, quite the opposite is true for Steamboat Resort and its preparation for Opening Day on November 23rd. Obviously the snowfall is fantastic for creating a base for the slopes, and the chilly temperatures are allowing for continued snow-making to solidify that base.
As of Monday, all of the new gondola cabins have been loaded onto the line, and a few of them have even been unwrapped. Safety testing on the new gondola is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Once that is complete, crews will continue to make finishing touches on the upper and lower terminals in preparation for Opening Day.
The past week has produced some stunning and unusual “fall” scenes from around the Yampa Valley. Every year is a little bit different, but this year is definitely one to remember in terms of winter arriving early. Bruce’s Trail is open and groomed on Rabbit Ears, and while I wasn’t expecting to be cross-country skiing so early, I am excited about going on Saturday myself. Winter activities are abound on Rabbit Ears, and soon enough, Steamboat Resort will be abuzz with skiers and snowboarders as well.
Winter weather is forecasted to leave the valley for the next 10 days and we should expect to see that coveted Colorado sunshine along with high temperatures in the upper 30’s and low 40’s. The next round of winter weather is anticipated to arrive between November 11th and 15th, about 10 days before Steamboat Resort is scheduled to open for the season.
Don’t forget that this Sunday is Daylight Saving Time, so make sure to set your clocks back before you go to sleep on Saturday. Until next time, enjoy winter in Steamboat Springs because I’m willing to bet that it’s here to stay.
Happy Wednesday and Happy Hallowinter!
Erin Campbell, Mountain Biker, Alpine Skier & Snowboarder
Follow #SteamboatResort: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
