Ski area management naturally comes with the ebbs and flows of creating terrain for guests while maintaining natural ecosystems. As stewards of this beautiful mountain, protecting and enhancing the habitat of native wildlife is a top priority for Steamboat Resort. This is why we ensure any disturbed areas on mountain are revegetated with native and resilient flora.

In alignment with the resort’s recently approved vegetation management plan, and to continue our commitment to environmental stewardship, SSRC has seeded and reforested it’s new World Class learning area, Greenhorn Ranch, and other disturbed areas resulting from the installation of snowmaking pipe.

In the summer of 2024, the resort planted ~3000 lodgepole pine trees received from the U.S. Forest Service. Planting was targeted at the lower section of Greenhorn Ranch and efforts were aimed at returning the disturbed areas to historical vegetation density and to provide a distinctly Western ranch feel.

The resort leveraged partnerships with the Colorado State Forest Service and the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to support planting efforts and foster a connection to the land. In the summer, water from snowmaking is used to water the trees. To ensure that small trees don’t get damaged by snowmaking in the winter, we plant trees in areas that experience minimal snowmaking. For areas with snowmaking, we plant shrubs that can survive under a heavy snow load.

Amongst the numerous advantages of reforestation, one amazing benefit is that root systems help to prevent soil slumping and allows SSRC to maintain level, even slopes.

Additionally, to support climate initiatives and mountain revegetation, the resort has piloted composting efforts at our base area restaurants. After seeing tremendous success in the winter of 23/24, the resort received six cubic yards of compost back to support planting efforts. By using compost during revegetation projects, nutrients are returned to the soil, ultimately enhancing the ecosystem and supporting flora growth.

As Fall arrives, and planting season is in full swing, the resort will also be planting Ponderosa Pine, Aspen, and Blue Spruce saplings at Greenhorn Ranch. This work is helping to increase biodiversity and provide the natural western aesthetic that Steamboat proudly boasts.