As the snow guns fired briefly at Steamboat Resort on October 10th, locals started twitching to start a new ski season. Snowmaking crews at the resort officially started operations in late October for the 2019/20. Steamboat is set to open on November 15th, the earliest opening in the resort’s history, amid the fanfare of unveiling changes at the resort.
Rob Perlman, President and COO of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation, announced a $15M new gondola, among the biggest news at the resort since it was bought by Alterra Mountain Company in 2018. The highly anticipated Doppelmayr gondola will take riders up the mountain 38% faster than the original 30-year-old lift. The RFID gates were moved to the entrance of the gondola building to avoid congestion with improved stairs at Thunderhead Lodge for a smoother exit to the slopes.
For the first time in more than 10 years, the resort will offer ski tuning in-house at Steamboat Sports in Gondola Square. Guests will be able to leave equipment to get waxed and tuned based on current conditions. On the mountain, guests will have an opportunity to trade in skis or demo new lines at a brand new building at the intersection of Spur Run and Tower Trails. Over 360 sq. ft. of space is dedicated to Rossignol, Nordica, Volkl and Head equipment.
Dedicated powderhounds can reap rewards with the “Ski Your Pass Off” loyalty program. Rewards include a First Tracks ticket and dining vouchers. Full Ikon pass holders have unlimited night skiing and snowboarding for the first time. Ikon Base pass holders have an opportunity to ski one night either on the same day they ski or they can opt to trade one of their days for night skiing.
Changes have been made to this year’s air program and winter seasonal flights begin in December. Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines will provide non-stop access to Hayden Airport from 14 major airports in North America, along with convenient connections to over 300 airports worldwide.
“ Steamboat continues to invest in its guests and the destination experience that can only be found at Ski Town USA,” Perlman said.