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STEAMBOAT SKI & RESORT SKIS OVER THE HILL
After four decades of success in the ski industry, Steamboat Ski & Resort celebrates its 40th birthday as one of North America's most popular mountain escapes and home of the Rocky Mountains' Champagne Powder®. Year after year, the resort distinguishes itself as one of the world's finest ski destinations and this year is no exception with the publishing of a commemorative book, special anniversary packages, an extravaganza weekend, Kids Ski Free™ programs, and $2 million in capital improvements.
Opening in 1963 with one mountain and only one double-chair lift, Steamboat Ski & Resort is now an expansive winter retreat spanning six different peaks with 20 lifts. The resort's mountains - Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge® and Christie Peak - provide access to 2,939 acres of terrain, 142 named runs and over 65 miles of trails. There is also an elaborate terrain park, featuring the Mavericks Superpipe - the country's longest half pipe for snowboarders and skiers. The resort's base elevation is 6,900 feet and reaches 10,568 feet at the summit.
To prepare for Steamboat's 2002/03 season and the celebration of 40 years, the resort invested $2 million into capital improvements. Money will be allocated to on-mountain dining facilities, snowmaking, new grooming equipment, upgraded magic carpet lifts and the installation of a music system in the Mavericks Superpipe. Additional improvements will be made in landscaping, parking lot lighting, resort signage and information technology.
The Steamboat ski experience has not gone unnoticed by critics. Readers of Ski Magazine recently ranked Steamboat Ski & Resort as 2003's #6 ski resort in North America, a promotion from 2002's #9 ranking. The award includes #4 rankings in family programs and terrain parks as well as a #6 ranking for snow quality.
In part, Steamboat's popularity stems from direct flight access to major U.S. cities. Steamboat Ski & Resort is only 22 miles from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), making it the most convenient ski resort in the Rockies.
Steamboat's reputation extends beyond world-class skiing as arriving visitors during the summer months continue to rise. Fly fishermen fish in the Yampa River, also popular for inner tubing and white water rafting. Robert Trent Jones II designed the local Sheraton Golf Course, featuring 18 holes, a practice facility, pro shop and a restaurant. Other summer activities include hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, shopping and dining. Steamboat is also an entertainment hub hosting the Strings in the Mountains Festival, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp and a variety of art shows.
Steamboat continues its industry leadership as home to one of the country's first private residence clubs, Christie Club, which recently completed its final phase construction. Christie Club now features 19 three-bedroom units, 14 four-bedroom units, two private ski-in, ski-out locker rooms, three outdoor jetted-spas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and a fully equipped health club.
Steamboat Ski & Resort's 40th birthday arrives with success and a world-renowned reputation. And today's combination of first-class skiing, Champagne PowderÒ, year round recreation and entertainment, easy travel access, attractive family programs and an innovative administration is an indication of another flourishing 40 years to come.
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