Core Contributor and Words: Jamie Aderhold
Steamboat Ski and Resort, CO
Activity:
Trees and Pow
Primary User:
Strong group of core riders
Core Score:
The Downlow
Off the beaten path, where riding is the number one priority. Best tree pow on the planet. Great ski town atmosphere.
Vibe
Great town feel. Locals live for the outdoors in all seasons. More Olympians from Steamboat than anywhere else in US.
Overview
Prepare to get Treed Off – with Aspens and Evergreens, that is. The steamer has boatloads o’ vertical too(3668 ft.), but lacks bowls. Little flat sections sprinkle the upper mountain. However, riders come for the most consistently light snow at any US resort. World class riders/competitors from freeride, park and pipe, moguls and racing disciplines.
Pow Pow
Locals chew it up before breakfast – so get out early then head out of bounds later.
Hounds have two possible powder plans:
1. Press glass at Gondy early and go right to Storm Peak to wait in line or
2. Board Gondy by 8:45 a.m. and wait at Sundown rope. Drop skiers right out of Gondy and head to Closets for firsts. Keep working the trees tighter and tighter for the fresh.
If Morningside opens later because of AVY control – be ready.
All chairs stay open throughout the storm.
Hit Morningside hikes when the storm clears.
Park and Pipe
Steamboat’s Mavericks terrain park sits on 14 acres and includes a 450-foot long, 56-foot wide Superpipe. It’s accessed by two chairlifts, Christie Peak Express and Bashor Chairlift.
For small & medium jumps, rails, boxes, and jib features head to intermediate Rabbit Ears Terrain Park located off Christie Peak Express. Take Main Drag or Boulevard to Big Foot to get there.
Lil’ Rodeo Park is the beginner park for kids of all ages (even rabbits–cause you know tricks aren’t just for kids).
Local Wisdom
Some overlooked but worthwhile valuable spots to hit are the Lower Mountain trees in big snow.
Lots of exposure options exist where snow can be great facing one aspect and mediocre in others.
When To Go
Typically great in early season compared to others – maybe not as great in spring.
Directions/Parking
Park at the Knoll if you get there early enough.
From Hayden Airport
The Hayden airport is located just a few miles east of Hayden and approximately 22 miles and 35 kilometers west of Steamboat Springs off Highway 40. From the airport, take the access road about 2 miles out to Highway 40 and turn right. Steamboat is about 22 miles east. There is no public bus service from the airport however, shuttle services are available.
From Denver
157 miles Northwest of Denver, an easy 3 hour drive. Take I 70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, Exit 205 (67 miles). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).
From Colorado Springs
230 miles Northwest of Colorado Springs. Take I 25 north to C 470 (53 miles) then C 470 west to I 70 west (15 miles). Take I 70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne exit 205 (67 miles). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).
Alternate Routes if Rabbit Ears Pass is Closed
Take this route if US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass is closed and you’re coming from Denver or Colorado Springs. Take I 70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, exit 205 (67 miles). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles). Head west on US 40 until the intersection with CO 134 (6 miles). Turn left and go over Gore Pass (CO 134). At Toponas, take Colorado 131 north to Steamboat Springs (40 miles). Or, take I 70 west (through Vail) until Exit 157. Take CO 131 North to Steamboat Springs (75 miles), then left on US 40 to town (4 miles).
From Ft Collins
Take CO 14 West, through Poudre Canyon, over Cameron Pass until Walden, CO. Take CO 14 (toward Steamboat Springs) until US 40, and turn right (West) over Muddy and Rabbit Ears Passes to Steamboat Springs.
From Grand Junction
Take I 70 West through Glenwood Springs and Eagle to Exit 157(117 miles). Take CO 131 North (75 miles) to US 40. Turn left on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (4 miles).
From Park City/Salt Lake City, UT
Take US 40/UT 189 South to Heber City, UT. Stay on US 40, Steamboat Springs is about 5 1/2 hours from Park City.
From Laramie, Wyoming
Take WY 230 West (Snowy Range exit) through Mountain Home to the Wyoming/Colorado border, the road changes to CO 127. Stay on CO 127 to Walden. Take CO 14 West to US 40 at Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs.
Low Cash Crash
Coming Soon. If you got something on the skid scene, hit us up at airmail@thegravityguide.com
Aftersession
Where’s the party? Hit us up at airmail@thegravityguide.com to tell everyone where to aftersess.
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