If you are unaware, Steamboat Resort is investing nearly $200 million on and around the mountain, so they can enhance the Steamboat experience for everyone who visits! The project is called Full Steam Ahead. This will plan for an après-ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, new lodging, a ski beach, and an ice rink. This will bring Steamboat into a new role as the second-largest resort in Colorado that will welcome you to the New West!
Please see a quick list of improvements to the Mountain –
Top-to-Bottom Gondola – The new Wild Blue Gondola will be the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10-person gondola in the country. With the lower leg opening in ’22-’23, and the upper leg opening in ’23-’24, the state-of-the-art gondola will feed skiers/riders through a newly created mid-station adjacent to Bashor bowl with the final destination at the top of Sunshine Peak.
At a total length of 3.16 miles, the new gondola will increase the out-of-base capacity from 6,000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour, getting skiers from bottom to top in 13 minutes.
New beginner terrain – The recently re-graded Rough Rider/Bashor Basin area will be the future home to the Greenhorn Ranch, an area that will be dedicated to beginner skiers and riders. Featuring a slope graded for beginners that will be a 0% to 15% angle, and progressive Terrain-Based Learning developed with Snow Operating and a dedicated chairlift.
The lower leg of the Wild Blue Gondola will have an unloading option at Greenhorn Ranch starting for the winter 22/23 season making access to beginner terrain easy for those new to skiing and riding.
Pioneer Ridge – 650 additional of expert/advanced acreage that will make Steamboat the 2nd largest ski resort in Colorado (from the 5th largest currently). This adventurous, gladed terrain will open in Winter 23-’24 and be serviced from a new chairlift.
Steamboat has long been known for our pristine intermediate terrain, and this new expansion will put us on the map for the best skiers and snowboarders in the world.
Enhanced Snowmaking – In order to provide an improved experience in Greenhorn Ranch and on Sunshine Peak, we need to make sure the surface is consistently covered and can open early. That’s where our new automated, Low-E snowmaking technology comes in – ensuring our most popular terrain is available by peak holiday visitation.
First Tracks fans will rejoice with earlier season coverage and new skiers will embrace the top-tier grooming and snowmaking efforts just for them.
Not only are all of these exciting improvements coming to the mountain but you will have access to an ice rink, food & drink hall, and more entertainment!
We are Full Steamboat Ahead here in Steamboat – can’t wait to see you soon!
