Mighty Fine Equine

Steamboat - Powder and Trees

As presented in www.FirstLightSports.com

"The mountains are calling and I must go. "John Muir

Traveling to the mountains is always a blessing for me. I live in beautiful hills of Wisconsin, but winter and summer, my heart draws me toward the peaks of the Colorado Rockies. I was able to visit and ski resorts in May through the American West, but I had never before been to Steamboat. I planned my trip much hope and anticipation for the power of champagne and lots of trees ..

I arrived in Steamboat aka "Ski Town, United States "late on a Friday afternoon. My flight to Denver went well and the 175 mile drive to Steamboat was beautiful in the sunshine on dry roads. On the smooth highway that meanders-40 in Steamboat we crossed the scenic Yampa Valley and the Were-Rabbit Ears pass. We found our way to a cozy ski condo in just under the gondola and arrangements for cross-country Saturday.

The blue sky of Friday had been covered thick heavy clouds on Saturday morning. Undaunted we have to ski Steamboat varied terrain, even if we did not appreciate his views. The clouds hung like a veil of Irish lace on the mountain in the early hours of the morning. There was virtually no wait at the gondola at 9 o'clock when we boarded and headed for the cable Gossamer our time. At the top of the gondola we headed towards the 10,372 ft summit called Storm Peak. On most days of storm Peak provides views of cardiac arrest and adrenaline edged ski. We found ourselves in that date in a miasma of white steam that seemed to have a proper life. We quickly disappeared into the trees and bumps that were running Closet and Shadows. The most surprising about this Saturday is unclear that the skiing was great. Although there was absolutely no sun, the temperature was moderate and the snow took place and forgiving. The day took us to places that I do not remember. We were skiing blind sometimes and we just let the mountain take us where he wanted. It's odd to say that a place, a piece of land, a mountain may have any kind of will or mind, but it is sure what Steamboat felt like to me in this mystical fog. After that day we have four men arrested on skis and asked to visit Restaurant Rendezvous Saddle building. We looked and looked at a trail map and concluded that it must be close, but because of thick clouds we had no real idea where it could be. Just then a breeze blew through and we've all seen the Rendezvous Saddle approximately 50 feet from where we were standing! Around 2:30, the temperature heat of the day set to yield to the approaching evening. As cold descended on the cloud we have given up their moisture, clouds and not the most wonderful thing can do in the mountains, snow. Our first day adventure ended as Steamboat Mountain under a blanket of snow to prepare for the next day.

I love people, and Buck general flash and pretense. I was so happy to find a family friendly and their attitude that the Earth in Steamboat. I like talking people wherever I go. Sometimes, my traveling companions roll their eyes and pull on my sleeve when I pose with the people I meet. I met Kathy J. which is double the ticket counter when she is not running the ski school or the office of mountain activities. Kathy not only help advise us on the route to take on the mountain, but helped us find a place to eat a meal in an Italian restaurant in a city too much. It could not have been more helpful and friendly. Virtually ever other person I met there, both employees and Steamboat skiers were sunk in the same mold as Kathy. Besides great skiing, it makes it easy to see why skiers flock to this resort cowboy attitude. I had the chance to sit down to chat with Mike Lane, Steamboat Director of Public Relations. I almost expected sales aggressive boasting major attributes of the mountain lifts, restaurants, grooming, whatever. Mike had two questions for me: "Did I have fun? "and" Steamboat What could be better? "If this is not for my three days of exposure to Steamboat before my meeting, I would have been surprised. It is an attitude everyday and it works well. People are affordable, unpretentious and genuine. I felt I could relax and be myself.

On Sunday morning the last vestiges of coverage Saturday cloud had disappeared. The sky was an uninterrupted London Blue Topaz horizon to horizon, the locals call it a day "Bluebird". After a hearty breakfast of potatoes and eggs, we started our day early and arrived at the gondola boarding area before the whole crowd. The weather remained perfect, warm and sunny all day. We skied the mountain from Tomahawk Cowboy Coffee, with many stops in-between in the ski as Rolex, Oops, Sunset, and three hours to name a few. The views which had been hidden from us Saturday were in full bloom now, rolling with views of snowy mountains in all directions. Thunderhead, the building up of the gondola, welcomes skiers to a wonderful world of opportunity. Steamboat likes to refer to the powdery snow here as "Champagne Powder". OK, I'm going with this. Sunday morning began with about 9 inches of fresh snow which was wonderfully light, was just a little body, and it was really fun. Like a good French Champaign? Of course. The land was transformed into a playground of genres. We pushed down the runs elevators, and around the mountain.

I had heard that Steamboat was famous for tree skiing. grown in the Midwest how to ski on ice and crud, if the tree is not ski race in my nature. But my photographer, Eric, had first learned to ski at Steamboat and was determined to make me a convert tree skiing. So ... in the trees we went. At first I was a little intimidated by the proximity and isolation the wooded area. But soon I was feeling and rhythm of blind corners, making some short turns and rhythmic, others time to let my skis run fast. I enjoyed the 174-Cm Skis Rossignol Bandit I was on, they were quite short and fit enough to an easy day for thousands of towers. My old 193-inch thin Dynastar unused in my closet at home, the relics too long and right past. Although has started with a black diamond called Twister a skier missing on the way to chat to the ridge. Its a ski binding released which then arced gracefully in the air down Twister when he stopped about 300 yards down the hill. The fresh powder made it possible for him to get this gnarly moguled run by sliding on his buttocks, leaving a trail more interesting.

At the bottom of the mountain Steamboat organized an outdoor concert after Ski. They had booked a band called "Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band", which, in deference to his name was really excellent. beers Cheap was readily available thanks to sponsorship by Budweiser, and some appeared instantaneous. The group has played a variety of songs with great instrumental backup, there were even groupies who came just for the band. They used round stickers identifiable group and wore them in a way single event. I think Steamboat made a visible effort to please everyone.

The city of Steamboat Springs is a return to the days of cowboy in its meaning. But there are T-shirt shops needed, bars and many good restaurants too. In the city, which is a couple of miles away from the base of the gondola, you can easily see the mountain ski resort is rising as a reminder why you came. There are many homes both expensive and reasonable price will be required to Steamboat, so do not be afraid to get out of reach for tight budgets.

On Monday, the powder was packed and maintained in most places a comfortable cruising texture. The next day, again, was beautiful with sunshine and blue sky. Today would be a treat for I was going to ski with Olympic champion skier Billy Kidd. Billy is an institution in Steamboat Stalwart and bears the enviable title of "Director of Skiing." Several days a week, regular skiers in Steamboat can meet and ski with Billy Kidd. There is a meeting place near the top of the gondola cleverly labeled "Billy meet here" with an electronic panel indicating whether or not Billy was skiing that day. Even if I'm not normally a hunter celebrity I really wanted to meet and ski with Billy. There were about eighteen of us that day for the event. Billy Kidd must be hundreds of times per year, but he is so affable and personable as you think it was the only time he has offered opportunities for the public. Billy did a wonderful presentation on skiing, competition, and life in general. Then we followed by a race called Heavenly Daze, where he was arrested several occasions and gave tips skiing. Here is a brief summary of the ski tips from Billy:

- Keep your hand comfortably sky

- Keep your hands and arms out of balance (and not your side)

- Face-you Alpine

- When you ski in the trees, watch the space between two (not the trees!)

- Wear a helmet

- Have fun

Billy is a wonderful representative for Steamboat! He personifies the attitude any station. There were some young skiers in the group that Billy has taken special effort to encourage. It was fantastic to see him interact with everyone.

Steamboat has the reputation and honor of being a family very welcome. I can attest to the fact that there were tons of families on the mountain. Lessons have been taken, the children were skiing with parents and skiers of all ages from the youngest to ever-getting-older children all had a great moment. Bring your friends, bring your families, or go with a group, you'll be very comfortable and have a great time in Steamboat.

FACTS AND FIGURES

LOCATION:

Steamboat, located in northwest Colorado, 160 miles/267kms northwest of Denver is an easy three hour drive from Denver. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne exit (# 205), then go north on Colorado Highway 9 to the town of Kremmling, then west on 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat is accessible by nonstop air service from nine major airports in the United States on American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest and United Airlines in addition to service connection for more than 200 other national and international cities.

ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN:

Located within the park Colorado Rockies, Steamboat is composed of six peaks: Mt. Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Christie Peak Ridge and Pioneer ®. 2965 acres / 1200 hectares of land offering a variety of trails for all levels. Gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, the sun and the storm peak are Steamboat specific claim to fame, with Champagne Powder ™ snow in the trees for the dogs in the most avid powder. Remember, the term "champagne powder was coined in Steamboat and the only place where you can find!

Resort Official Opening: January 1963

Elevation:

Downtown Steamboat ................................... 6695 feet

Ski Area Base .............................................. . .6,900 Feet

Christie Peak Summit .............................. 8015 feet

Thunderhead/Mid-Mountain.........................9, 080 feet

Summit / Mt Werner .................................... 10,568 feet

Elevation ................................................ 3668 feet

Terrain: 2965 acres / 1200 hectares (55.1 miles)

System track: 165 tracks, including parts of the tree gladed

Tree Terrain: 1,790 acres or 61%

Trail Classification:

14% Easier

42% More Difficult

44% The most difficult

Longest run: Why not more than 3 miles

Canons Snow: 375 acres

Average snowfall: 343 "

Lift System:

Gondola (8 passengers )............................................ ....... 1

High-Speed Six .............................................. ................ 1

High-Speed Quads .............................................. ............ 5

Conventional Quad Chairlift .......................................... 1

Triple chair ................................................ ................ 6

Double chairlift ................................................ .............. 2

Lifts surface .............................................. .. ................... 2

Total ................................................. ........................ 18

Uphill Capacity :...................................... 41,465 per hour

VTF ................................................. ............... 42592795

Season ... ... .... ... .. Visitors

07/08 ...... 1021950

06/07 Season ...... 1071755

05/06 Season ...... 1046650

Season 04/05 ......... 971770

03/04 Season ...... 1001625

02/03 Season ...... 1000723

01/02 Season ...... 1001003

00/01 Season ...... 1003317

Read more at www.FirstLightSports.com

About the Author

George Karioris is the Senior Feature Writer for www.FirstLightSports.com

George has had a desire to write since his school days where he occasionally contributed to his college newspaper. He has written for some online publications producing mostly travelogues for visits to various ski venues. George wants to bring the excitement and beauty of his sporting travels to the web through his feature articles. When on the snowy slopes he loves steep cruising ski runs where he can let his skis run. An avid road biker, George pedals in many organized rides plus near daily solo head-clearing rides. When he's not biking, skiing, or writing for First Light Sports, George works his "day job" writing software for a large financial institution.

E-Mail: george@FirstLightSports.com

FRONTIER PHANTOM 1952 LASH LARUE TRAILER