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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-August 25, 2010-Steamboat Ski Resort unveiled a number of on-mountain improvements designed to enhance the overall resort experience for the upcoming 2010/2011 winter season. The highlight will be the new Terrace and Umbrella Bar at the Bear River Bar & Grill which is anticipated to transform the gondola base area. Significant snowmaking enhancements round out the summer’s program.

“Steamboat is synonymous with a warm, friendly western welcome and providing the best guest experience along with heaps of signature Champagne Powder® snow,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “This season, the resort continues the momentum built over the past several years to enhance the on-mountain experience and continue the revitalization of the base area.”

Significant investments to the resort’s infrastructure over the past five years have complemented the array of recent private developments that have swept the mountain village. The following outlines the on-mountain improvements that have solidified the resort mountain experience for guests of all ages. Combined with numerous public projects in the mountain village, at the Steamboat/Hayden Airport and downtown, these projects represent the most significant enhancements to the community in decades.

“In today’s economy, the community of Steamboat Springs, including the resort, continues to move forward by investing in infrastructure projects,” commented Diamond. “The new base area promenade construction, plus downtown and airport improvements, represents a strong commitment to provide the best experience for our guests. We look forward to sharing the enhanced experience, along with a boat load of snow, with Steamboat powderhounds this season.”

For the upcoming 2010/11 winter season, a number of projects are currently underway across several resort departments including snowmaking, lift maintenance, hiking & biking master plan, food & beverage, terrain park and information technology.

2010/2011 ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS

Terrace & Umbrella Bar: In conjunction with phased construction of the new Promenade, the existing Bear River deck will be removed and replaced with a new Terrace and Umbrella Bar. This will be a fully-heated, glass-enclosed facility just steps off the Promenade. The all-season, European-inspired Umbrella Bar features floor to ceiling windows for year-round enjoyment. In addition, a new outdoor fire pit will add to the fun at the ski area base. Rough grading for the base area promenade is being completed this summer, with the final hardscape and daylighting of Burgess Creek scheduled to finish next summer.

Snowmaking: Snowmaking pump changes will result in a 27% increase in water flow as the 12-inch pipe under Highway 40 is replaced with a 14-inch line and three 52-horsepower pumps are upgraded to two, 200-horsepower ones, moving the gallons per minute from 3300 to 4200. Couple the increased flow with the purchase of 40 high-efficiency, low-energy tower guns, and early season snow production will augment the number of trails available at the beginning of the season. The HKD tower guns, which use 30% less energy than conventional guns while producing the same amount of snow, are now strategically located across the mountain on Heavenly Daze, Rudi’s Run, Lightning, Upper Vagabond, Ego, Sitz as well as Stampede, Lil’ Rodeo, Preview, Right-O-Way, See Ya, See Me, Voo Doo, Vogue, Lower Vagabond, Tornado Lane and Buddy’s Run.

“The early season on-snow product will be significantly improved this winter due to ongoing snowmaking improvements, technological advancement and additional hardware,” said Doug Allen, vice president-mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “With this technology, crews take advantage of shorter cold weather windows; cover more of the trail; and, treat guests to a drastically better early season skiing and riding product in the process.”

Furthering efforts to use less electrical energy and water in the production process, heavy compressor modifications in addition to flow meters and hose will also improve efficiency of the system. Hydrants will be added to accommodate the new tower guns, reducing the spacing from roughly 225 to every 75 feet along many trails. Increased system water pressure will amplify production by 25% with the ability to run up to 100 tower guns simultaneously. In addition, the new pumping capacity will greatly speed up snowmaking production in Mavericks Superpipe. The resort’s system covers nearly 360 acres of top-to-bottom terrain (3,668 vertical feet) and includes a network of over 600 available hydrants, 4 pump houses across the mountain, 150 high-efficiency guns and a state-of-the-art digital operating system.

Pine Beetle Mitigation: A dramatic change has taken place across the lower mountain as a result of extensive pine beetle mitigation. For the better part of a decade, the resort has been dealing with this epidemic moving from individual tree treatment to mass removal of dead trees. The ski area enjoys a diverse forest where Steamboat is fortunate that the forest cover on the mountain is comprised primarily of Engelmann Spruce, Subalpine Fir, Lodgepole and Aspen as well as a few Douglas fir. Fifty acres of trees have been removed below Rough Rider Basin and another 30 acres on the Thunderhead Express and Burgess Creek lift lines are currently being removed.

New Rails/Features in Terrain Parks: Ranging from small to large, 30 new and refurbished rails/features will pop up this season across the resort’s four progressive terrain parks. With input from pro riders, a variety of small, 8’ to 12’, low-to-the-ground and shaped boxes will provide the opportunity for learning the basics in transitions and kinked sensations. In the medium park, a new 16’ picnic table and several 24’ shaped boxes will be unveiled for a variety of Down/Up and Double Kinked riding opportunities. A new Wall Ride, several additional large features as well as a new entrance in the advanced park complete the full spectrum of progression from beginner to advanced.

KVC Magic Carpet Relocation & Corridor: Last winter, the newly renovated Kids’ Vacation Center opened to rave reviews and further solidified Steamboat’s position as the #1 Family Resort in North America. The relocation and realignment of the Buckaroo magic carpet lift ensures a better learning environment in the new One Steamboat Place snow area. A magic carpet is a state-of-the-art conveyor lift that has revolutionized kids’ programs by quadrupling the number of runs kids take per hour.

Hike & Bike Master Plan: The first two freeride mountain bike trails for what will become a bike park in the central part of Mt. Werner have been mapped, walked and flagged by renowned trail-building company Gravity Logic, and the proposed paths are being studied by the U.S. Forest Service to ensure they meet all the right safety and environmental guidelines. Pending public comment and USFS approval, construction of these two new trails and other trail improvements could start as early as next spring.

Miscellaneous: The resort will build a two-story maintenance bay for Sunshine Express as well as make upgrades to the Preview and Gondola gear boxes, Morningside control system and Christie Peak Express awning. Additionally, the company will continue to expand key environmental strategies including its comprehensive Zero-Waste initiative (recipient of the 2010 NSAA Silver Eagle Award); snowmobile eco-conversion program; Energy Star Food & Beverage appliance plan; and Information Technology fiber management campaign.

STEAMBOAT/HAYDEN AIRPORT (HDN):

Building upon five years of facility improvements ($18+ million) along with becoming the first airport in the continental United States to utilize a new next-generation electronic surveillance tracking system for commercial and general aviation, the Steamboat/Hayden Airport embarks on the final phase of its multi-year improvement plan with the start of the $7.8 million Phase III project.

“Steamboat/Hayden is the premier regional airport facility across the Rocky Mountains,” said David Ruppel, Yampa Valley Regional Airport manager. “Over the next two years, the facility will get even better as we continue to improve with an eye on taking guest service to the next level.”

Phase III will include a new passenger arrival area, a second baggage carousel, main level restaurant, walkway linking ticketing and bag claim, expanded TSA passenger security entry, improved concessions and passenger amenities. Overall, Phase III creates an additional 8,436 sq. ft. of terminal space and replaces or remodels another 18,000 sq. ft. in the existing terminal in the coming years. The work is expected to be completed by fall of 2011.

With the next generation of air surveillance, getting to Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. ® has never been easier. Featuring the only 10,000-foot commercial runway in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and able to handle some of the largest commercial jets, including 757, A319/320 & 737-800 aircraft, Steamboat is the most conveniently accessed ski resort community in Colorado. And once passengers touch down, they’ll set foot in an ultra-spacious multi-million dollar airport terminal facility. Over the past five years, the airport facility has evolved with an array of improvements that touched every element of guest service from check-in counters to departure terminals; food & beverage to retail amenities; and curb-side services to security screening.

This winter, Frontier joins the airlines servicing Steamboat/Hayden with a new nonstop flight from Denver. Currently, the winter nonstop flight program offers convenient nonstop jet air service from seven major airports on five key U.S. carriers – American, Continental, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines, direct into Steamboat/Hayden Airport for the 2010/2011 season.

STEAMBOAT UNBRIDLED: THROUGHOUT THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

This summer, the focus of the Steamboat Springs Redevelopment Authority’s $21 million investment centers on deep utilities through the base area, which pave the way for the completion of  Promenade hardscape, the daylighting of Burgess Creek and associated landscaping in 2012. The highly anticipated base area promenade, a large public plaza connecting the Gondola Plaza to Ski Time Square, and the daylighting of Burgess Creek will provide a year-round pedestrian walkway around the base of the ski mountain, connecting Steamboat’s distinctive resort amenities: shopping, dining, accommodations and transportation.

The City of Steamboat Springs established a redevelopment authority five years ago to incentivize redevelopment of the resort’s base area. Steamboat Unbridled represents a renaissance to the mountain area, downtown and Steamboat/Hayden airport that holds true to the heart and soul of Ski Town, U.S.A.® To date, public amenities delivered include a bus and shuttle stop at Ski Time Square; a dynamic way-finding system of signs and banners; roundabout traffic feature at Après-Ski Way & Ski Time Square; pedestrian connectivity; a redesigned Gondola Square Transit Center; and, the first stages of the Promenade on the south end at One Steamboat Place and north end at Ski Time Square.

www.steamboat.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-February 1, 2010-The United States Olympic Mogul Team will make final preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, from February 1-7, 2010.

“Steamboat is proud to be the exclusive training site for the US Olympic Mogul Team,” said Andy Wirth, senior vice president of sales & marketing for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat has a rich tradition in freestyle and an Olympic heritage that dates back nearly 80 years. It only makes sense that America’s brightest contenders for Olympic glory make their final preparations for the 2010 Winter Games right here in Ski Town USA.”

The US Freestyle Team’s mogul skiers will refine their skills and make final tune-ups at the Steamboat Ski Area on Mayer’s Mogul Course, recently named for Olympic silver medalist, Travis Mayer. Eight athletes (four men and four women) are planning five training days on the mountain, tentatively scheduled for February 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Extensive one-on-one instruction from discipline coaches; morning physical training as well as a late afternoon on-snow schedule will simulate the upcoming Olympic environment.

This will be the third time the team has held its pre-Olympic camp in Ski Town, USA. Just prior to the 2002 Winter Games, the entire freestyle squad (aerials and moguls) trained in Steamboat where Johnny Moseley perfected his sport changing dinner roll and Steamboat’s own Travis Mayer fine tuned what would be his silver medal run. The Freestyle team spent several days in Steamboat leading up to the 2006 Olympics in Italy. In addition, these athletes competed on this same course just over a month ago during the 2010 Olympic Trials event, where Hannah Kearney and Patrick Deneen secured their spots on the 2010 team.

“Steamboat is an awesome place for us to train,” said Scott Rawles, head mogul coach for the US Ski Team. “It’s a great ski town, and the competition venue there is similar to the one we’ll be competing on in Vancouver. The idea behind the camp is to get everyone refocused on competition, the Olympics and the ultimate goal – winning a medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”

Steamboat has a long tradition in the sport of freestyle and is currently home to Travis Mayer-2002 Olympic Silver medalist; Nelson Carmichael-1992 Olympic Bronze Medalist & 2-time World Cup Champion; Ann Battelle-World Champion, 2-time World Cup Champion and 4-time Olympian; Park Smalley-athlete, coach and driving force behind the Olympic status freestyle skiing enjoys today; and Jeff Good–winningest coach in US Ski Team history.

“The support these athletes will receive from Ski Town USA® will help focus them on the task at hand, getting in top mental and physical shape,” said Nelson Carmichael. “Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America, and I couldn’t think of a better place to make final plans for the largest sport stage in the world, the Olympics.”

2010 U.S. OLYMPIC MOGUL TEAM
(name, hometown, age as of opening ceremonies, birthdate, past Olympics)

Shannon Bahrke, Tahoe City, CA, 29, 11/7/80 (2002, 2006)
Patrick Deneen, Cle Elum, WA, 22, 12/25/87
Hannah Kearney, Norwich, VT, 23, 2/26/86 (2006)
Heather McPhie, Bozeman, MT, 25, 5/28/84
Michael Morse, Duxbury, MA, 28, 4/2/81
Michelle Roark, Denver, CO, 35, 11/16/74 (2006)
Nate Roberts, Park City, UT, 27, 3/24/82
Bryon Wilson, Park City, UT, 21, 4/7/88

To stay up to date on all that is happening with the team between now and the Olympics, log onto www.usskiteam.com. Better yet, come to Steamboat to see them during their camp this week or at the Olympian Send-Off & Celebration on Friday, Feb. 5th.

Steamboat Springs, Winter Park & Copper Mountain, CO-January 25, 2010-Imagine an infusion of distinct individual flavors while sampling three of the best resorts in North America with one ski pass as Steamboat, Winter Park Resort and Copper Mountain offer a second season serving the tasty and popular dish, the Pow Pow Platter. In the past 48-hours, up to a foot of snow has blanketed these resorts, with additional snow forecasted through the week.

“Skiers and riders want great value when it comes to enjoying the slopes of Colorado and the Pow Pow Platter is the perfect sampler of Colorado’s best resorts,” said Rob Perlman, vice president of sales & marketing for Winter Park Resort. “Rather than the wonton, the egg roll and the spare rib, while supplies last, we are offering skiers and riders one unrestricted day each at Steamboat, Winter Park and Copper Mountain for only $99.”

Currently on sale, the Pow Pow Platter, a photo pass, offers great value for skiing and riding at three of Colorado’s premier resorts with one day at Steamboat, Winter Park and Copper Mountain for only $99, including no blackout dates. One pass is valid for one day at each resort. Simply put, $33 a day for three incredible resorts.

“With a foot of fresh snow in the past 48-hours, powderhounds have the opportunity of a lifetime to experience three of the best mountain resorts in Colorado,” added Andy Wirth, senior vice president-sales & marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “With this limited time offer, skiers and riders from across the Rocky Mountain region can spend the season exploring the real Colorado winter experience that is Copper, Steamboat and Winter Park.”

Limited quantities of the $99 Pow Pow Platters will be available while supplies last. Platters may only be purchased online at www.SkiColorado.com; must be purchased 48-hours in advance and may be redeemed at any of the three resorts. Limit of one Pow Pow Platter per person and individual days do not have to used consecutively.

Skiers and riders who dine on the Pow Pow Platter will enjoy Mary Jane’s world-renowned moguls and Winter Park’s extraordinary alpine bowl and highest six-passenger lift; Copper’s Free Tucker Cat Skiing, free parking and Naturally Divided Terrain; and Steamboat’s western hospitality, famous trees and legendary Champagne Powder™ snow. Pow Pow Platter connoisseurs have access to a combined total of 432 trails, 8,493 acres and over 9,300 vertical feet of terrain at Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Steamboat.

How you can help:
In addition to providing emergency relief, these organizations are providing the following aid to those in need:

Organizations accepting international currencies:
• The International Committee of the Red Cross
• British Red Cross
• UK: The Disasters Emergency Committee
• The French Red Cross
• UK: Merlin
• Germany Red Cross
• Italian Red Cross
• Ireland: Concern Worldwide
• Oxfam Great Britain
• Plan Canada

Friday, January 15, 2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Ski Town USA Steamboat Springs

It’s time for a great day on the slopes with heaps of Champagne Powder, more than 4 feet in the past 14 days. Combine that with a FREE live concert by some of the hottest bands around and you know that picking Steamboat Springs as your Ski Resort Destination this year was the right pick.

The free show is part of the sold-out Steamboat MusicFest event taking place this week in Ski Town, U.S.A.® The largest group ski trip of its kind in the nation, MusicFest brings the finest Texas and Americana music to the Colorado Rocky Mountains. This marks the 25th year that John Dickson has been organizing first-class group ski travel to Steamboat, complete with a jam-packed schedule of music activities and events.

“The Steamboat MusicFest combines a cross of musicians and musical styles that incorporates country, rock and blues in a beautiful Rocky Mountain setting,” said John Dickson, president of Dickson Productions. “The free concert is a fantastic way for fans of Moreland and Ingram to share great music with their favorite performers in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.”

Opening the Free Concert will be Doug Moreland, a west Texas fiddler, songwriter, entertainer, and chainsaw artist. In 2007 he was awarded a Will Rogers Cowboy Award for Western Music Male Performer of the Year and was also named Entertainer of the Year at the Texas Music Awards. Moreland has released 3 live albums and 3 studio albums, and travels throughout the state and abroad performing with a top-notch band, ala The Doug Moreland Show.

To stay up to date on Steamboat’s snow conditions visit www.steamboat.com, view the Mountain Cam, photo-of-the-day, image & movie galleries and register to receive the Straight Talk Mountain Report. Snow conditions will be updated as conditions change and can be accessed by calling 970.879.7300 or online at steamboat.com.Jack

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 31, 2009-Mother Nature’s gaze is squarely focused on Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. as 2009 goes out like a lion with more than a foot of fresh Champagne Powder™ snow blanketing the slopes overnight.

Champagne Powder at Steamboat Springs Ski Resort

“The new snow is the perfect way to celebrate the last day of 2009 for powderhounds in Ski Town, USA,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat is known for having some of the best snow in the Rocky Mountains and we are excited to ring in the New Year with a heaping helping of the resort’s signature Champagne Powder snow.”

The resort is currently in a storm cycle that as of 5am this morning has yielded 11” at mid and 15” at the summit overnight; 14” and 18” in past 48-hours and 32” and 35” in the past eight days at mid-mountain and the summit respectively. Steamboat has received 96.25 inches of snow this winter, with snow falling 17 out of 31 days in December. The resort is reporting a 38-inch base at mid-mountain and 44-inch base at the summit with powder conditions.

Currently offering the most skiable terrain open in Colorado, Steamboat will usher in 2010 with powder conditions on 156 out of 165 trails; 2692 out of 2965 acres and 16 of 18 lifts. Snow continues to fall Thursday morning and forecasts are calling for additional snow throughout the weekend. The next Pacific storm will bring a good chance of significant snow accumulations Friday night and Saturday, mainly along and north of Interstate-70. Snowfall chances return to the region next week on Tuesday and Wednesday as Pacific moisture again sweeps over the Colorado mountains.

Steamboat is serving up Champagne Powder and a package value almost as great as the new snow! With the Champagne Powder package, powderhounds receive 20% off lodging, lifts, rentals and receive a $25 American Express gift card between now and April 11, 2010*. With the snow piling up, you have to act just as fast! Don’t miss out; reserve your stay in Ski Town, U.S.A by January 29th to enjoy this incredible package.

To stay up to date on Steamboat’s snow conditions visit www.steamboat.com, view the Mountain Cam, photo-of-the-day, image & movie galleries and register to receive the Straight Talk Mountain Report. Snow conditions will be updated as conditions change and can be accessed by calling 970.879.7300 or online at steamboat.com.

-www.steamboat.com-

* Champagne Powder package price is per adult, based on double occupancy in a motel. Valid for stays through April 11, 2010. Save up to 15% December 19-January 3, and February 12-17. Minimum 3 nights lodging and 3 days of lifts. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees or travel insurance and are subject to availability. Champagne Powder package is not valid with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. This offer is only valid through Steamboat Central Reservations at this time.