STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-October 31, 2019-With a record amount of snow in October and cold temperatures for much of the month, Howelsen Hill and Parks staff are transitioning to winter operations.
“We jumped at the opportunity to start snowmaking,” said Howelsen Hill & Rodeo Manager Brad Setter. “These efforts, along with record snow, have allowed kids in the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club to enjoy their first turns of the season in the Yampa Valley.”
Snowmaking operations fired up in force in the early morning hours on October 10 as conditions hit prime temperatures with the arrival of the season’s first significant storms. Crews have been working around the clock pumping out the machine-made product to complement Mother Nature’s early season bounty. In fact, nearly a quarter of the annual total snowmaking product has been made at this time, three weeks ahead of the traditional start.
Ski area crews may be on the mountain and equipment could be encountered any time during the early season. Crews are already accumulating essential machine-made snow in key areas across the ski area and rodeo arena and the public is asked to stay out of these areas. Your cooperation is essential in allowing snowmaking crews to take full advantage of temperatures and weather conditions. As an added reminder, sledding at Howelsen Hill is not permitted.
With the seasonal shift, restrooms in several parks are closed for the season. The non-heated park restrooms typically close in November due to the increased risk of frozen pipes; however, October’s wintry weather early arrival changed the schedule. At this time, the restrooms at Rich Weiss Park, Emerald Park, Howelsen Hill Ballfields, Whistler Park, West Lincoln Park, the Rodeo Grounds, Yampa River Botanic Park and Little Toots Park have been closed for winter. For active cold weather recreationalist, the Bear River Park, Fetcher Park and Howelsen Hill Lodge restrooms will remain open through the winter season.
With the recent snow and cold temperatures, multi-use trails on Emerald are currently open for all users. As the sun and warmer temperatures return, please be aware of changing conditions and stay off trails that become wet and muddy. Please help protect our incredible mountain trail system by being aware of trail closures and conditions.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area is scheduled to open to the public for the 2019/20 season on November 30. The historic ski area offers affordable season pass options for individuals and families looking for all-access, alpine or Nordic passes. Purchase your season pass by November 16 to ensure the lowest price available. Season passes may be purchased online or at the ski area concession stand starting Nov. 4. As a bonus, this year’s pass includes three free days at neighboring Hogadon Ski Area in Wyoming.
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Contact
Brad Setter, Howelsen Hill & Rodeo Manager, 970.871.7035 or email
Ernie Jenkins, Parks Supervisor, 970.871.7025 or email