STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-March 24, 2021-49 lucky bidders will be taking home a piece of local ski history from the Howelsen Hill Ski Area as more than $85,500 was raised during the sealed bidding for chairs from the Barrows Chairlift.
“We can’t express our gratitude enough for the support shown from the community,” said Howelsen Hill Ski & Rodeo Manager Brad Setter. “Unfortunately, if you have not heard from us by now, your bid was not one of the top 49.”
Bidding on the available chairs started Monday, March 8 and ran through Wednesday, March 17. During that time, 610 bids were submitted. The top 49 bids raised $85,568 and resulted in an average of $1,746 per chair. Parks & Recreation staff have contacted all winning bidders by phone or email. Chair pick-up is being scheduled over the coming two weeks.
Proceeds from the sale of the chairs benefit the Howelsen Hill Ski Area Endowment Fund held at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Howelsen Hill makes skiing accessible to everyone in the community’s backyard. Your contribution to the fund will help keep the ski area alive – and carry on its rich traditions. Donations to this fund maintain, operate, and improve the Howelsen Hill Ski Area today and for generations to come.
The City of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club retained ten chairs each for future fundraising efforts. In addition, the city will be donating one of its ten chairs to the Tread of Pioneers Museum to go along with an original chair from the previous lift on display to continue to share its historical importance.
“Seeing the chair go is bittersweet but knowing it will live on across the valley brings joy and comfort to all of us who have cared and worked on the lift over the years,” continued Setter. “Knowing a new triple chairlift will become a reality ensures future generations can enjoy the sport and this special ski area will remain a community gathering spot for decades to come.”
Crews have begun removing chairs from the 1973 manufactured workhorse of a chairlift, which has been at the ski area for the past 33 years. Areas around the base of the ski hill will be impacted or closed during removal and new lift installation over the coming months. A new era begins in 2021/2022 when a $3 million Skytrac triple chairlift is installed through a partnership with The VF Foundation, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and the City of Steamboat Springs.
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Contact
Brad Setter, Howelsen Hill Ski & Rodeo Manager, 970.879.4300 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Events Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email