STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-November 22, 2017-Historic Howelsen Hill Ski Area will open for its 102nd winter season on Saturday, November 25, 2017, on early season conditions with one lift and a limited expert only trail. The 2017/18 season is scheduled to run through Sunday, March 11.
“Despite marginal weather conditions leading up to opening day, our snowmaking crews have taken advantage of every opportunity to make snow,” said Brad Setter, Howelsen Hill Supervisor. “The start of the ski season is always an exciting time, and their hard work will enable skiers and riders to enjoy their first turns, although on very limited basis, as scheduled.”
The ski area will begin turning the Schnackenberg Poma at 10am on Saturday. The Poma is scheduled to operate Tuesday-Sunday during normal operating hours. The ski area is closed on Mondays during the season. Alpine terrain will be limited to only a portion of the Face, an expert trail, from the first exit of the Poma. There will be NO beginner or intermediate terrain including carpets available at this time.
With limited natural snowfall this month, NO Nordic terrain will be available across the Howelsen Hill Nordic Center on opening day. The city will announce when Alpine terrain, Nordic trails and lifts will open based on new snow and additional snowmaking over the coming weeks.
“With the forecasted weather pattern, I don’t foresee any new lifts or terrain for at least a week,” continued Setter. “Please helps us work toward getting additional terrain ready for the season by staying off closed trails and all snowmaking snow piles.”
Due to limited opening conditions, ongoing snowmaking efforts and several early season competitions, Ski Free Sundays are anticipated to start December 17. During this Olympic Winter Season, the Steamboat Springs City Council approved free skiing on Sundays at Howelsen Hill. A calendar outlining the Ski Free Sundays will be released in early December. However, the city anticipates around a dozen Ski Free Sundays will be available between December 17 and March 11
For ski area operating hours, current conditions as well as season pass and ticket rates, visit steamboatsprings.net/ski or call 970.879.8499. Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, the website has up to date Nordic conditions or call the Nordic Hotline at 970.871.7084.