Industry News
Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado, will closing early, this Sunday, April 5, one week ahead of the April 12 date it set just two weeks ago, and two weeks ahead of the original closing date set at the beginning of the season, as a spring heatwave strips what little remains of the season’s already depleted snowpack.
The resort announced the closure on Sunday via social media, citing one of the worst snow seasons in Colorado history. As of today, Steamboat has just 12% of its terrain open and has seen 155 inches of snow this season, approximately 39% of its 400″ average, and a 16″ snowpack, 38% of average.
Dave Hunter, President and COO of Steamboat Resort, acknowledged the severity of the season in a statement to guests and staff. “This season asked a lot from all of us,” Hunter said. “With the warmest winter and lowest snowpack on record, there were real challenges. But what stands out the most isn’t that. It’s the strength of this community and the spirit of this team.”
The heatwave has forced multiple Colorado resorts to close prematurely, with Winter Park closing Mary Jane early and Aspen Snowmass closing two mountains early.
Despite the shortened run, Steamboat plans to close on a festive note. The resort will host the Splashdown Pond Skim at Rendezvous Lodge at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 5. The following weekend, on April 12, the final Bud Light Rocks the Boat concert will take place on the Steamboat Stage beginning at 2:30 p.m., featuring Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel and The Wailers.
Summer operations at Steamboat are set to begin with a Sunset Happy Hour on June 4, followed by daily operations starting June 5, featuring scenic gondola rides, the Steamboat Bike Park, hiking, and on-mountain dining.
