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Steamboat Magazine

Special March Ski Free Sundays on Tap

02/27/2019 02:41PM ● By Alesha Damerville

Image courtesy of Michael Walker

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS- North America’s oldest operating ski area is putting a new twist on Ski Free Sundays in March with a special Sunday Funday and Council End-of-Season Celebration set for March 3 and 10, respectively.

“These special events bring vibrancy to the popular Ski Free Sunday program and showcases potential partnerships we’re looking to expand for the program next season,” said Brad Setter, Howelsen Ski and Rodeo Complex Manager. “The community’s support continues to grow each year and Ski Free Sundays remain a cornerstone of affordable skiing in the Yampa Valley.”

This weekend, Howelsen Hill hosts Sunday Funday with Ohana, Mountain Tap Brewery and Harvest Skis as part of the second to last Ski Free Sunday. In addition to free skiing, Harvest Skis unleashes free demos, Ohana features exclusive Howelsen Hill merchandise, and a Mountain Tap Beer Garden quenches thirsts with $5 locally brewed beverages. Enjoy a specialty-priced outdoor BBQ all-day with hot dogs and hamburgers, and live music by the Morning Side String Band from 1-3pm. All beer and merchandise benefits the Howelsen Hill Endowment Fund. The 4H Robotics Team is the non-profit on March 3.  

On the Final Ski Free Sunday, the community is invited to come celebrate the end-of-the-season with FREE Hot Dogs, a kids’ learn-to-jump session and the final non-profit bake sale benefiting Youth Baseball. Starting around noon, city councilors will be serving up free hot dogs while supplies last. The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) will help young skiers learn to soar during a learn-to-jump session from 10am to 12pm. From 11am to 2pm, Yampatika and the Tread of Pioneers Museum explore the history of Howelsen Hill and skiing in Steamboat Springs, enlighten you about Howelsen Hill’s local wildlife, and test your skills in an outdoor base area orienteering scavenger hunt. 

Through the end of February, Ski Free Sundays have averaged 626 tickets per Sunday, with the largest single day setting a new record with 1,170 free tickets over New Year’s weekend. With two free day remaining and nearly 8,140 tickets already issued this season, the ski area is shooting to reach the 10,000 milestone.  

After closing to the public, the ski area will host several SSWSC special events. In addition, the Nordic Center will remain open and Nordic trails will be groomed on a daily basis until March 17, and then, intermittently as conditions permit. Season Passes or daily tickets are required for the Nordic trails, and can be purchased at the vending machine in the fireplace room, or at the SSWSC Club office on the 2ndfloor of the Lodge.  

Howelsen Hill Ski Area is owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and is a skiing institution across the community, Colorado and the nation. Skiingsince 1915, the ski area has been the training ground for more than 90 Winter Olympians, 22 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame, 13 members of the National Ski Hall of Fame, athletes from the acclaimed Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and generations of families.