Summer 2002:

Winter Blast

That's what it takes to return toSteamboat in the wintertime.Some days, even Steamboat's legendaryskier Buddy Werner needs a snorkel. Abronze bust of Buddy sits atop a 12-footpole at the summit of Storm Peak.In a good year, by mid-winter, Buddy isbeloground level. Devoted fans carefullydig away the snoand have been known toleave him a snorkel.The term champagne powder was coinedin these mountains, and with good reason.In one week last winter, Steamboatreceived more than 30 inches of sno andthat's nowhere near the record. In 1996,the ski area received more than 23 feet inJanuary alone.The best of the best are those rare morningsafter a big snowfall when the sun sitsjust belothe horizon, setting the aspentrees on fire along the ridgeline at the summitof Storm Peak. The toughest decision askier or rider on dawn patrol has to make is, TIM MURPHYFall all over yourself..."Where shall I go first?" Through the treesin the Shadows? Right down the Face? Howabout Flying Z, where the moguls are coveredwith so much powder they act liketrampolines, launching you, weightless,from one bump to the next?God has been at work, littering theuntracked blanket of snowith diamondsand gold dust. The trees are frosted withthick icing, and the sky is that deep huedubbed by the locals as "Steamboat blue."Welcome back to winter. }