Skiers, riders and other VIPs, like resort execs, forest rangers and ecologists, all have "wish lists" for the future of the Steamboat Ski Area. Identifying and ranking them in importance is the first step the ski area takes toward its future.

Beginning in 2003, the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. is updating the master plan under which it operates, as mandated by the U.S. Forest Service. The majority of the ski area is located on forest service land. Separating wants from needs is no easy task; that's why the project has a seven-year timeline.

Among the items on the list: marketing, upgraded facilities and infrastructure; increased efficiency; terrain diversity, including beginner and instructional areas, state-of-the-art terrain park and family runs upgraded lifts; new and/or expanded restaurants and restrooms; increased use of Pioneer Ridge and Morningside areas ;more appealing base and arrival areas; redundant lift capacity for windy/ busy days summer operations.

Work on some projects may begin as early as summer 2004.