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Steamboat Magazine

On the Mountain

11/10/2014 09:03PM ● By Christina Freeman

Skiers anticipate another powder day. Photo by Shannon Lukens.

FIRST TRACKS

Make your first turns of the day on untouched powder or freshly groomed runs with a First Tracks ticket; a daily supplement applies to the cost of a standard lift ticket. Purchasing the ticket from
the Steamboat Ticket Office the previous day is advisable to avoid morning lines. Board the gondola between 8-8:15 a.m. Terrain is suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders. www.steamboat.com / 970-871-5454

AMBASSADOR TOURS

Find your way with free, daily guided ski and snowshoe tours provided by knowledgeable local guides. Ski tours start at 10:15 a.m. at the sign outside the Thunderhead building atop the gondola. The snowshoe option begins at the base at 10:30 a.m. Both tours last approximately 11⁄2 hours; Ambassadors are easily spotted in their bright yellow jackets. Skiers must purchase a lift ticket. www.steamboat.com / 970-871-5454

GOURMET SNOWSHOE TOUR

Snowshoe the mile-long Vista Nature Trail on the mountain with an informative guide, followed by gourmet lunch at Hazie’s restaurant. Appropriate footwear required; snowshoes are available for rent. Tours leave from the Information Center in Gondola Square at 10 a.m. www.steamboat.com

STEAMBOAT MOUNTAIN MASTERS

Over 50s can ski all day with experienced guides, beginning at 
9 a.m. on Sundays through Fridays at the Billy Kidd statue in Gondola Square. Call for details or if you have a group of 10 or more. Lift ticket is required; guide service is free. www.steamboat.com / 970-871-5454

SKI WITH AN OLYMPIAN

Snag the rare chance to pick up insights from former Olympic champions. Join 1964 Olympic silver medalist and world champion Billy Kidd for downhill pointers. Check out the sign at the top of the gondola to see if Billy is skiing on a given day. He leaves from the top of Why Not at1p.m.

On Sundays, put your bump skills to the test with 1992 Olympic bronze medalist, two-time World Cup mogul champion and six-time U.S. mogul champ Nelson Carmichael, who leads a free mogul clinic on Nelson’s Run. Check out the grooming report for details. Lift tickets required. www.steamboat.com / 970-879-6111

WOMEN ONLY CAMPS OR WORKSHOPS (WOW)

One-to three-day camps or half-day workshops are available for women to learn from Steamboat’s top female pros. Tailored to meet individual goals, these small group lessons are designed to foster skill improvement with an emphasis on camaraderie. Instruction is combined with technical gear pointers, First Tracks and après ski events specific to each camp. www.steamboat.com

FREESTYLE AND HALFPIPE CLINIC

Head for the Mavericks superpipe (18’/5.5m) walls and Terrain Park to develop rail-sliding skills, spins and grabs with a highly trained freestyle instructor. Offered all day Tuesday and Thursdays, with a maximum of five students per instructor. www.steamboat.com

TELEMARKING

Free your heel and try the ultimate mountain workout. Telemark instruction is available through the Steamboat Snowsports School. Watch the experts during the 2015 Telemark World Championships Monday-Friday, Feb. 23-27. www.steamboat.com / 800-299-5017

SNOW AND SKI BIKES

Explore the mountain on short skis, while kicking back in the saddle of a snow bike. The sport is easy to pick up, although initial instruction is recommended through Learn to Snow Bike classes at the Steamboat Snowsports School. Snow bikes may be used at the Steamboat Ski Area, with the exception of terrain parks, which are clearly marked. Three-hour lessons: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Snow bikes may be rented through the Snowsports School or Powder Pursuits Shred Shop at the Steamboat Grand. For a more advanced option, rent a Lenzsport Type II ski bike to explore the trees and pump through powder.
www.steamboat.com / 970-879-6111

www.powderpursuits.com / 970-879-9086 www.steamboatskibikes.com

ADAPTIVE RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Daily lessons are offered for clients with all types of disabilities from age five up through Steamboat STARS. Qualified professionals and adaptive equipment ensure an individualized experience for guests with special needs. www.steamboatstars.com / 970-870-1950

GUIDED NATURE TOURS

Learn more about the forest, mountain habitat and native plants through a free interpretive tour run by naturalists from Yampatika’s Education Program. Meet at the top of Why Not. Tour requires a lift ticket. www.yampatika.org / 970-871-9151

NIGHT SKIING

After a highly popular first year, night skiing is here to stay. Ski under the lights weekly from Thursday through Monday, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (Spring hours are 6-9 p.m.) www.steamboat.com