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Steamboat Magazine

Howelsen Hill’s 105th Winter Season Starts Saturday, Nov. 28

11/23/2020 02:12PM ● By City of Steamboat Springs

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO- Steamboat Springs’ hometown hill, Howelsen Hill, is no stranger to change in the industry over its 100 years in operations, but this season brings something unseen before and a totally new way to enjoy the mountain.

“We’re thankful for another season of outdoor winter recreation at Howelsen Hill and excited to get underway Saturday, Nov. 28,” said Howelsen Hill & Rodeo Manager Brad Setter. “While operations will look different, we want to thank everyone in advance for keeping our community safe by following the ski area’s health and safety protocols and being flexible as the season evolves.”

Primarily due to the tremendous efforts of snowmaking crews, Howelsen Hill will welcome the 105th winter season at 10am on Saturday of the Thanksgiving holiday and host the first Ski Free Sunday the following day, Sunday, November 29. With the help of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the city will operate the ski area seven days a week this winter. The hill will be open 11am to 8pm Monday thought Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends.

With limited terrain entirely on snowmaking conditions, skiers and riders should understand that only the expert trail, The Face, and the Pony area will be available opening weekend. At this time there is no Nordic terrain availability, only Alpine skiing will be provided on the first Ski Free Sunday. Due to capacity requirements, the ski area will implement a reservation system for non-season pass holders during the first Ski Free Sunday.

Guests will be able to make an online reservation for a two-hour session during one of three time slots: 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm and 2pm-4pm. Each session will be limited to 75 people total and reservations may be made for up to four people. Tickets will be available for pick-up 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Please do not come early and have only one member of your group in line to pick up tickets. Season pass holders will not be required to make a reservation at this time.

The online reservation system through www.steamboatsprings.net/skifree will open to the public on Monday, Nov. 23 at 8am. Skiers and riders can see Howelsen Hill’s COVID mitigation plan and additional details for what to expect as well as for Ski Free Sunday on the website.

“We hope this process only occurs for the first Ski Free Sunday but understand that reservations may be extended for future Ski Free Sundays depending upon capacities and public health guidelines,” continue Setter. “It’s early with limited terrain, so help us ski all season long and wait if you can or join us during the week.”

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. Skiing since 1915, the ski area has been the training ground for more than 90 Winter Olympians, athletes from the acclaimed Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and generations of families.