Calm Before the Storm

Before the flurry of snow and celebration aimed to hit Steamboat this weekend, this morning I decide to enjoy the calm before the storm.  Everything about this morning is calm - the winds, the comfortably warm temperature, and the light crowds.  I make my way over to Wally World (the area off the Sunshine Express lift) and enjoy soft snow on groomers where I learned to ski Steamboat's famous powder years ago.

As the storm moves in, the clouds are building up creating a "flat light" which makes it harder to see the snow definition.  Because of the low light conditions, I decide to ski the groomers today.  On Quickdraw my skis zip over buttery corduroy as I fly down the run.  The snow stayed very soft in Wally World overnight, which makes it easy to dig the ski edges into the snow to feel the thrill of a Super G turn. 

On my next run down Tomahawk, I feel the giddy on the rolling terrain in the low-light conditions.  There is nothing like the roller coaster feeling of skiing over the whoop-de-doo rollers on Tomahawk.  Next, I head over to Sunshine Lift Line, a favorite cruiser of mine, to practice the forward stance I discussed in the Straight Talk Blog last week.  This more aggressive stance allows me to drive my ski through the turn and feel more in control of my skis on the snow.  Whatever level skier or rider you are, Wally World is the perfect place to work on fundamental skills and improve your skiing.

Be sure to head up to the mountain on Saturday to celebrate Steamboat's 50th Anniversary!  With a powder storm on the way today through Saturday, this is one party you will not want to miss!  Come enjoy birthday cake while listening to three free concerts including headliner Robert Randolph & the Family Band.  The party will culminate with a 50th Anniversary Torchlight Parade and fireworks display.  To help you brush up on your Steamboat Trivia, test your knowledge with the following question: Prior to being named Mt. Werner, what was the original name of the mountain? Write your answer in the comments below on my.steamboat.com.  Bonus points if you can tell me the full name of the person after whom the mountain is named.  Good luck!        

See you at the celebration,

Meghan Lutterman

Alpine Skier

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