Storm Brings More Than A Foot of Fresh Snow In Past 72 Hours

Over 1.5 Feet of Champagne Powder^® Snow in Past Five Days
4 Points Lift Opens Tomorrow & Storm Peak Express on Thursday with Top-To-Bottom Terrain

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 11, 2012-A series of storms rolled through Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.^® over the past week bringing more than a foot of Champagne Powder^® snow to the resort in the past 72 hours and over 1.5 feet of powder in the past five days at mid-mountain.

“To say Steamboat has experienced a change in the weather pattern would be an understatement,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Mountain crews are scrambling to tackle the freshly fallen snow, and the resort’s goal is to expand terrain and lifts rapidly over the coming days.”

As of 5am this morning at mid-mountain, Steamboat reported 8 inches of new snow in the past 24-hours; 16.25 inches over the past 72 hours; and, 18.25 inches over the past 5 days.   The resort is reporting a 22-inch mid-mountain base with powder conditions.

Forecasts call for periods of snow showers to continue over the northern mountains before tapering off later this evening.  The next system moves into the area Friday under a northwesterly flow with additional snow this weekend; followed by another snow system Sunday into Monday.

“Mountain crews are focused on opening 4 Points chairlift tomorrow and Storm Peak Express on Thursday,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We’re definitely feasting on a boatload of snow and working overtime to move fast to provide additional terrain well in advance of the upcoming holiday season.”

Starting tomorrow, the resort will have nearly 30 trails and 5 lifts with more terrain and lifts coming soon. Lift operations and terrain may vary based on conditions and a complete list of mountain trails and lifts is available each morning. Steamboat anticipates the following mountain openings to occur over the next two days:

• Tomorrow, December 12^th: 4 Points chairlift with all or portions of Rainbow, Sunset, Hurricane, Nelson’s Run, and Twister
• Thursday, December 13: Storm Peak Express with Top-to-Bottom terrain including Buddy’s Run, Storm Peak Face, Cyclone, Meadow Lane and Calf Roper

“Everyone needs to ski and ride with care, within their ability levels, and remember: unmarked obstacles, on-snow vehicles and unexpected conditions may be encountered at any time,” stated John Kohnke, patrol director. “I can’t stress this point enough. Do not violate closures on the ski area. It’s going to be a long anniversary season, so make sure you make smart choices and are here to enjoy all of it.”

Remember there is no backcountry access available at this time from the ski area. As a reminder, State law prohibits an individual from entering a closed area, whether marked by rope or signage. Violation carries fine of up to $1,000 and suspension of pass privileges. Hiking up the mountain into closed areas is also prohibited and dangerous.  For information about Steamboat’s new uphill access policy see www.steamboat.com/uphill or stop by the Info Center at the base area.

Getting to Steamboat this 50^th Anniversary Season has never been easier. Steamboat’s nonstop flight program will offer convenient access to Ski Town, U.S.A. via nonstop air service from eight major airports including new weekend nonstop flights from Los Angeles on American, Delta and United Airlines. Contact Steamboat Central Reservations^® to explore travel options or for winter packages and programs including the Holiday Gift and Champagne Powder packages at www.steamboat.com or 1-800-922-2722.

Stay up-to-date on Steamboat’s conditions by visiting www.steamboat.com to view Mountain Cams, Featured Photos, Videos and register to receive the Straight Talk Mountain Report and other resort e-newsletters.

-www.steamboat.com-