Full Steam Ahead
For a world-class mountain we’re setting out to create a world-class resort to match. We are embarking on an ambitious transformation, the likes of which our resort has never seen. In the tradition of our pioneering spirit and out of the genuine western heritage of Steamboat comes an entirely new experience on and around our mountain. Welcome to the new west, full steam ahead.

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2019 Steamboat Master Development Plan Amendment
The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation has received the approval of its conceptual development plans from the U.S. Forest Service which propose exciting on-mountain improvement projects over the coming decade.

As you’ll see, the updated Master Development plan touches all aspects of the mountain experience from new high-speed lifts to new terrain to new facilities. The resort has prioritized additional food service facilities and expanded seating as well as new terrain and lifts to cement Steamboat’s position as the leader in family and children programs.
Proposed Project Highlights
650 additional acres in Pioneer Ridge/Fish Creek Canyon
With 650 new acreage the resort’s current skiable acreage expands by nearly 20 percent for a total of 3620 acreage and results in Steamboat becoming the second largest ski resort in Colorado. Expanding into this area creates additional advanced/expert terrain that is underrepresented at the resort and will provide easier access for resort services. This expansion includes the 355 acres of Pioneer Ridge already approved but delayed due to COVID disruptions.

Longest 10-Person Gondola in North America
A new 10-person gondola (working name Wild Blue Gondola) will address base area congestion and feed skiers/riders through a newly created mid-station adjacent to Bashor bowl with the final destination the top of Sunshine Peak. The lower portion of Wild Blue Gondola, at 4,561 feet in length, was previously approved, but not implemented. The current environmental assessment considers creating a mid-station at the previously approved top terminal; and extend the Gondola to the new end destination near the top terminal of the Sundown Express chairlift with an additional length of 11,939 feet. At a total of 3.16 miles, the new 8-Person Gondola would be the longest in North America, surpassing Silver Mountain’s Gondola at 3.1 miles. The new Gondola would increase the out of base capacity from 6000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour. With the addition of Wild Blue, the Priest Creek chairlift, a fixed-grip double chairlift installed in 1972, would be removed and Sundown Express chairlift would be replaced with a more efficient and higher capacity chairlift.

Mountaintop Restaurant
A new restaurant would be constructed near the top terminals of the proposed Wild Blue Gondola and the Sundown Express Chairlift. The restaurant would expand on-mountain dining capacity in the popular Sunshine Peak area and help alleviate dining congestion throughout the entire resort.

Terrain and Snowmaking Improvements
Modifications on Sundial, Tomahawk, Four Points Road and Why Not Road trails would widen intersections, create new egresses and upgrade trails to improve skier/rider circulation and enhance the guest experience. Additionally, snowmaking infrastructure would be installed to cover terrain in the Sunshine Peak area, enhancing the quality of skiing and riding and expediting the timeline for this area of the mountain to open in early season.
map of proposed develpoment at steamboat ski resort View Full Size Plan Image

In preparation for exciting new improvements, the Steamboat Ski Resort moves into the Environmental Assessment phase of the approval process for major on-mountain planned projects. The proposed projects include North America’s longest gondola providing access from the base area through Bashor to Sunshine Peak, a new restaurant at the top of the gondola at Sunshine Peak and an additional 295 acres in the Fish Creek Falls area adding to the previously announced 355 acre Pioneer Ridge expansion for a total of 650 acres of new terrain. These improvements are part of the resort’s 2019 Master Development Plan Amendment accepted by the United States Forest Service (USFS) in July of 2019.

“These new projects complement those that have long been at the top of Steamboat’s wish list and now we are taking steps to obtain the necessary approval to be ready to move forward when the time is right,” said Rob Perlman, president, and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Alterra recognizes Steamboat’s potential and the necessity to make big changes both on-mountain and in the base area to keep the resort at the forefront of vacation destinations. The EA approval is another step towards preparing for these big projects. After we receive the EA approval, we can continue to work with Alterra on timing, so we are ready to begin when funding is available.”

Mountain Area Master Plan:
The City of Steamboat Springs wants to engage with our community members to develop a community vision for the future of the mountain area. Last updated in 2005, the Mountain Area Master Plan addresses the area in the Steamboat Ski Resort Base area, commercial properties and residential neighborhoods. The updated plan focuses on improving character and identify, economic vitality and mobility/connectivity in the mountain area. Be a part of the community vision by providing your input on the proposed plan. To explore ways to engage with the project, join the conversation and share with other community members visit https://www.engagesteamboat.net/mamp