Steamboat

The Steamboat Ski Area is serviced by 20 lifts, including an eight-passenger gondola and four high-speed quad chairlifts. Thunderhead Express, a high-speed quad chairlift, enables skiers and riders to access more than 720 acres (291 ha) of terrain for all ability levels on Thunderhead Mountain. In 1998, Pony Express, a high-speed quad, was installed providing access to 260 acres (105 ha) of gladed terrain in Pioneer Ridge. Approval has been given for the installation of a high-speed detachable quad and trails for a second phase of development there that will open up a further 510 acres (206 ha).

Lift capacity is 32,158 skiers per hour and opening times are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The only time that waiting in line can become a real problem is on big powder days. During busy times (Christmas and President’s Day) there may be a slight wait at the gondola when it first opens, but there are other options beside the gondola to get to mid-mountain, including a high-speed quad.

Lift passes
There are a number of specially priced “lift-with-lodgings” options offered by Steamboat Central Reservations, such as the White Sale Snowsaver, offering six nights’ condo accommodation with a five-day lift ticket for US$471. Individual or multi-day tickets vary from US$46 to US$64, depending on season and number of days.

Steamboat has an excellent Kids Ski Free deal, which enables children aged 12 and under to ski free when their parents or grandparents purchase a minimum 5-day lift ticket. Proof of age is required and it’s only one child per ticket. A lower mountain ticket is available at reduced rates, which allows skiers and riders access to nearly all of the resort’s beginner terrain on three chairlifts.

Certain tickets and lift passes require photo ID and/or proof of age. Lift tickets can be bought at the ski area, or purchased before arrival by internet, phone, fax or mail.