This past weekend was beautiful in Steamboat! The sun was bright and the air warm. Wanting to get some exercise, K and I decided to go for a walk around the base area of the resort to see the new improvements.
This Autumn has been a little warm and there has not been much snow, so construction crews have had much more time to get things completed than they thought they would. When we walked down to the base area from Slopeside, snowmaking had been going on and it looked like they might be able to open a run this coming weekend.
We toured around the edges of the construction area and saw the main throughway had opened up, having gotten rid of the large gondola building, the resort made a much larger open area of pavers. They had also changed the stairways that lead from the Transit Center to the main base area, near the Sheraton Hotel. This seems much more direct and skier-friendly to me.
From the patio area near Truffle Pig, we could see the foundation of the building planned to be built adjacent to One Steamboat. It is much smaller than the footprint of the old Gondola Building. We could also see the start of the ice skating rink. This is just outside the new building and next to the open walking area. The design they have used has created a better feel and an easier way to get around in the area.
Finally, we walked up to the new Gondola. It is all outside, with loading happening whether it’s snowing, blowing, or bluebird skies. The gondola cabins are shiny blue. The waiting area is large enough to hold crowds that we have seen in recent years. The ski pass scanners are in place. The only things missing are snow and us getting on for a ride to the top.
I know more is planned for the area and I look forward to seeing more of the rejuvenation of Steamboat Resort.