Steamboat Resort Set for Opening as Two Colorado Ski Areas Delay

Steamboat Resort in Colorado will open its slopes on November 25, 2023, as planned, despite two nearby ski resorts postponing their openings due to insufficient snowfall. While Steamboat prepares to welcome skiers with two operational trails, Purgatory and Powderhorn have announced delays, citing a lack of cold weather necessary for effective snowmaking.

Purgatory Resort issued a statement on its website explaining the situation: “Despite the massive efforts of our mountain operations team, Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated. We simply haven’t received enough snow or the sustained cold temperatures needed for adequate snowmaking to open.” They indicated that their opening plans are being revised and further updates will follow this weekend.

Steamboat’s Preparedness and Forecast

Beginning at 08:30 on Saturday, Steamboat Resort will operate the Wild Blue Gondola and the Sunshine chairlift, providing access to the High Noon and Spike trails on the upper mountain. Skiers will need to download via the gondola to return from the upper slopes.

According to Juliana Troccoli, a spokesperson for Steamboat Resort, the weather forecast is showing improvement. “The forecast is changing in our favor, with colder temperatures and natural snow on the way,” she stated. Troccoli emphasized the resort’s commitment to working with weather conditions to expand terrain accessibility as conditions permit.

While Steamboat prepares for its opening weekend, both Purgatory and Powderhorn are adjusting their timelines based on the ongoing weather situation. Ski enthusiasts are advised to stay informed as these resorts update their potential opening dates.

As the ski season progresses, the conditions at these resorts will be closely monitored, with skiers hopeful for an influx of snow that would allow for a successful start to the winter sports season across the region.