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STEAMBOAT OPENS TOP-TO-BOTTOM TERRAIN THIS WEEKEND

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 2, 2008-Thanks to many hours of hard work by the ski area's mountain crews and nearly four feet of snow since October, the Steamboat Ski Area will catapult to nearly 800 acres of open terrain including top-to-bottom skiing and riding on Saturday, December 6th.  Currently, the resort plans to fire up the Steamboat Gondola and Burgess Creek chairlift on Friday, December 5th and then expand to the top of the mountain with the Storm Peak Express lift starting Saturday, December 6th.

"Resort crews have done a tremendous job working with the conditions presented and turned out very favorable early season skiing and riding conditions," said Doug Allen, vice president-mountain operations of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. "As conditions and safety allow, together with the continued hard work of mountain crews and more natural snow, we'll look to open additional terrain and lifts as we head toward the holiday period."

Since November 27th, Steamboat has received over a foot and half of Champagne Powder™ snow at mid-mountain. Forecasts are calling for additional snow and colder temperatures this week. The resort is currently reporting a 21-inch base at mid-mountain and 30-inch base at the summit on packed powder/machine-made conditions. With the additional terrain by Saturday, the resort expects to offer 793 acres, 55 trails and nearly 3,500 vertical feet of skiing and riding.Early Season Pricing will be in effect starting Friday.

On Friday, Dec. 5th, the resort will open two more lifts, the Steamboat Gondola and Burgess Creek chairlift, which join Preview and Christie Peak Express. The Steamboat Gondola will return to operation at its regularly scheduled 8:30am opening time. In addition to the new lifts, several of the popular mountain trails off Burgess Creek including Lower Rainbow, White Out, Rudi’s, Lightning, Blizzard, Ego, Norther, BC Liftline, Arc, So What, Flat Out, Tower and Skyline are expected to open for the season.

Then on Saturday, Dec. 6th, the resort will move to the top of Storm Peak with anticipated skiing and riding from Buddy's Run across to High Noon and down to Duster. Thanks to last summer's aggressive trail maintenance and brush cutting efforts, Steamboat's famous tree areas in Priest Creek including Upper Shadows, Upper Closet, the O’Clocks and Twilight are expected open to powderhounds down to Duster. A complete list of mountain trails and lifts will be available each morning. For those looking to get their jib on, the resort has built its early season rail park on Lil' Rodeo.

"We wanted to let folks know what we're planning with the understanding that this is all dependent upon weather," continued Allen. "Forecasts look favorable for additional snow and colder temperatures later this week to tie together key areas on the lower mountain. Storm Peak is in great early season shape and will be a real treat to open this early in the season."p>

There is no backcountry access available at this time from the ski area. State law prohibits an individual to cross any rope on the Steamboat Ski Area, a $1,000 fine. Hiking up the mountain outside of open areas is prohibited. The US Forest Service and Routt County Sheriff's office support the ski area's enforcement of trail closures as provided under the Skier Safety Act.

"I can't stress this point enough. Do not violate closures on the ski area," stated John Kohnke, patrol director. "Last year, several individuals chose to ignore early season closures and put themselves and others at risk. Remember, it's going to be a long season, so make sure you make smart choices and are here to enjoy all of it."

Thunderhead Food Court and the Stoker will start daily operations on Friday; joined by the 4 Points Hut on Saturday. The Meadows Parking lot will reopen on Friday, December 5th. Steamboat Ski & Sport-Sheraton and RideSports will continue to offer the buy $300 of merchandise and receive $100 off; purchase $600, receive $200 off; and purchase $900, receive $300 off through December 7th.

Experience Steamboat this season with a variety of winter vacation packages like Ski Free at Steamboat, which offers free skiing from Opening Day to Christmas Day when powderhounds book a minimum 3 nights lodging through Steamboat Central Reservations®. Steamboat Central Reservations, which represents the majority of the lodging properties in the area, offers a variety of packages and specials throughout the season. Call toll-free 800-922-2722 or visit steamboat.com for more information.

To stay up to date on Steamboat's snow conditions visit www.steamboat.com, view the Mountain Cam, photo-of-the-day, movie archives and register to receive the Straight Talk Mountain Report. Snow conditions will be updated as conditions change and can be accessed by calling 970.879.7300 or steamboat.com.
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