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LIFTS AND MOUNTAIN SERVICES TO OPEN EARLY DURING HOLIDAYS

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 22, 2008-The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation will open the ski area early beginning Friday, December 26th through and including Wednesday, December 31st as much as 15 minutes ahead of schedule due to anticipated holiday business volumes.
 

“With the anticipated volume of guests over this upcoming holiday, we want to take extra steps now to ensure that the holiday experience in Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.® meets or exceeds guests’ expectations,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Over the past five years, we’ve seen the dramatic difference an early opening can make on starting the holiday experience off right.”

The following lift opening times will go into effect starting Friday, Dec. 26th and continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31st: Steamboat Gondola, Christie Peak Express and Preview at 8:15am; Burgess Creek, Elkhead, Four Points, Storm Peak Express at 8:30am; and, Sundown Express, Sunshine Express and South Peak at 8:45am. All other lifts will operate at their normal times.

“I would strongly encourage guests to take advantage of the accelerated opening and get up the gondola early, then use the upper mountain lifts until the high demand for base area lifts in the morning subsides,” said Doug Allen, vice president-mountain operations. “By opening the mountain early, we will be able to reduce the congestion in the base area during our high volume period from 9:00a.m.-10:30a.m. Individuals returning to the base area throughout gondola loading times should anticipate larger than normal volumes.”

Steamboat, which just surpassed 100 inches of cumulative Champagne Powder snow for the season, is currently reporting a 37-inch base at mid-mountain and 44-inch base at the summit and expects to have close to 100 percent of the mountain opened for the holidays. The resort has seen snow 17 of 22 days in December and forecasts are calling for additional snow through the New Year.

“With the increased volume on the mountain over the holiday weekend, it is imperative that individuals Be SlopeWise and ski or ride within their ability level,” said John Kohnke, the resort’s patrol director. “We want everyone to receive the best gift of the holiday season, having a great time on the mountain. Please remember, you’re responsible, so ski and ride with care and always Be SlopeWise, especially during this holiday period.”

The ski area encourages guests to visit Gondola Square on their day of arrival to purchase or pick-up lift tickets, arrange for ski & snowboard clinics, sign up for Kids’ Vacation Center programs and obtain rental equipment. A few suggestions to help better serve our guests include: avoid gondola during peak morning time frame; use Christie Peak Express & Thunderhead Express to reach mid-mountain; eat lunch early or late; pre-arrange services; and carpool or use the free city bus or lodging shuttles.

In addition, maximize your on-mountain experience by avoiding peak dining hours. Guests can expect on-mountain food & beverage operations to operate under normal hours during the day. Upload the Steamboat Gondola to enjoy special evening holiday menus at Hazie’s, Ragnar’s and the Western BBQ specifically designed to complement Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. For reservations, prices and dinner schedule, call 970-871-5150. In addition, The Cabin, the Steamboat Grand’s signature restaurant, will offer special holiday menus on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve (970-871-5550). The Grand is also offering a special New Year’s Eve Gala in the Priest Creek Ballroom.

-www.steamboat.com-