Postcard from Steamboat – Part 5 - Steamboat is 50!
Jenny O'Farrell's latest Postcard from Steamboat: Being the optimist I am, let’s give thanks for these sunny days and cold temperatures that are keeping the snow dry and fresh and loose during these first few weeks of 2013.
When I type cold, I mean COLD. The thermometer in my car read -29F/-40C on my way to work yesterday, so -16F/-27C today felt like a warm up. But you know what else happens under these conditions? Inversion! I checked with some of the presumed crazy locals and visitors who went for a ski or snowboard yesterday, and all assured me that it was certainly chilly up there at 3200m but much nicer than down here at the base at a mere 2100m.
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Steamboat celebrates 50 years![/caption]
Saturday was cold for our 50th Anniversary celebration, too, as January 12, 2013 marked fifty years since the ski area opened on January 12, 1963. Our mountain restaurant executive chef and head baker put together a spectacular 317kg birthday cake, and Steamboat executive staff and Olympians served it out to all takers in Gondola Square until the last slice was gone. I can tell you from personal experience (3 slices) that not only was it impressive to look at, but it was scrumptious! Then the soulful and funky Robert Randolph & the Family Band took the outdoor Steamboat Stage and kept everyone moving to stay warm and also lead a fun rendition of “Happy Birthday to Steamboat.” Next, just after dark, 100+ ski & snowboard instructors slid down three different lower mountain runs for a beautiful torchlight parade, and then the largest and longest ever Steamboat ski resort fireworks extravaganza commenced. For a full 18 minutes, colorful and booming explosions lit up the sky from the tops of Headwall, See Me and Valley View, wowing hundreds of shivering revellers in the base area and on hotel balconies, including yours truly. It was truly a magical day and evening, and it was a real feel-good event for locals and visitors alike.
[caption id="attachment_4949" align="aligncenter" width="137"]
The world's biggest birthday cake?[/caption]
Now we’re forecast to move into more typical January weather for the rest of the month, with some snow tonight followed by lovely winter days in the 20’s F/just under freezing C followed by some more snow. I’ve got 90 more days available to snowboard this season, and I plan to reach impressive numbers for 2012-2013. Join me?
To join in the celebrations in Steamboat, get in touch with one of our experts on 0131 243 8097 or ask for a tailor-made quotation here.
Steamboat celebrates 50 years![/caption]
Saturday was cold for our 50th Anniversary celebration, too, as January 12, 2013 marked fifty years since the ski area opened on January 12, 1963. Our mountain restaurant executive chef and head baker put together a spectacular 317kg birthday cake, and Steamboat executive staff and Olympians served it out to all takers in Gondola Square until the last slice was gone. I can tell you from personal experience (3 slices) that not only was it impressive to look at, but it was scrumptious! Then the soulful and funky Robert Randolph & the Family Band took the outdoor Steamboat Stage and kept everyone moving to stay warm and also lead a fun rendition of “Happy Birthday to Steamboat.” Next, just after dark, 100+ ski & snowboard instructors slid down three different lower mountain runs for a beautiful torchlight parade, and then the largest and longest ever Steamboat ski resort fireworks extravaganza commenced. For a full 18 minutes, colorful and booming explosions lit up the sky from the tops of Headwall, See Me and Valley View, wowing hundreds of shivering revellers in the base area and on hotel balconies, including yours truly. It was truly a magical day and evening, and it was a real feel-good event for locals and visitors alike.
[caption id="attachment_4949" align="aligncenter" width="137"] The world's biggest birthday cake?[/caption]
Now we’re forecast to move into more typical January weather for the rest of the month, with some snow tonight followed by lovely winter days in the 20’s F/just under freezing C followed by some more snow. I’ve got 90 more days available to snowboard this season, and I plan to reach impressive numbers for 2012-2013. Join me?
To join in the celebrations in Steamboat, get in touch with one of our experts on 0131 243 8097 or ask for a tailor-made quotation here.