Steamboat Resort in Colorado will open as scheduled this weekend, operating two trails starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. In contrast, two other ski resorts in the region, Purgatory and Powderhorn, have postponed their planned openings due to insufficient snow.
Purgatory Resort announced on its website that it could not commence operations as planned. “Despite the massive efforts of our mountain operations team, Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated,” the notice stated. The resort has not experienced enough cold weather to generate the necessary amount of manmade snow for their slopes. It added that opening plans are being reassessed based on current conditions, with a new projected date to be announced after this weekend.
At Steamboat, the skiing experience will be available on two trails located on the upper mountain: High Noon and Spike. To return from the upper mountain, skiers will need to download using the Wild Blue Gondola.
According to Steamboat spokeswoman Juliana Troccoli, the forecast is shifting positively. “The forecast is changing in our favor, with colder temperatures and natural snow on the way,” she remarked. Troccoli emphasized the resort’s commitment to working with weather conditions to expand terrain availability as soon as possible.
The delayed openings at Purgatory and Powderhorn reflect challenges faced by ski resorts during this time of year. The reliance on both natural and manmade snow is critical for ensuring safe and enjoyable conditions for skiers, particularly during the early part of the season.
As the situation develops, skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to keep an eye on updates from their preferred resorts. Steamboat’s timely opening offers an opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to hit the slopes, while Purgatory and Powderhorn continue to monitor conditions closely for their eventual openings.
