DSSC News

We departed from Pasco airport on Feb 14th before sunrise with 42 heading for our “Champagne Powder Feast”. Once in Denver, we boarded our custom motor coach for the remainder our trek. A short lunch, grocery, and liquor stop at the Applewood Village ensured we were well provisioned for our stay. Once we arrived at The Ranch at Steamboat, the porters took our baggage to our rooms, so we could prepare for our welcome reception. With plenty to eat, drink, and lift tickets in hand, we settled down for the night.

We awoke to 3” of creamy powder. Some skied the “cream” off the cruisers; some tackled the steeps and bumps; and some took advantage of the courtesy mountain tours. The weather cleared in the afternoon to reveal photographic views of this expansive resort from our balconies and Yampa Valley as we made our way back to our condos.

An incredible day in “Ski Town USA” was capped off with a firework display and festive event in the Gondola Square celebrating the kick off to Presidents holiday week.

The skies turned gray and darkened as we turned out our lights. In the morning, snow was falling to yield 8+” of “Champagne Powder” for what else, but glade and tree skiing. A wonderful day on the mountain was had by all. We at last experienced what we signed up for. We finished this day at the Truffle Pig for an apre’s ski party. Smiling faces, giggles of delight, and merriment filled the bar. Oh, what stories were told. This is the way to end a memorable ski day!

Our third ski day was met with a couple of inches of new and clearing skies. We found new places to ski and expanded our range. The Pony Express lift area proved to hold some untracked as well as new terrain to explore. The boundaries were challenged, and many delightful surprises were found. 

Our fourth day was a “bluebird” day. Being more familiar with this vast 3,000 acres; gaining confidence to challenge the 3,700’ vertical; and, the ability to see the terrain, many tackled the best it had to offer. New “firsts” were had: Black diamond bumps; Chutes 1,2 & 3; Shadows; High Noon; and many unnamed tree-runs. In the light of day, Steamboat skied bigger than one previously had experienced. 

That evening was our farewell dinner at The Steamboat Smokehouse. A group of tired, happy skiers by day were now mingling with cocktails in hand and rewarded to a tasty barbeque buffet while recounting the trip’s exploits. Around-the-table tales were told about the trip to earn their “Champagne” snowflake award. Off to bed for an early departure while recounting in our dreams a personal moment of the trip made for a good night’s sleep.