Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Moving Mountains on TV-18

Christmas Eve entertainment in Steamboat included a live interview with Robin & Heather Craigen, founders of Moving Mountains, and a live cooking demo by Executive Chef, Anthony Kresge.

Digg this

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Santa's Powder Clause - Ho Ho Ho!


Santa delivered some of his presents early this year when a 24 inch supply of Champagne Powder layered the Steamboat ski mountain in the last 24 hrs.

The early morning snow report which touted 16 inches at mid mountain triggered a "powder clause" for many lucky Steamboat residents and they swarmed to the mountain for early morning freshies. The powder clause is the ultimate employee bonus - unofficially it reads ".....if there are 6 inches of fresh snow on the mountain you can start work three hours late...".

A powder day in the 'boat is an experience to be savored. As the lifts rolled into action at 8:30 am whoops echoed all around and the first chair riders took a hail of snowballs from the onlooking crowds. The anticipation of the first run is fueled by the sight of the first skiers and riders tunneling through a sea of powder below you with only shoulders and heads visible. The trail of cold smoke as they passed gave the impression that they were under turbo-charged power as they barreled down the mountain.

The conversation begins. Where to go for the best first tracks? Head for 4-Points and catch a fresh line down Twister or go straight to Storm Peak or Sundown Express early and wait till they open up at 9:00 am for an early top to bottom powder-fest? Everyone has their own strategy and on a day like yesterday all strategies are the best ones if you are there early.

A three hour reprieve from work doesn't sound like long enough on an epic day. Truly it could never be long enough - ever. You just can't get enough of it. Except that after 2 hours of floating and ripping through tree glades and open runs, barely touching the bottom as you float on a cushion of snow and air, your legs start to tell you that it's time to go home.

With a smile on your face you rip the last fresh line of the morning and head for work ready for anything. The powder clause made everything worthwhile - early starts, long days, digging out your car and shoveling your decks.

The only thing you have to remember as you come off the mountain is to temper your enthusiasm for the not so fortunate (non-powder claused ) friends. They will not want to hear how you cried out for a snorkel as face shots choked you in Shadows. Don't tell them that the powder was so light that it rippled out in front of you as you cruised down Buddy's Run. Try to hold yourself back from recounting the experience of floating and bouncing through the trees in total silence punctuated only by the occasional whoop from a fellow rider.

If you can't hold yourself back - that's OK. As you will find out if you turn up late for a powder day rendezvous and find that your ski buddies left already, there are no friends on a powder day.

MORE COMING:
A winter storm watch is expected to be in effect beginning at 6 a.m. Christmas Day through the end of the day Friday, A storm system will begin moving into the area from the southwest tonight, but the Flat Tops probably will protect Steamboat Springs and the surrounding areas from anything but flurries until Christmas night. Once the snow picks up, the slopes at the Steamboat Ski Area and higher elevations expect 1 to 2 feet of snow

The Steamboat Ski Area is reporting a 52-inch base at mid-mountain and season-to-date snowfall of 125 inches.

Digg this

Friday, December 19, 2008

Steamboat Winter Weather Alert!

Issued by The National Weather Service
Grand Junction, CO
12:55 pm MST, Fri., Dec. 19, 2008

... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM MST SATURDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAND JUNCTION HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM MST SATURDAY.

SNOW WILL DEVELOP BY EARLY THIS EVENING. IN ADDITION TO THE SNOW... SOUTHWEST WINDS AT 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL PRODUCE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. WINDS WILL SWITCH AROUND TO WESTERLY LATE THIS EVENING AND DIMINISH. HOWEVER GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY. BY LATE SATURDAY EVENING... 5 TO 9 INCHES OF NEW SNOW IS EXPECTED WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW... SLEET... OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES... AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

More Information

... NEXT ROUND OF WINTRY WEATHER ALONG WITH VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO IMPACT NORTHWEST COLORADO...

.THE NEXT WINTER STORM WILL BRING SNOW... WIND... AND MUCH COLDER TEMPERATURES BEGINNING THIS EVENING. SNOW WILL INCREASE OVER THE NORTHWESTERN COLORADO MOUNTAINS THIS EVENING AND PERSIST THROUGH SATURDAY. ONE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE THAT THIS STORM BRINGS THAT THE PREVIOUS STORMS DID NOT... VERY COLD TEMPERATURES. TEMPERATURES WILL PLUMMET THIS EVENING AND DAYTIME TEMPERATURES ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON WILL RANGE FROM 5 BELOW ZERO TO 5 ABOVE ZERO ON MOUNTAIN RIDGES AND EXPOSED AREAS ABOVE 10000 FEET. COMBINED WITH FREQUENT WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH... THE WIND CHILL WILL RANGE FROM 20 BELOW TO 35 BELOW ZERO.

SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL OCCUR WITH AMOUNTS RANGING FROM 8 TO 14 INCHES ON WEST FACING MOUNTAIN SLOPES ABOVE 9000 FEET... WITH 10 TO 19 INCHES IN THE FLATTOPS RANGE. AT TIMES... BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL CAUSE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. PEOPLE TRAVELING OR WINTER RECREATIONISTS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR FRIGID AND HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER FROM FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING.

Digg this

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

5 Feet of Powder in Steamboat Extends Open Terrain to Almost 100%

From Steamboat Ski Corp:

Steamboat Records Snow 12 Out Of First 17 Days In December
2,863 Acres, 154 Trails & 12 Lifts Offering Terrain For All Ability Levels By Weekend


STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-December 17, 2008-With more than 5 feet of Champagne Powder snow since Opening Day, November 26th, Steamboat will provide the ideal holiday gift for powderhounds as it inches closer to opening 100 percent of its available terrain.

“December has come in like a lion and Steamboat continues to enjoy the bounty of being in a very snowy weather pattern, which shows no signs of stopping anytime soon,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Champagne Powder snow is always the number one item on the Steamboat powderhound’s holiday wish list and both Mother Nature and Kris Kringle are delivering it in abundance this month.”

Since November 26th, Steamboat has received more than 5 feet of Champagne Powder snow at mid-mountain and is currently reporting a 36-inch mid-mountain base and 40-inch summit base. During December alone, snow has fallen 12 out of the 17 days with 8 of those days recording 4 inches or more of new snow.

By Saturday, December 20th, Steamboat expects to offer 2,863 acres of deliciously deep terrain (nearly 96% of available terrain), 12 lifts, 154 trails and 3,668 vertical feet of skiing and riding on powder/pack powder conditions. In addition, several trails will open before Saturday including lower Vagabond, Moonlight and the NASTAR Race area.

Morningside Park, the popular children’s area, Rough Rider Basin, and the gladed terrain of Pioneer Ridge will highlight some of the new terrain expected to open this weekend. Morningside chairlift will also usher in the 2008/09 season on Saturday; with Pony Express swinging into action a week later. The upper reaches of Pioneer Ridge will be accessible on a hike-to basis until the lift’s scheduled opening date. The resort will open the Rabbit Ears Terrain Park on Saturday and expects to have the Maverick’s Superpipe and Terrain Park available between Christmas Day and December 27th if current snowmaking conditions persist.

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow to continue through the week with several Pacific storms rolling through the region Wednesday through Monday, bringing continued snowfall across the mountain. The highest chance of snow will be Thursday, then again Saturday through Sunday.

Over the past three years, nearly $30 million has been invested in on-mountain enhancements that will greet Steamboat guests. Getting to Steamboat has never been easier. The resort’s nonstop flight program offers unprecedented access to Ski Town, U.S.A.® via nonstop air service on American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest and United from nine major U.S. cities, in addition to one-stop connecting service from more than 200 other domestic and international cities.

Digg this

Saturday, December 13, 2008

"We're Gonna Get Buried!"...


At this time of year we pay more attention than ever to the weather forecast. The perfect alignment of several reliable sources suggest something ominous is about to occur...

CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center)


"Storm systems are going to race across the state until maybe next weekend. Here's the shorter term look.
Currently a 90 to 100 knot jet has nosed over the San Juans where it has been fairly windy today. A bit of a dry slot moved over during the Saturday morning hours, but satellite images show things filling in nicely. Near sunset Saturday we are looking at blizzard conditions favoring the San Juan, West Elks & Elks, Vail Pass to Beaver Creek area (not quite as much for Summit County), plus the Steamboat and Grand Mesa zones.
Onset of snowfall looks to be very rapid and powerful from around 4-7 tonight in favored areas. The jet stream will shift from a westerly flow to a stronger southwest flow, in the 150 knot range for Saturday night. Very strong winds are anticipated Saturday night across the state. With the progressive nature of the pattern look for some drying to begin in the San Juan mid-day Sunday, and this spreading north by mid-to-late-afternoon across the central and northern zones.
It's going to get cold too. Look for high temperatures Sunday to come early in the morning. The jet sags a little ways into NM Sunday and this will help us see an easing in windspeeds, at least temporarily. Next system is progged to move in Monday evening & exit Tuesday mid-day. Another on Wednesday, & another for next weekend."

Forecast: Sat Night 19" - 21", Sun 5" - 7"

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Issued by The National Weather Service
Grand Junction, CO

3:27 pm MST, Sat., Dec. 13, 2008

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST SUNDAY.

PERIODS OF SNOW... HEAVY AT TIMES... WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY. TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS WILL VARY FROM 6 TO 12 INCHES NEAR CRAIG... TO OVER A FOOT NEAR STEAMBOAT SPRINGS AND OAK CREEK. IN ADDITION TO THE HEAVY SNOW... SOUTHWEST WINDS FROM 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH WILL CREATE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. THE WINDS WILL SWITCH AROUND TO THE NORTHWEST THIS EVENING... AND DECREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

More Information

... MAJOR WINTER STORM IMPACTS THE REGION THROUGH SUNDAY... ... ANOTHER STORM MOVES IN MONDAY AFTERNOON...

.A STRONG AND COLD PACIFIC STORM WILL MOVE ACROSS THE GREAT BASIN TONIGHT AND INTO WESTERN COLORADO. VERY MOIST AND COLD CONDITIONS WILL SPREAD ACROSS WESTERN COLORADO... WITH WIDESPREAD SNOW EXPECTED OVER THE REGION. IN ADDITION... STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS OUT AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT WILL CREATE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW... ESPECIALLY OVER THE HIGHER MOUNTAIN PASSES.

ANOTHER STRONG PACIFIC STORM MOVES INTO THE REGION MONDAY AFTERNOON... BRINGING ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY SNOW... WITH THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN COLORADO AND EASTERN UTAH FAVORED.

MOUNTAIN TRAVEL WILL BECOME DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE STARTING THIS AFTERNOON.

Digg this

Friday, December 12, 2008

WINTER STORM WATCH

Issued by The National Weather Service
Grand Junction, CO 
3:46 am MST, Fri., Dec. 12, 2008

...IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAND JUNCTION HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

A STRONG PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL APPROACH WESTERN COLORADO ON SATURDAY AND MOVE OVER THE AREA THROUGH SUNDAY. AS THE ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT APPROACHES SATURDAY AFTERNOON... SNOWFALL WILL SPREAD INTO THE VALLEYS OF NORTHWEST COLORADO. THE FRONT WILL BRING AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW LATE SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT REDUCING VISIBILITIES. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY WITH 6 TO 12 INCHES POSSIBLE IN THE CRAIG AREA... AND OVER A FOOT POSSIBLE IN CLARK... STEAMBOAT SPRINGS... AND OAK CREEK BY EARLY SUNDAY EVENING.

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW... SLEET... OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Digg this

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Latest Conditions in Steamboat....

Tuesday only netted 3.5" but more snow is forecast in the days ahead so in the meantime we are enjoying a little winter sunshine before the next round of winter arrives.

Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) Reports the following:
"Colorado is under northwest flow today. There is limited moisture in the flow, just enough for some clouds and light, scattered snow the high mountain ranges. Cloud cover will thicken overnight ahead of a little shortwave. By mid-day Friday skies will be mostly cloudy, with light snow spreading to most mountain locations by Friday evening. The shortwave is a gentle lead-in to the weekend’s fury. Saturday is the start of an interesting and intense change in the weather pattern. As of now, the models have a closed low developing over northern British Columbia. The low spends the next week working south along the Pacific coast. That puts Colorado under west and southwest flow with a wave after wave of strong storms."

Digg this

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Expanded openings on tap for today

From the Steamboat Today Newspaper

New terrain, deep snow greet skiers and riders Friday

Steamboat Springs — Almost one-third of the Steamboat Ski Area will be open to skiers and riders by the time the gondola begins ferrying passengers to Thunderhead this morning.

Ski area officials announced Friday additional terrain openings that will bring the skiable acreage to 972. Storm Peak Express will be among the five chairlifts servicing 67 trails, including many of the runs off Sunshine Peak.

The list of trails:

# Green: Arc, Big Foot, Boulevard, Duster, Feather, Flat Out, Giggle Gulch, Main Drag, Park Lane, Preview, Short Cut, So What, Stampede, Right-O-Way, Yoo Hoo and Why Not

# Blue: Blizzard, Buddy's Run, Calf Roper, Chisolm Trail, Dusk, Eagles Nest, Ego, Heavenly Daze, High Noon, Highline, Jess' Cut Off, Lightning, Meadow Lane, One O?Clock, Rainbow, Rudi's Run, Sitz, Skyline, Tower, Tornado Lane, Traverse, Vagabond and Vogue

# Blue/Black: Norther, Sunset, Surprise, Two O?Clock

# Black: Burgess Creek Lift Line, Closet, Cyclone, Dawn, Hurricane, Kuus' Cruise, Nelson?s Run, Oops, See Ya, Shadows, Storm Peak Catwalk, Storm Peak North, Storm Peak South, Sundown Lift Line, Three O'Clock, Tornado, Triangle 3, Twilight, Twister, Typhoon, Vertigo and White Out

# Terrain Parks: Lil' Rodeo

# Chairlifts: Burgess Creek, Christie Express, Gondola, Preview, Storm Peak Express

The ski area opened last week, but there was no doubt Friday represented the first real day of the 2008-09 season for many local skiers and riders.

The ski area opened the gondola, as well as 27 additional trails Friday. The resort reported 11 inches of new snow Friday morning, but on some of the previously unopened terrain, the powder was significantly deeper.

"It was great. We had a blast up there today. I actually got stuck up there a couple of times," said Toscha Velasquez, who joined coworkers on the slopes before heading into work at about 11 a.m. "I didn't expect it to be that good. I think everybody's pretty thrilled that it's better than they expected."

Long lines greeted skiers and snowboarders at the Burgess Creek chairlift, which also opened for the first time Friday and was the only lift open outside the base area. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., the wait at the three-pack lift was about 20 minutes.

Shortly after 10 a.m., the top of Heavenly Daze looked like the starting line at the annual Cowboy Downhill, as anxious skiers and riders lined up for a mass stampede as resort employees dropped the ropes on the popular trail. Snowmaking and grooming requirements delayed the trail's opening until later in the morning.

Skiers and riders may want to wake up early this morning to take advantage of the conditions. The National Weather Service forecasts partly sunny skies through the weekend, with a chance of snow returning to the area Monday. High temperatures during the weekend will be in the mid-30s.


Digg this

Friday, November 28, 2008

Surf to Snow....the 20 year cycle


It was 1990; I was an avid surfer chomping at the bit every time the swell came up, However, depending on the conditions, uprising swell meant also snow fall in the mountains where I could ride in Tahoe on white walls of frozen water on my snowboard. It was always a tough choice!


As I was graduating from my culinary program in California I was offered an opportunity to move to Hawaii. This decision was easy – why the heck not! I packed my bags, surfboards, shorts and sun lotion and headed west to Maui with few regrets about the dust soon to be gathering on my winter gear. It was a great decision, being on the water riding a fast moving wall of water or sticking my feet in the sand watching perfect waves curl over a reef will be forever part of my soul. But life is a journey and the story did not end there.


I made the break from Hawaii to continue my culinary journey in Italy this past year to finish my graduate certification in Advanced Culinary and Pastry. The spell of the waves was not broken (I can still go back to play!) but along the way life presented a new opportunity to come to the mountains of Steamboat. Confronted with a fork in the road that 20 years ago would have otherwise just as easily taken me to the life of a ski bum I decided to cross over to the other side captivated by the lure of the legendary powder in this corner of the Rockies.

Today as I sit here at the beginning of a winter season that will span the next 5 months I am contemplating a new kind of surf session. This time I'll be riding a frozen wave of powder that is as mouthwatering as the perfect barrels of Maui. My passion for the perfect ride lives on in a new dimension.


My passion for food lives on with me in this new dimension. I am just taking it to another level and I hope to share the moment with you.
"Pura Vida"

Anthony Kresge
Executive Chef
Moving Mountains Catering Company

Digg this

Friday, October 31, 2008

Sneak Peak : New Website

Long overdue and much anticipated is the launch of our new website which will happen sometime in late November. Familiar visitors to our website will probably liken this experience to time when your local supermarket decides to rearrange the store layout, but we hope that the new features will overcome any early frustrations.

Features will include:

  • New improved navigational architecture
  • Larger format photo galleries
  • Properties will be searchable by type, availability and amenities
  • improved layout of quote request form
  • weather and ski conditions report
  • live blog feed
  • Read and post reviews

We look forward to your feedback!

Digg this

Moving to Steamboat

We asked our two new reservations staff, Jeff and Melissa, who both moved here in the last year, to reflect on their first few months here and share a little of their experiences of life in Steamboat...

Both Jeff and Melissa agreed on a common theme - Steamboat is a great place to live because it has such a great climate.

"Moving to a ski town like Steamboat makes you appreciate the simple pleasures of wonderful weather and great outdoor opportunities to do just about anything you would like to experience. With an average of 250 sunny days per year it makes Steamboat that much more enjoyable than the climate we left behind in the Mid-West."

Jeff moved from Flagstaff, AZ where it only snows around 150 inches a year, to Steamboat where this past year was a record snowfall of 489 inches. It was quite an adjustment. Of course in a ski town there can never be "too much snow", but having to scrape off 2 - 6 inches of snow daily from the car took some getting used to.

"I quickly learned to appreciate having a remote car starter and the finer points of what defines a good snow scraper!"

Jeff is no stranger to change and acted on instinct to pursue a dream of living in the mountains.

"I was raised just outside Tahoe until I turned 12 when we moved to St. Louis for my High School years. Moving to Steamboat from Flagstaff, where I had just graduated college, was blind luck. With less than $2,000 to my name, a van full of belongings and a quest for powder I hoped for the best winter of my life. Looking back over the last nine months, Steamboat has given me the great experience that I was looking for. If you ever have a chance to do the same, take advantage of it and experience life in the mountains."

Melissa grew up in Madison, Wisconsin where "activities" included eating out, going downtown, shopping at the many malls Madison had to offer; it was fun, but she needed a change.

"Steamboat has offered me many things in the few months I've been here. It has already exceeded all expectations. Yes, Steamboat is a small town, but what separates it from other small towns is that it's such an active town. There's so much to do here that I was never really interested in or able to do back home: hiking, snowshoeing, biking, etc. Something about this town has made me explore my options, test out new horizons."

"I've visited Steamboat many times on vacations and loved it, but I wasn't sure if I could handle living here. Now I wonder what I was worried about. It already feels like home and the new norms of my life in the mountains are healthier and helping me to appreciate everything about living in Ski Town USA."

Overall, they are both very excited for the upcoming winter.

"Moving Mountains incorporates hard work with fun in the work place and we are looking forwards to meeting the many guests whose vacations we have been planning. Steamboat is a very special place and we hope when you do visit that you try and experience as much as you can while you are here."

Digg this

Be a Fan on Facebook!

Moving Mountains on Facebook

Another place that you can keep updated with goings on with Moving Mountains is through our Facebook page.

MOVING MOUNTAINS on FACEBOOK : CLICK HERE

Here you can get the latest updates on our news feed, you can write and read reviews from past guests and sahre pictures and video.

Most important of all you join our "community" by becoming a Fan of Moving Mountains!

Digg this

New Moving Mountains Office

October 2008 ushered in a new era as we moved to a new office suite in the Fish Creek Building at the base of the ski mountain area.

This new location provides a front desk area where we can check in and meet arriving guests. We also now have a small guest lounge area where you can relax before check in, check your email or plan any additional activities for your stay.

Our new address is:

PO Box 880346,
Fish Creek Building: First Floor
155 Anglers Drive,
Steamboat Springs,
CO 80488


Website: www.MovingMountains.com

Email : info@movingmountains.com

Digg this

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Winter is coming!

The days are counting down to another epic ski season in Steamboat.

Last winter was a record setter with 489" of champagne powder falling before closing day. We were reminded yesterday morning of what is to come when we woke up to the first snowstorm signalling that fall is over and we are heading into winter.

This is the time of year that we put the skis in for a service and wax and shop for ski gear. We also have to pull out the snow tires, find our snow shovels, winterize irrigation systems and make the last check in the back yard for anything we might need before spring.

Ski season has already started in Colorado. Loveland at 10,600' opened on October 14th and is currently reporting an 18" base. Steamboat is less than 40 days from opening day and the mountain is turning white as snow-making operations roll into action and mother nature is helping out already.

We are pleased to report that despite the economic turmoil and the distractions of the election it seems that few people are willing to give up on their ski vacation plans. Our bookings are keeping pace with last year and since our feature in SKI magazine last year many more people are realizing that our full-service catered package is the way to go. So the message here is - don't wait until the last minute - because we are starting to fill up on busy weeks.

With some new properties just coming on line, a new website due to be launched in the next month, new staff members in our office and chalets teams and changes all around us in Steamboat, there is much more to bring to you. So keep coming back and we'll keep you in the loop!

Digg this

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Steamboat Ranked 8th Overall (No.1 Family Resort) by SKI Magazine Readers


Steamboat climbs one position in SKI Magazine's annual readers survey with the expectation that with developments that are now underway a top 5 position in the future is within reach.

This idea is reinforced by the readers who expressed frustration with the resort’s “aging base area” which is now being comprehensively addressed by a unprecedented amount of tear-down and redevelopment.

“If it were a day resort or a throwback mountain, Steamboat’s aging base area — which one reader describes as being ‘stuck in a 1970s time warp’ — might be tolerated,” SKI’s October issue reads, citing feedback from its annual Reader Resort Survey. “But the resort’s relative isolation in northern Colorado, while keeping it crowd-free, makes it dependent on destination travelers, who want more than great snow and small-town character.

Steamboat’s No. 8 ranking is a slight improvement compared with the previous two years, when it ranked ninth. This is the third year in a row Steamboat has garnered a top-10 ranking. It was ranked 11th by SKI readers in 2005. Steamboat was sandwiched between Aspen Mountain in seventh and Breckenridge in ninth. Longstanding programs such as “Kids Ski Free” and “Kids Fly Free” made Steamboat SKI’s No. 1 family resort in the West.

With the demolition of Ski Time Square and Thunderhead Lodge, Steamboat doesn’t look to gain any ground in the upcoming ski season with those annoyed either by the lack of nightlife or the high level of construction. Moving Mountains has a great solution to this dilemma as most of it's exclusive rental properties are away from the base area and avoid the construction impacts completely, while still providing great access to the skiing.

Access to Steamboat has improved significantly in recent years and the resort will look to gain ground in this area of future surveys because this year’s nonstop flight program will be Steamboat’s largest ever, with the recently announced addition of Frontier Airlines flights from Denver.

Night life is also improving this winter with the opening of the Ghost Ranch Saloon at Seventh and Yampa streets which could play a major role if it opens on schedule this winter. Co-owner Amy Garris told the Steamboat Pilot & Today last week that she plans to have live music seven nights a week during the winter and summer tourism seasons.

SKI typically polls about 6,000 readers each year to get their perceptions of ski areas in 18 categories. They include overall satisfaction, access, après ski, dining, family programs, grooming, lifts, lodging, off-hill activities, on-mountain food, scenery, service, snow terrain/challenge, terrain variety, terrain parks, value and weather.

Ski area spokesmen could not point to one specific area of improvement that may have explained Steamboat’s move from No. 9 to No. 8, but they did cite the multimillion-dollar capital improvements that have accompanied Intrawest’s purchase of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. from American Skiing Co. in 2007.

“I think it’s kind of the overall appeal of Steamboat that people keep discovering and enjoying, and the overall level of service they receive throughout the community,” Lane said.

We could not agree more as we know that our services are what sets us apart from the competition both in Steamboat and across the Rocky Mountains.

Digg this

Monday, September 15, 2008

Frontier Lands in Steamboat this Winter

Frontier Airlines has added ski season flights from Denver to Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden, the airline announced last week. The service will run from December 18th to April 22nd on Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Frontier will operate three flights a day to and from Denver International Airport, the news release stated. The turboprop Q400s contain 74 seats, four of which will be removed to add space for luggage and ski gear.

For skiers hoping the visit Steamboat this winter this is very good news as flyers are once again about to discover that the price of your flight has more to do with competition in the marketplace than the price of a barrel of oil. Not only does this provide more capacity to meet the ever increasing popularity of Steamboat, it also places every other airline flying into Steamboat/Hayden under pressure to price airfares more competitively to meet the challenge of Frontier - one of the top low-cost carriers in the US.


First indications are that this is exactly what is happening and some fares into Hayden on Orbitz.com have already dropped by over $100. We are watching airfares everyday and expect more discounted opportunities while availability still exists. if you are contemplating a trip to Steamboat this winter
this is a great incentive to check your best travel dates and shop for airfare.





Digg this

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Package Airfare Deals

Airfare to Steamboat has become more expensive this year, but there are still some great deals to be had. Working with our wholesale partners we have been able to land some spectacular deals for package airfare when large groups, unable to meet their commitments, release available seats back onto the market at below retail rates.

Restrictions on these restricted airfares allow us to offer these great rates when combined with two other package elements. In our case this means lodging & a full-service catered package. So not only can you now have your cake - you can eat it too!

Here are some sample airfares* (including taxes & fees) that we have seen recently:

Sample Dates
February 21 - 28
March
7 - 14
Chicago
(ORD)
$395
$445
Dallas
(DFW)
$395
$445
Houston
(IAH)
$495
$359
Newark
(EWR)
$435
$435
Minneapolis
(MSP)
$575
$550
Atlanta
(ATL)
$786
$986

Please call (877-624-2538) or email us now for a full vacation quote with airfare.

*Fares are subject to availability and rates are likely to vary until reservations are confirmed due to the current fluid nature of the flights marketplace.

Digg this

Our Favorite Recipes..

Just to tempt you further into considering a full-service catered package with your next ski vacation we are sharing some of the great recipes that we have served over the years in our catered chalets

Mediterranean Chicken

This delicious moist chicken recipe is easy to make, can be made well in advance and it can be cooked and served in the same amount of time as your vegetables of choice will take to prepare.

Serves: 12
Marinate chicken at least 1 day (max 3).
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 30 min
12
Chicken Breasts, boneless & skinless
½ c Dark Brown Sugar
1 c
Dry White Wine

For the Marinade:

6
Cloves of Garlic, peeled
6
Bay leaves
1 c
Prunes, quartered
½ c
Capers, with a little juice
1 c
Green Olives with pimento
½ c
Oregano
½ c
Red Wine Vinegar
½ c
Olive Oil


How to do it...

1 - 3 Days before:

1. Place all the marinade ingredients into a ziploc bag along with the chicken. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate at least one day.

One hour before dinner: preheat the oven to 350ÂşF.

1. Lay the chicken pieces out onto a roasting pan. Be sure to remove the 6 bay leaves and to set the 6 garlic cloves to the side of the chicken breasts. Top the chicken breasts with the rest of the marinade mixture, equally distributing the prunes, olives and capers.

2. Sprinkle the chicken with the brown sugar and white wine. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove from the oven. Pour off the juices into a saucepan and bring to a boil. While boiling slowly drizzle in water and cornflour to thicken into a sauce. Simmer for 1 min. Then serve chicken with sauce poured on top. (Be careful not to serve the garlic, unless everyone gets a clove!).

Digg this

Thursday, July 3, 2008

What is your time worth?

A simple Question... "What value do I place on an hour of my time?"

This is a great question to hold in your mind when considering the value of a full-service catered lodging package. People often ask us "It sounds great, but how can I justify adding the cost of this full-service catered package to my vacation?"

Beyond the obvious ways that we can answer that question - "Because you deserve it!", "Because we all enjoy vacations where you don't have to work...", we are closer to finding the answer when we respond "Because it is not as expensive as you think."

Ski vacations frequently involve the exercise of trying to squeeze a number of items into the bulging vacation budget - lodging, airfare, airport transfers or vehicle rental, food, drinks, snacks, housekeeping and so on. Frequently missing from the spreadsheet (if that is how your group plans its ski vacation) is a value on the time that you expend in order to keep the vacation within the scripted budget. By our analysis you are not saving much money doing this yourselves and yet you are wasting a lot of precious vacation time.

We looked at a group of 14 guests staying at our 6 bedroom Moving Mountains Chalet in regular season (mid-February - end of March) working from known costs.

Comparison:
7 Nights lodging with full-service catered package
7 Nights Lodging without staff or meal service
Lodging
$12,593
$12,593
Full-service Catered Package for 14
$10,703
-
Rental of 2 Suburbans incl. airport fees
included
$2,200
Gas (1 tank per vehicle)
included
$200
Quality meals / snacks / soft drinks *
included
$2,450
Daily Housekeeping
included
$500
Gratuity (15%)
$1,605
-
Totals
$24,901
$17,943
Difference
-
$6,958

For a per person cost of $497 ($71/night) hundreds of guests have already decided that this is a great deal for meals prepared by your personal chef including all grocery shopping, private airport pickup and private local area shuttle service in a 4WD fully winterized Suburban driven by experienced staff, daily housekeeping and personal concierge services.

If you are still unconvinced, then here's the kicker. By our estimates the full-service catered package will save your group at least 310 hours of individual personal time.

Time Value
# Hours
# people
Total Hours
Airport Shuttle (both ways)
4
14
56
Shopping
3
3
9
Check-in
1
14
14
Daily private shuttle
6
14
14
Meal prep / clean up: brkfast
12
3
36
Meal prep / clean up: lunch
12
3
36
Meal prep / clean up: dinner
15
3
60
Housekeeping
15
1
15
Total
310

Going back to our question at the beginning of this story...what was that hourly rate? At $20 / hour this totals $6,200. At $40 hour that's $12,400 and you are well ahead! If you are lawyer we should be charging you more!

We know that there are many ways you can challenge our logic. All we are trying to say is - there is a value on your time. Full-service catered lodging offers you the possibility that every hour of every day of your vacation could be stress free vacation time. No shopping, cooking, dish washing, driving and organizing.

Sound good?

* We provide espresso machines with catered packages - think about what you will save at Starbucks in a week!

Digg this

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Seeing is believing...

"A catered chalet ski vacation is the way to go".

But, don't take our word for it.


Check out our Video on YouTube.com and hear from some of our guests just how well this worked for them. Meet the owners and founders of Moving Mountains and hear about their vision for your next ski vacation.


Bonus Out-Take
The making of this Video produced a hilarious out-take when one of the guests we were interviewing surprised us with a little red-neck humor. We couldn't help ourselves from sharing the moment with you...


Digg this

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Moose on the loose...

One of the fun parts of living in the mountains is who we get to share our backyard with. The Routt National Forest is just 50 yards from the end of our driveway and the local wildlife has no concept of boundaries. Our backyard is just where their forest used to be. It's not surprising then that they stop by on a regular basis on their daily patrol for food.

Among our latest visitors over the Memorial Day weekend was a young black bear checking out why our guests at the Bear Chalets (you still wondering why we call it the Bear Chalets...?) had left the garage open, and attempting to make off with a bag of trash before we scared him off. That's not a good habit to encourage / reward. Black Bears are pretty timid and at the first sign of interest (or a camera) they are usually heading back to the hills. These fuzzy images do not tell much of a story because of the late hour of his visit. Trust me - that fuzzy blur is a bear..

This morning a couple of Moose stopped by. Our dog Lola was not impressed by these "funny looking deer" and attempted to show them that they were not welcome. Unfazed the moose grazed at the back of our house before strolling through the neighborhood and returning to the forest.


Digg this

Friday, May 16, 2008

Your Summer Vacation could look like this...

(Each day is like reading a good book or watching a favorite movie)



Saturday, July 5: "The Wild Wild West"
PM
Arrive in Steamboat.

Stop for lunch in the heart of downtown at Back Country Provisions - a mountainous selection of freshly made sandwiches is offered daily.

Take a few exhilarating runs down Steamboat's 2400' long Alpine Slide - "The Howler" - at Howelson Hill just across the river.

Check in at your chalet. Groceries and beverages can be stocked in advance, saving you a trip to the store, or you could consider our full-service package with meals prepared and served fresh daily by a private chef.

BBQ & Rodeo Night - Watch the old west come alive! The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series features the best cowboys in Colorado and Wyoming on the baddest bulls and horses with kids events too. The rodeo series starts on Friday, June 13th and is every Friday and Saturday night until Saturday, August 16th. All rodeos start at 7:30 p.m. except the 4th of July rodeo which starts at 7:00 p.m. Western BBQ served from 6:00pm.

Sunday July 6: "Into Thin Air"
AM
Gondola Ride / Guided Mountain Hike

PM
Sunday brunch at Hazie's at the top of Thunderhead (9080')

Head downtown and rent bikes for all the family from Orange Peel Bicycle Service to ride the Yampa Core River Trail - an easy paved route that follows the river that flows through Steamboat.

More adventurous mountain bikers in your group can explore some of the 50 miles of sweet single-track trails on Howelson Hill and Emerald Mountain.

End the day under the stars in your private hot tub back at the chalet.

Monday July 7: "The River Wild"
AM
Start the day with the locals - Breakfast at the Shack Cafe. Check out the Huevos Rancheros - the best in town!

Tube the Yampa River - take a 45 minute ride down the river from the 5th street bridge in Downtown out to the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge.

PM
Enjoy lunch by the River at Sunpies Bistro

After shoppers can enjoy a stroll along historic Lincoln Avenue

Check out the Strings Music Festival - tonight "Peter and The Wolf with the Pushcart Players" - a great family show.


Tuesday July 8: "A River Runs Through it"
AM
For fishermen in your group - depart for Bucking Rainbow Outfitters downtown for a full Day guided Fishing Trip on public or some of their extensive private water fishing grounds.

Golfers can check out one of the 3 public courses in the Yampa Valley where altitude gives you an additional 10% carry on every shot. Ego-Golf!

PM
For a more relaxing alternative visit a health spa for revitalizing therapies or enjoy a massage in the comfort of your private chalet.

Spend the evening with the family at the world renowned Strawberry Park natural hot springs.

Wednesday July 9: "The River Wild: Part II"
AM
Half Day of White Water Rafting on the Elk River 20 minutes from Steamboat with lunch on the river bank.
PM
Need more adventure? Try the "daily double" - after a BBQ lunch venture out on a horseback guided excursion to explore the back-country.

"Parisian Soiree" - a night of classical French music in the newly completed Strings Music Pavillion


Thursday July 10: "City Slickers"
AM
Rise with the birds for an early morning Cattle Drive at Saddleback Ranch. Saddle up with real cowboys and move cattle, check for sickness, get in strays and make sure that everything on the ranch is doing well. Yee-haww!

PM
Dinner out at Café Diva, one of Steamboat's finest restaurants. Perfect for a special celebration.

Friday July 11: "Still more to do than you can shake a stick at.."
AM
Options for your last day range from:
-Guided climbing with Rocky Mountain Ventures
-Ride the Gondola and descend the mountain by bike on the world-class single-track trails that criss-cross the ski mountain
-Tennis at the year-round tennis center
-Kayak the Yampa with Mountain Sports Kayak School
PM
Enjoy the evening performance by Brent Rowan and Friends at the Strings Music Pavillion

Two-time Academy of Country Music's Guitarist of the Year, Brent Rowan is Nashville's most sought-after studio guitarist. His "Friends" are the industry's top singer/songwriter/performers with past guests including Guy Clark, Hal Ketchum, and Suzy Bogguss.


Saturday July 12, 2008:"Homeward Bound..."
AM
Get up early to see the first launch of 50 hot air balloons at the Balloon Rodeo that light up the sky with brillaint colors.

After a last breakfast in your home-away-from-home head for some last minute souvenirs at the Farmers Market downtown or the Art-in-the Park Festival on your way out to the airport.

Did you think you could pack so much into just one week?

...and yes, it is like this all summer in Steamboat!

Digg this

Summer 2008 Festivals & Events in Steamboat

27th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k: June 1st.
Don't miss the 27th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K - named one of the 10 Most Scenic Marathons and a Top 10 Destination Marathon in North America by Runner's World. This is truly the most scenic run in the Rockies! www.steamboatchamber.com

The Rio Stampede Mountain Bike Race: June 7th.
The Rio Stampede is the next generation race from the original Rio 24 Hours of Steamboat. The Rio Stampede is a 12 hour and 6 hour race that incorporates solo, duo and team divisions. Competitors will take the course designed previously for the 24 Hours of Steamboat. This epic mountain bike course utilizes both forest access roads as well as singletrack on the ascent and is littered with aspens through some of Colorados best singletrack for the ride down. Participants will compete within their divisions for 12 hours. Some teams will ascend over 20,000 vertical feet before the race is complete. You will find out why it is called "The Climb of Your Life". www.rockypeakproductions.com

Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup: June 12 -15th.
A Father's Day tradition continues on in Steamboat Springs. More than 400 Mustang owners from Rocky Mountain Mustang clubs will convene in Steamboat for activities, including a timed event on Friday and a "Show and Shine" on Lincoln Avenue on Saturday. Both events are free and open to the public.

Spectators are welcome at the Meadows parking lot located at the corner of Mt. Werner Road and Pine Grove Road for Friday's Autocross. Over 180 Ford Mustangs compete in this timed event. Admission is free.

Saturday's Show n' Shine is a car lovers dream. Over 450 Ford Mustangs are lined up and down Lincoln Avenue for display. Admission is free and everyone?s welcome. www.rmmr.org

Strings in The Mountains: June 28th: August 22nd.
Strings Music Festival is a World-class music festival that presents over 70 performances of chamber music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, world rhythms, and many other genres every summer since 1988. Artists include Grammy winners and nominees, major competition winners and principal players from the most renowned orchestras.

Throughout the summer, enjoy chamber music concerts every Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the Different Tempo Series on Fridays, Youth and Family Concerts every Tuesday and free Music on the Green performances at the Yampa River Botanic Park every Thursday. With a schedule like this, there's simply no excuse to miss a Strings production.

The intimate newly constructed 540-seat Pavilion overlooks breathtaking vistas of Mt. Werner, Emerald Mountain and the beautiful Yampa Valley making it an ideal venue to hear world-class music. www.stringsinthemountains.org

Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series: June 30th - August 22nd.
The 2006 Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series, now in its 14th year, will kick off the series with collaboration of Chicago music legends, Chicago Blues Reunion, Friday, June 30. July's concerts begin Friday, July 7, complementing an already popular Balloon Rodeo Weekend, when Michael Franti and Spearhead will take the stage. The remainder of the schedule includes the return of Los Lobos Thursday, July 27 and the local premiere of Matt Costa Friday, August 11 and Susan Tedeschi Tuesday, August 22. www.steamboatchamber.com

4th of July Cowboys' Roundup, Parade and Fireworks: July 4th - 6th.
For over 100 years Steamboat has celebrated Independence Day with rodeo. Cowboys' Roundup Days celebrates the Western Heritage native to the Yampa Valley with events for the entire family. Kick back in boots at several community events including, a community all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, children's activities, concerts, the annual parade down Lincoln Avenue rodeo, cattle drive down Lincoln Avenue, and fireworks. www.steamboatsummer.com

28th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo & 34th Annual Art in the Park : July 12th -13th.
Join Bank of the West at Steamboat's most colorful weekend - a festival of vibrant colors and art - this is one of the most anticipated weekends of the summer. The 28th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo presented by Bank of the West combined with the 34th Annual Art in the Park have become a staple of Steamboat in the Summertime. Join us for this spectacular early-morning affair with over 40 hot air balloons rising softly from the mist and drifting over the valley. Later make your way over to West Lincoln Park for Steamboat's biggest arts and crafts festival. Art in the Park on Saturday is from 9-5pm and Sunday 9-4pm. Mark your calendars because this weekend is an absolute favorite for the entire family! www.steamboatsummer.com

Eriksen Tour de Steamboat - Road Ride: July 26th.
New to the Eriksen Tour de Steamboat for 2008 is the addition of two rides. Making it's return for a 4th year is the traditional ride over Rabbit Ears Pass, Gore Pass and Yellow Jacket Pass to return to Steamboat. In addition, two shorter rides - The Stagecoach Out and Back (40 miles) and the River Road Out and Back (20 miles). The 2008 Tour de Steamboat is proud to announce the partnership with Prudential Steamboat Realty to turn the tour into a fundraiser for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. www.rockypeakproductions.com

5th Annual Wine Festival: July 31st - August 3rd.
The 5th Annual Steamboat Wine Festival continues the tradition of Celebrating the Senses! As in previous years, the event will feature wine seminars and wine maker's dinners throughout the weekend. The Saturday Grand Tasting is at the Torian Plum Plaza. This year look for additional food and wine events including: the Kickoff Reception on Thursday night at the top of the Gondola at Thunderhead. Drink fine wines paired with exquisite foods. Talk to wine makers and an international wine panel. Participate in a live auction featuring some great trips and fabulous art work. On Friday, the Stroll of Steamboat will have patrons and their glasses meandering through downtown Steamboat Springs sampling over 400 wines and food at a variety of locations. This casual tasting is a great way to sample a variety of wines and experience the beauty of downtown. Finally, Saturday's Grand Tasting at Torian Plaza gets even bigger and better. Music and the Steel Chef competition both take place at this event. www.steamboatwinefestival.com.

4th Annual Labor Day Wild West Air Fest and Labor Day Weekend Celebration : August 30th - September 3rd.
Labor Day Weekend in Steamboat is packed with the entertainment in the air, on the mountain and all over town! It's a Labor Day celebration for the whole family featuring remote controlled aircraft, vintage aircrafts and war birds, classic cars, hang gliders, para-gliders at the Steamboat Springs Airport; the final installment of the Annual Art on the Mountain, shopping and dogs! The Steamboat Springs Stockdog Trials are back! If you love dogs you won't want to miss these amazing animals herding sheep in this great competition on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Plus our semi-annual downtown sidewalk sale is a Steamboat tradition you don't want to miss!

2nd Annual Brewers Festival: September 20th.
Steamboat celebrates fall with a beer tasting featuring the best breweries in Colorado. Join us from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008 for the 2nd Annual Steamboat Brewers' Festival. The festival takes place at the base of the ski area at Torian Plum Plaza in front of the Slopeside Bar & Grill. This event has a little something for everyone including live music, a root beer bar for kids and food vendors. www.steamboatbrewersfestival.com


Digg this