Steamboat Resort’s $200 million Full Steam Ahead expansion project is nearing completion, and with so many brand new trails, lifts and a beginners area, the resort has re-created its trail map.
Designed by local Stefan Bast, the new map has replaced all existing maps on the mountain, Steamboat Resort’s website and app, and on printed pieces. The previous map was originally designed in 2007 and has been updated with slight changes in the years since.
There are three primary changes to the new map. The most striking might be the brand new 650-acre terrain expansion in the Mahogany Ridge area, which features a new Mahogany Ridge Express chairlift.
The new terrain includes Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon, areas that have been previously part of Steamboat’s sidecountry skiing but will now be managed, maintained and patrolled inside the resort’s boundary.
The expansion area will bring Steamboat from the fifth largest resort in Colorado to second based on acreage. When fully operating, Steamboat will offer 3,741 skiable acreage pinning it approximately 1,600 acres behind Vail Mountain.
The new terrain is meant primarily for advanced or expert skiers and adds several black and double black runs to the resort. It will feature steep cliffs and a 45-minute hike to the bottom of Mahogany Ridge Express. There will be signage and imagery for guests to navigate the area and take recommended routes.
Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon are planned to open this winter season once the snow begins to pile up and Ski Patrol determines it is safe.
Spanning across the map from top to bottom is the completed Wild Blue Gondola, which can take skiers from the base area of the resort to the top of Sunshine Peak in under 15 minutes. The gondola will be the longest and fastest 10-person gondola in North America.
The map also features changes to the Rough Rider and Bashor Basin area, which includes the Greenhorn Ranch Learning Center, a new quad-chairlift and terrain for beginning skiers and riders.