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Steamboat Magazine

Spring Skiing

04/05/2014 10:24AM ● By Christina Freeman

The orange-pink alpenglow that lights up Mount Werner is one of the most beautiful sights in the valley. Photo by Amanda DeVos

STRENGTHEN SKILLS

Ski with Olympians Billy Kidd and Nelson Carmichael and get tips from the pros for free. Check the boards at the top and bottom of the gondola to see if Billy is skiing, then meet at 1 p.m. at Thunderhead Peak. Nelson’s mogul clinic is at 1 p.m. on select Sundays – check the grooming report to see if it is happening, then meet at Four Points.

Or, for a more intensive and personalized experience, try a workshop. Specialized workshops include Billy Kidd Race Camp for improving carving, racing and skills in powder, bumps and trees; and Women’s Only workshops hosted by Olympians Caroline Lalive and Ann Battelle to improve skills and build camaraderie. Freestyle Park and Pipe sessions explore the latest jumps, spins and grabs, and individual and group lessons are offered for all abilities. www.steamboat.com | 970-879-6111

CARVE THROUGH THE NIGHT

When the sun goes down and the alpenglow fades, head for the mountain to round out the on-snow experience with night skiing. Trails off of Christie Peak offer about 1,100 vertical feet of lit terrain for the first time this year. Enjoy freshly groomed runs under the illumination of top-notch lighting technology that brightens snow while minimizing glare and reflected light. Night skiing is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the spring. Single-night ticket prices start at $29, adults; $19, teens; $9, children. www.steamboat.com | 970-879-6111

BIKE THE SNOW

Who needs wheels? With snowbikes, trade wheels for skis and race down the Steamboat Ski Area. The sport is fairly easy to pick up, and lets novice skiers and snowboarders access areas of the mountain they may not have been comfortable on with skis or a board. Complete a Learn to Snowbike class through the Steamboat Snowsports School, then ride away. Snowbikes are available for rental through the Snowsports School or at Powder Pursuits Shred Shop at the Steamboat Grand. www.steamboat.com | 970-879-6111; www.powderpursuits.com | 970-879-9086

EXPLORE ON FOOT

Discover the mountain habitat, flora and fauna with a naturalist during a free guided interpretive tour from Yampatika on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or take in expansive views during a free guided snowshoe tour from Steamboat’s Ambassadors. For the full treatment, join a Steamboat Ambassador for a fun and informative snowshoe tour followed by a gourmet lunch at Hazie’s or Ragnar’s. www.steamboat.com | 970-879-6111