STEAMBOAT TRIP REPORT
Saturday 2-25 thru Saturday 3-4
      by David Whetzell

Our group of 19 met at SFO Saturday evening for our 2 hour flight to Eagle, Co. The 1 hour flight delay gave us ample time to renew acquaintances at the brew pub conveniently located right next to our gate. At Eagle airport we were met by our bus for our 2 hour ride to Steamboat. The bus driver entertained us with a few local stories and even gave us some free beer from his own supply. We arrived at our condo’s well past midnight and went right to bed. Our condo’s (Storm Meadows) were located right on the ski slope with “ski in ski out” capability. Each condo was a 2 bedroom/2 bath; full kitchen, fireplace in living room, T.V/radio & views of the ski runs. Common areas included large heated outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi large enough to hold our whole group; exercise room and ski lockers.

Sunday greeted us with near perfect weather; temp’s in the low 30’s and a bright sunny sky. Several of us met at 10:00 a.m. for a free 2 hour tour of the mountain with a resort guide. Also available was a free afternoon bump clinic given by Nelson Carmichael (Olympic medal winner & mogul world champ). That evening we had a trip orientation meeting in Sandy’s room where we laid out our social agenda for the rest of the trip. Everyone was on their “best behavior” due primarily to the lack of libations; you can’t buy alcohol (except in a restaurant or bar) in Colorado on Sunday!

Mondays’ weather was bright and sunny again with temps in the low 40’s. At 1:00 several of us attended a free hour long ski clinic with Billy Kid (Olympic medalist). Now I can say “I used to ski with Billy Kid and he taught me everything I know”. That night we met at Helga’s condo for happy hour (by now we had time to buy liquid refreshment). After the party some went out to dinner and others called it a day.

Tuesday ski conditions were getting spring like with rising temp’s and partly cloudy skys – a front was moving in. By now we had established a place and time to meet for lunch on the mountain every day – no planning, just show up. This was “fat Tuesday” so ski costumes and beads were the order of the day. Several trees on the mountain were draped with discarded beads and bras. A lot of us quit early that day and met at Slopeside Bar (just down the slope from our condos) for happy hour and live music. Poor John Stoddard couldn’t quit early – he was skiing with Jennifer Milstein. We nicknamed her the “energizer bunny” (she just kept going and going) and dubbed John “dead man walking” (his fate was obvious if he was going to try to keep up with her). Later that evening most of the group went into the town of Steamboat Springs for dinner and bar hopping.

Wednesday we woke to 7 inches of new powder. Apres rule #5 was invoked (something about never sleeping thru a powder day). Most of us got on to the slopes early as this promised to be the best ski day of the trip. Sunny skies; nice temperatures and a taste of Steamboat’s famous powder. There were many stories to be told that day – my favorite was about Ray’s adventure in the trees. While tree skiing he got forced into a narrow line between 2 trees; in the space between the 2 trees was a steep sharp ridge which acted as a ski jump. When he went over that he got launched into overhead tree limbs (his cowboy hat absorbed/fended off most of the branches) and was deposited chest deep into a tree well. While trying to extricate himself he heard another skier following his same line. Sure enough the same thing happened to this skier and he landed right next to Ray in the tree well. That night we had a “blind wine tasting” party in Cheryl’s room (Helga won prizes for best red and best white). After that some went out to the Tugboat restaurant to dine on Elk while others cooked in their condos.

Thursday was another typical sunny warmish day on the slopes. Most everyone was taking it easy as they were trying to recover from the toll of the powder the day before. Some of the ladies (Sandy, Cheryl & Nancy) took the day off and went horseback riding in the snow. That afternoon/evening a group of about 11 of us went to Strawberry Park Hot Springs which was located in the wilderness about 7 miles out of town. If you ever get to Steamboat this side trip is a must! The springs are channeled into several large stone/masonry pools – each kept at different temperatures. A creek that runs adjacent is also diverted into a huge stone pool; this one is only for the brave and foolhardy – temperature was about 38 degrees. Scattered amongst the pools are several changing areas (everything from a stone hut to an Indian tepee) as well as lounge chairs. Best hot springs I’ve ever been to. It should be noted that Tom VanBogart declined to attend. He was afraid that if the women saw him in his black speedo they would not be able to control themselves!

Friday, our last ski day. Time to “mop up” the mountain and do any runs that we missed. After lunch most of us met for a group picture taking session on the mountain with a professional photographer. Word has it that it will be framed – look for it in your lodge (in the stairwell) soon. That evening most of us went to a western all you can eat BBQ which was in a restaurant half way up the mountain. We almost didn’t make it as it was getting windy and the gondola (our only way up) was on hold till about a ½ hour before dinner. A Country Western Band entertained us as we pigged out on ribs, chicken, turkey, prime rib and too many side dishes to mention. There was dancing for anyone who still had any energy left in their legs after a week of skiing. The Swedish Mafia (Karin & Elsie) and Rich went to a different restaurant on the mountain that featured a good Norwegian dinner.

Saturday was a leisurely travel day. We were picked up by our bus at our conds at 12:30 p.m,, transported to Eagle airport and home early that evening. It was a great trip – many thanks to Sandy & Cheryl for their hard work in making it possible. See you all next year in France!