“We’ve heard rumors of over 100 mph gusts, but we can’t confirm that. This is a safety issue for our guests and our staff equally.” –Loryn Duke, Steamboat Director of Communications Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado errored on the side of caution and decided not open for operation on Wednesday, February 15th due to sustained high winds and extreme wind chill. Vail Daily spoke with Steamboat’s director of communications Loryn Duke who cited 80-plus mph sustained winds at the top of the mountain and windchills that plummeted to -40 degrees as the impetus for their decision.
“That just doesn’t create a safe environment for our staff and guests. It’s also not a pleasurable environment, so we are not going to open operations today.”
I can be super frustrating as guest, especially if you’ve travelled to ski a mountain, but closures like this are for everyone’s safety (guest and staff alike) and we encourage everyone to be patient and understand its for the best. As for the last time a full closure of Steamboat happened, Duke wasn’t sure:
“I don’t know that we can recall the last time we had a full closure. The assumption is that there has been a full closure at some point in the past. I don’t think this is the very first time.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: “Due to sustained high winds and extreme wind chill, the Resort will not open for operations today. Any guests with questions should contact the Steamboat Ticket Office or Steamboat Central Reservations. We’re experiencing high sustained winds and gusts this morning at the Resort that will impact operations. Stay tuned to the app and website for up to date info on lifts on weather hold. We will provide updates as we have them.” Steamboat
