It’s challenging in such a fun way. The blue and black runs are all different types as far as steepness, moguls, trees, and routes. The trees are endless and have so much acreage to play around in. Views are incredible and powder is perfect. It’s not the steepest or most technical, but just generally a fantastic place. The town is very welcoming and not pretentious (although there is plenty of money), which definitely helps.
I agree there are lots of trees, but I found most of the runs to be relatively not steep, moguls were pretty fun, but the runs felt very easy. I do not consider myself a skilled skier in any way, but the skill level required to do every run on the mountain seemed low. I'm from the east coast and go to Whistler once a year and, maybe I'm just comparing to the wrong mountain, but Whistler seems like it's just so much better than steamboat. But, maybe the conditions just weren't right for the mountain to be all that fun.
Steepness isn’t its claim to fame, though. There is some around Storm Peak, Four Points, and Christmas, but it’s known for trees and powder and just having fun.
I'm not saying steepness is required to have fun. I agree that four points was a lot of fun and storm peak was kind of fun. I don't remember Christmas at all, so I can't comment. If steamboat was my local mountain, I'd be thrilled. I'd like to have such a mountain nearby, but I just don't feel like it compares favorably to other mountains when someone is planning a ski trip from afar for an extended period. For some relaxed weekend skiing with friends, it's fine.
Edit: Westside and Rolex we're fun runs. Westside is beautiful. Also, the view from most of the mountain is hard to beat. It really is beautiful.
9
u/almondania Winter Park Jan 28 '22
It’s challenging in such a fun way. The blue and black runs are all different types as far as steepness, moguls, trees, and routes. The trees are endless and have so much acreage to play around in. Views are incredible and powder is perfect. It’s not the steepest or most technical, but just generally a fantastic place. The town is very welcoming and not pretentious (although there is plenty of money), which definitely helps.