The weather in the mountains can be a bit unpredictable in spring. On this day we had hoped for sun and blue skies we were, instead, greeted by gray ski and blustery winds.The winds were so gusty that the gondola and Storm Peak Express lifts were closed. Neither the weather nor the lift issues dampened our spirits. Steamboat's friendly and engaging staff did an amazing job helping guide folks to the Christie Peak Express and Thunderhead Express zipping them up to same area where the gondola unloads. Nearly 400 inches of snow this season have made for some fabulous winter activities high in the Rockies. Just this week the resort surpassed the 400 inch mark for three of the past four years! All of this wonderful white stuff means that you shouldn't limit yourself to just skiing, Steamboat Resort and the surrounding area offer a plethora of winter adventures including guided gourmet snowshoe tours (guilt-free gourmet meals after burning off all the calories to come), snowmobiling, sleigh rides, hot spring soaks and free guided mountain tours.
Steamboat prides itself on maintaining the friendly village atmosphere based on its historical ranching roots. Cowboy hats abound as well as laid back cowboy charm. We had the pleasure of riding the lift with a bona fide Steamboat Ambassador who gets to ski in the winter and, I'm not kidding, count grasshoppers in the summertime. If you're wondering how one can actually get that kind of job—she inherited it from a friend who retired—it really is about who you know!
Rental equipment is readily available at six different locations in town, the professional staff of ski and snowboard experts will even come to your lodging and fit you there if you'd like. If you rent from Steamboat Ski and Sport they'll even store your equipment overnight for free. No need to lug around all that equipment back and forth… how great is that! Kids' rental is free with a 5-day parent rental. The staff even gave my skis a quick coat of wax before I headed out without even asking. They just want to make sure that everyone gets the best experience possible on their mountain. Sharp and fast, our K2 Ricter skis provided the ultimate performance on all conditions, soft or hard, perfect for the day. My warm-up run down Heavenly Daze aptly described my state of mind. While the day's cloud cover limited our views from above, we shushed down and listened to the delightful crisp snow under our skis. Who needs anything more! If you're skiing at Steamboat and Billy Kidd is in town, you can meet up and ski with him at the top of Heavenly Daze at 1 pm for a free 45-minute ski clinic. Olympic medalist and local legend, Billy warmly greets visitors to Steamboat with a lesson in skiing, confidence, and life.
Steamboat Resort 's ski terrain is comprised of six different peaks and a total ski area of nearly 3,000 acres. 14% beginner, 42% intermediate, and 44% advanced runs mean fun for all levels. Uphill lift capacity of more than 40,000 skiers per hour means more time on the snow, and hardly any time in lift lines. Skiing was a bit challenging on this day, but great for refining carved turns and edge control practice. The Pony Express lift provided a bit of shelter from the wind and lovely views through the woods on Longhorn and Chaps. Our group included a couple of expert skiers and one snowboarder. Our experts ran on the windy theme of the day and bumped down Hurricane and Twister. The trees between these runs are nicknamed, "Twistercane"; the boles are spaced far enough apart that while we were occasionally whipped by rogue snow-covered branches our helmets didn't get a scratch. Excellent whisper soft snow covered like a marshmallow carpet even deep within the trees.
We had enjoyed a full day of edge carving "S" turns and a few roller-coaster rides through the mogul fields. Our old and young legs didn't last as long as we would have liked (do they ever?) We were delighted to find quitting at 3:30 meant a table with a picturesque view overlooking Gondola Square and a cold glass of Hula beer. The Rock-n-Roll/Country fusion group Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real were performing live as part of the "Bud Light Rocks the Boat" free concert series. Glimpses of his dad, Willie Nelson, were apparent in his voice he had the après ski crowd rocking. Multiple concerts are offered here throughout the ski season covering a wide range of genres. The fun doesn't stop on the slopes at Steamboat!
Morris Erickson writes, "A cowboy's friends are animals on the range running wild and free. To ride all day with them not round could lonely be". Come to Steamboat with all your friends—run wild and free on the lovely slopes. We had an amazing experience and hope to return soon to once again experience the trademark "Champagne Powder" for which Steamboat is known for worldwide.
FACTS & FIGURES LOCATION: Steamboat, located in northwest Colorado, 160 miles/267kms northwest of Denver, is an easy three-hour drive from Denver. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to the Silverthorne exit (#205), then go north on Colorado Highway 9 to the town of Kremmling, then west on US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat is accessible by nonstop air service from seven major U.S. airports on American, Continental, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines in addition to connecting service from over 230 other domestic and international cities.
ABOUT SKI TOWN, U.S.A.®: Certainly there are bigger mountains, places where the slopes are steeper or the runs longer. But nowhere do the various parts add up to create such an exceptional mix-one that distinctly sets Steamboat apart from the rest of the world. A mix that is rooted in a genuine friendliness and an authentic 100-year western heritage not often found in today's world of mega resort complexes that more closely resemble theme parks than true ski towns.
ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN: Located within the Park Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Steamboat is comprised of six peaks: Mt. Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Christie Peak and Pioneer Ridge®. 2,965 acres/1,200 hectares of terrain offer a diversity of trails for all ability levels. Gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak are Steamboat's particular claim to fame, with Champagne Powder® snow in the trees for the most avid powderhounds. Remember, the term Champagne Powder was coined in Steamboat and this is the only place you'll find it!
Resort Official Opening: January 1963 Location: 40º 28' 35" N; 106º 49' 36" W
Season: November 24, 2010 - April 10, 2011 (138 days), typically from 8:30am to 3:30pm, daily
Elevations: Downtown Steamboat...................................6,695 feet......................................2,040 meters Ski Area Base................................................6,900 feet......................................2,103 meters Christie Peak Summit...................................8,015 feet......................................2,444 meters Thunderhead/Mid-Mountain.........................9,080 feet......................................2,768 meters Summit/Mt. Werner....................................10,568 feet......................................3,221 meters Vertical Drop................................................3,668 feet......................................1,118 meters Terrain: 2,965 acres/1,200 hectares (55.1 miles) Trail System: 165 trails, including gladed tree areas Tree Terrain: 1,790 acres or 61% Trail Classification: 14% Easier 42% More Difficult 44% Most Difficult
Longest Run: Why Not, over 3 miles/4.8 kms Bed Base: 17,325 pillows 8,489 pillows (within 300 yards from base)
Restaurants & Bars: 100+ Average Snowfall: 349"/886cm (15-year average) 400+ Inch Seasons: 08/09, 07/08, 05/06, 96/97, 95/96, 92/93, 83/84 Measured From: October to Mid April Snowmaking: 375 acres/152 hectares Snowboarding: Terrain Parks: .............4 Superpipes...................1 Halfpipes.....................1 1st Lesson..............1989 1st Halfpipe............1990 1st Terrain Park......1993 PSIA/AASI Team.......4
Important Numbers: Reservations..............800.922.2722 Information...............970.879.6111 Snow Report.............970.879.7300 UK Toll Free...........0808.101.3798 AUS Toll Free...........1800.125.578 Twitter......................SkiSteamboat MediaTwitter............SteamboatPR
Lift System: Gondola (8-passenger)..........................................1 High-Speed Six.....................................................1 High-Speed Quads.................................................5 Conventional Quad Chairlift.................................1 Triple Chairlift.......................................................6 Double Chairlift.....................................................2 Surface Lifts..........................................................2 Total................................................................18 Uphill Capacity:.............................41,465 per hour VTF........................................................42,592,795 Note: All times, prices, statistics, dates and hours of operation subject to change without notice. Olympians: Ties to SBS...............79 Appearances............136 Countries...................11 Winter Games...........18 Tradition Started...1932 On Staff.......................8 Direct Flight Program: Started................................1986/87 Airport Code..........................HDN Originating Airports......................7 Carriers.........................................5 Aircraft Type................................8 Runway Length...................10,000'
Powersports giant Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, has its hand in almost everything offroad and motorized, but will they ever manufacture Arctic Cat dirt bikes? Arctic Enterprises, better know as Arctic Cat, brings snow and arctic temperatures to mind because of their eternal presence in the snowmobile industry. The company first got their start back in the early 1960's initially known as Polar Manufacturing. Their primary product was the gasoline powered sled, or snowmobile. The name later changes again following bankruptcy proceedings but emerges once again as Arctco until the mid 1900's when the name finally settles at Arctic Cat inc.
Aside from the snowmobiles that made the brand famous, there were the personal watercraft. In 1993 Arctic Cat, still Arctco at the time, introduced a line of personal watercraft, or jet skis as they are known in pop culture. They select the name Tigershark and begin to mass produce high quality watercraft to the public. The brand eventually would see slumping sales most likely due to increased competition in the watercraf market. The Tigershark name was discontinued in 1999 and Arctic Cat never looked back. They began manufacturing ATV's in 1996. The first Arctic Cat was named the Bearcat, a fitting moniker for a strong brand. Their atv line eventually consisted of both the 4x4 atv and 2wd sport models. They later added youth sized atv's to their already strong lineup.
Fans of the Arctic Cat brand name sometimes wonder if an Arctic Cat dirt bike will ever see the light of day. After all, they produce vehicles for snow, they've tried their hand in the watercraft industry, and they've managed to build brand recognition for their lineup of atv's. Is there a dirt bike on the drawing board at Arctic Cat? Insiders say no... Executives at Arctic Cat insist the brand would rather remain focused on snowmobiles and atv's. Hardcore Arctic Cat historians are quick to point out that Arctic Cat did produce a dirt bike at one time, or mini bike as some would call it, back in the 1970's. The production run was limited and survivors are scarce these days. It was probably best known for its leopard seat more than anything else. As the old saying goes, if you're waiting for the release of a new Arctic Cat dirt bike, you better not hold your breath.
About the Author
Chet maintains dvx400.com, a site dedicated to Arctic Cat ATV's especially those in the DVX lineup. Parts and accessories are also available from select partners.
Atco MX, 11-29-10, HoleShot Crash, A. Zarharchuck #88, (GoPro HD)
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Rockstar Makita Suzuki's 2010 ATV Championship Year in Review
Creamer earned his first-ever AMA ATV Motocross Championship in his first year riding the championship-winning Suzuki QuadRacer R450, and teammate Dustin Wimmer, the two-time Champion, followed him to the podium to take second overall. With a 1-2 punch, there's no doubt that the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team is at the top of their game, and the Suzuki QuadRacer R450 has now taken home the big trophy three years in a row.
The season started out in Alabama in March, with Round 1 at Pell City. In his debut aboard the yellow QuadRacer R450, Josh Creamer was determined to prove that he had the speed and the talent to put himself at the front of the pack. He did just that by taking both holeshots for the day, but it was his teammate Wimmer who came out victorious with 1-1 moto finishes. It looked like the defending champ wasn't going to let his new teammate get to the top so easily, and Wimmer took the immediate lead in the points chase. Creamer finished third overall but was positive he could do better in the next round.
Round 2 took place in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at Ballance MotoX on April 18th, and the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team came prepared to rule the track. Creamer took his QuadRacer R450 to the overall victory with his 2-1 moto finishes, and clinched the holeshot in the second moto. Wimmer took second overall for the day, and things started to fall into place for the two Rockstar Makita Suzuki racers to be on the podium a whole lot throughout the series. Wimmer was still in the points lead at this time, but Creamer was closing in.
The circuit made its third stop at the Birch Creek event in Danville, Virginia, on May 2. Josh Creamer enjoyed winning in Kentucky so much he decided to make it two in a row. Wimmer won the first moto and got the holeshot in the second, but Creamer came out victorious with his 2-1 moto finishes. Creamer edged out Wimmer for the lead in the championship points race at Round 3, and one of the Rockstar Makita Suzuki racers was on the top of the podium at every race so far in the young season, setting it up to be another great year for the team.
Sunset Ridge MX in Walnut, Illinois, was fourth on the list for the circuit in 2010, and it marked the fourth time in as many races that both of the Rockstar Makita Suzuki racers were on the podium at the end of the day. Wimmer took second overall with his 3-1 moto finishes, and Creamer followed taking third for the day by finishing 2-5. Even though they didn't win the race, both riders put more distance between themselves and the rest of the field in the series points chase. Wimmer regained the lead with 174 points, but Creamer was not far behind with a total of 169.
Round 5 of the AMA ATV Motocross series took place at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, PA. Creamer was in the groove of his QuadRacer R450, and even though it was his first year competing aboard it, he looked smooth, confident, and very comfortable as he rode faster than everyone else. Creamer took the overall with his 1-1 finishes for the day and regained the championship points lead from Wimmer. Wimmer went 3-2 for second overall, making it yet another double podium finish for the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team. It started to look like all the other competitors were going to have a really tough time reining in the duo of Creamer and Wimmer, who were both hungry for the 2010 championship.
Creamer wanted to stretch his lead in the series even further, and he did just that in Millville, MN, for Round 6 of the series. With his perfect finishes in both races, Creamer took his fourth overall win of the season. Creamer not only won both motos, but he led the first race from holeshot to checkered flag. He took the second holeshot, as well, and although another racer challenged him for the lead, Creamer had no problem using the power of this QuadRacer R450 to take him across the finish line first. Meanwhile, Wimmer finished 3-4 for the day and just missed the podium with his fourth-place overall finish.
Muddy Creek in Blountville, TN, hosted Round 7 of the ATV MX series, and true to form, Josh Creamer took the overall victory again. Making it his third overall win in a row, and five wins out of seven races, Creamer was really showing the ATV racing community that he was the man to beat in 2010 aboard his Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer R450. Creamer took second in both motos, while Dustin Wimmer won the second moto after having a rough go in the first race and finishing seventh. With Creamer taking the overall and Wimmer rounding off the podium in third place, the team was pulling away from the rest of the competition in the race to the championship. "I didn't know if I was going to be able to pull off being so successful in my first year on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team, but I was hoping this is how it would go," Creamer said. "The QuadRacer R450 is great and it's no wonder this bike has multiple championships already. As long as the rider puts in the work, the machine is dialed in and ready to race."
Pleasure Valley Raceway, in Armagh, PA, was the site for Round 8, and Creamer and Wimmer were starting to see the championship picture develop in front of them. With smart racing and the unstoppable QuadRacer R450, both racers knew that the key to locking down the championship would be smooth and consistent performances. Creamer ended up in fourth in the first moto, but he came back with a vengeance in moto 2, taking the win. Wimmer fared better in moto 1, finishing second, but fell back to fifth in moto 2. Creamer ended the day in second overall, while Wimmer just missed getting on the podium with his fourth-place overall finish. Both riders continued to gain points toward the championship, with Creamer still leading.
Creamer's sixth overall victory for the 2010 season came at the legendary Unadilla track in New Berlin, NY, on July 18th. "I couldn't ask for anything more from my quad or my team," Creamer said. "I just want to keep this momentum going and finish off the season on top!" Creamer stretched his lead to 30 points with his 3-1 finishes for the day, and teammate Wimmer followed in second overall making it another 1-2 podium finish for Rockstar Makita Suzuki. Wimmer took both holeshots and was happy to be back in the groove with his 2-4 moto scores. "The QuadRacer R450 worked out really well and overall it handled good throughout the track!" said Wimmer. "I got two good holeshots and the first race went pretty well. I came out second, but couldn't make up any ground and stayed there the whole moto. In the second moto, I ended up fourth. It was pretty hard to pass and the track was rough, but overall, the race went well."
With the season winding down, the series moved to Red Bud in Buchanan, Michigan, at the end of July. Josh Creamer increased his point lead to 40 with his second-place overall finish. He took second in both motos, but also nabbed the holeshot in moto 2. "I ended up getting into second place and hung out there because I didn't want to risk anything so close to the end of the season, especially leading the series," Creamer said. "I got the holeshot in the second moto and led, but then got passed and I didn't want to push it so I finished in second again. My Suzuki QuadRacer R450 worked awesome, and overall it was a good weekend." Wimmer finished the day with 5-4 moto scores for fourth overall. Creamer was pretty much locked in to win the championship, but there was still Loretta's to contend with, which is a notoriously demanding race on both racer and machine.
August 15th at Loretta Lynn's wasn't an easy day, with rain and stifling humidity, but it was the scene for the finale in a great series. The Tennessee crowd braved the weather to watch a shortened rage program of one final moto to cap off the season. With Creamer 40 points ahead, he went into the race knowing that he already won his first-ever ATV championship. Creamer didn't push too hard during the race, and after a mishap, he ended up finishing seventh. It was the first time all season he didn't finish in the top three overall, but regardless, he was on the podium to accept his championship trophy. "I knew that once I got on this bike it was a championship winning bike," said Creamer after the race. "The QuadRacer R450 is by far the best bike I've ever been on. Everything works awesomely and it handles the best. There's a reason it's a championship-winning bike! This title is a lifelong dream of mine, and today is a dream come true." Dustin Wimmer felt that he had a little something to prove at the final race, and with his second-place finish in the series locked in, he rode hard at Loretta's to finish second for the day.
The Suzuki QuadRacer has now been on top of the AMA ATV Motocross series for three years running, and with Creamer and Wimmer aboard, it was tough to beat the power and performance. Suzuki also secured the Manufacturer's Cup by earning the most points out of any manufacturer, and as Suzuki celebrates its 50th year of Racing in 2010, it was a fitting way to end the ATV series. Suzuki captured the podium at every race this season, winning a total of seven overalls from 11 events, with a total of 13 out of a possible 21 moto wins. Congratulations to both Josh Creamer and Dustin Wimmer on an exceptional 2010!
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