As the Champagne Powder® snow continues to pile up, so will the expected open trails and acres at Steamboat Ski Area as the resort opens Storm Peak Express lift and 29 new trails on Friday, Dec. 9.

“This latest storm provided the weather boost we needed to open more terrain and offer top-to-bottom skiing and riding,” said Rob Perlman, president and chief operating officer for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “We want to make it clear that new trails opening are in early-season condition. Hazards such as rocks, sticks and stumps exist and may or may not be marked. Please be cautious and remember that it’s only December, not mid-February conditions.”

When Storm Peak starts spinning on Friday morning, skiers and riders will have access to Buddy’s Run, Flying Z, Flying Z Gulch, Bug’s Run, Triangle 3, Storm Peak North and South, Sideburn, Closets, Duster, Dawn, Calf Roper, Meadow Lane, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tornado, Tornado Lane, High Line, Traverse, Skeeter’s Run and Storm Peak Catwalk. Also opening are the upper portions of Shadows, Sundown Lift Line, Kuss’ Cruise, Twilight, High Noon, One O’Clock, Two O’Clock and Three O’Clock; the exit from these trails is the 1.5-milelong catwalk Duster back to Vagabond saddle. The newly opened trails will bring the resort’s total terrain to 758 acres (25% of mountain), 64 trails, 3,600 vertical feet and five lifts, including the gondola, Christie Peak Express, Four Points and Burgess Creek. The terrain opening is ahead of a storm system that is expected to bring moisture-laden snow to the resort over the weekend.

“We love our Champagne Powder snow in Steamboat,” said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for the resort. “But in the early season, snow with heavier water content helps us build a great base for the entire season. The wetter snow forecast this weekend will provide the necessary foundation on trails we’re hoping to open soon. With these different types of snow covering the mountain, we want to emphasize the early-season conditions and remind guests to ski and ride with care; we have a long season ahead of us.”

Based on conditions after the weekend storm, the resort anticipates opening the Sunshine Bowl area early next week with additional trails and more lifts, including the new high-speed quad Elkhead Express. Once the Sunshine Bowl area opens, First Tracks will begin shortly after. Night skiing and riding will begin on Thursday, Dec. 15, and operate five nights a week Thursday through Monday through spring, with additional evenings during holiday periods.

As conditions permit, the resort will continue to open new lifts and trails, including terrain park features. Find updates on new openings, current terrain, trail conditions and more on the resort’s mobile app; social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and online at www.steamboat.com.