Good times and good snow yet to come
Springalicious™ 1: a time or season of silliness and celebration; specifically : the season between winter and the end of the ski season in Steamboat Springs usually the month of April. 2: a time of sunshine and spring snow. 3: a time of deep discounts in lift tickets and lodging.
Once upon a time skiing was a form of transportation. Then people decided it was really fun so they built ski areas, and people came from all around to try it out. Then, in the 70s and 80s, ski bumming was invented, and with it a culture of skiing and socializing. By then skiing was considered a “real” business, and ski areas had to do their best to come up with more than just lifts, lodging and ski runs, they had to create a night life and other fun events to bring people to their mountains.
“..it all started with the Cardboard Classic…”
And it was good for those of us wanting to ski and have a good time. But of course, nothing good lasts forever (read: snow), and therefore to get one last hurrah out of the ski season before the snow seeped away into the earth. In Steamboat it all began with a little event called the Cardboard Classic. Steamboat’s traditional rite of spring returns to the Steamboat Ski Area for the 31st year on April 9th, the day before the ski area closes for the season.
Some serious effort went into making this craft
It’s kooky since the whole race is for those who wish to spend a couple days and nights building a “craft” (let’s use this term lightly) constructed only from cardboard, glue, string, water based paint, duct tape and masking tape.
The result is a rather colorful and extremely spectator-friendly event. Most crafts are lucky to make it halfway down the course without crashing or coming apart at the seems (literally). Think of it as “sledding gone mad,” or, “re-use and recycle” (cardboard materials are recycled by the ski area’s recycling department after the event).
It must be the end of the season
In 2009 they added the “Spashdown” pond skimming contest and Springalicious™ was born. The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championships brings brave (and slightly crazy) skiers and riders in costume with a dream - of crossing the icy pond successfully - and, if they’re lucky, with style! Springalicious™ is one word that encompasses these two kooky events, and a few other attractions like live music and specials including a Springalicious™ski pass.
For only $99 ski or snowboard any 4 days from Friday, April 1 to Closing Day, Sunday, April 10. Tickets can be purchased online only.
“less than $98 per person for luxury lodging and a ski pass - are you kidding?!”
Now, that’s a great deal on the skiing but what about the lodging? Take advantage of this great pass and add a luxury vacation home for your group. Don’t fall off your chair when you do the math and find you are spending less than $98 per person per day for both lodging and lift tickets. That’s an amazing deal considering if I walked up and bought a 1-day ticket at the ticket window today it would cost me $98! The rate is based on 10 people staying at Creekside Chalet, and it’s possible rates for some of our other vacation rental homes may be even lower!
Like the snow, this deal won’t last long. So find 9 of your good friends and/or family and get here and get to know for yourself why April in Steamboat is Springalicious™.
