Steamboat Pilot & Today

The Backcountry Ball is meant to resemble the ski balls of Steamboat's past, before ticket prices increased and the dress turned formal.

There's no dress code at this function, only a mandate to dance and have a good time.

"We've tried to keep it pretty local and a real funky, fun time," said Leslie Lovejoy, director of Friends of the Routt Backcountry. "We all love to dance, and it's a great place to gather and see old friends and to celebrate nonmotorized recreation areas in the backcountry."

The deejay usually winds the crowd up quickly with danceable songs. Tickets to the ball include a couple of drink coupons for beer and wine. After that, it's a cash bar.

On display are ski-oriented silent auction items such as hut trips, down parkas and avalanche beacons.

This is the second year for the ski art live auction.

"The girls dress up like Vanna White and ham it up," Lovejoy said. "It's very theatrical."

Sixteen artists contributed artwork to the auction, using old skis as their canvases.

The money raised at Saturday night's Backcountry Ball will be used to implement the plan developed for separate motorized and nonmotorized recreation areas on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass.

In June, the Forest Service released a suggested use plan that set aside 25,000 acres for nonmotorized use.

"We are trying to raise money for signage, maps and trying to organize a volunteer task force to talk to people at the trailhead," Lovejoy said. "A well-managed recreation area can be a jewel for a community like ours. We want anyone who comes to Steamboat Springs to have their desired recreation experience, which they can if they are properly directed and have the right information available."