Steamboat Pilot & Today

Greetings from Snowy Range

What does it take to operate a small ski area? Steamboat’s Maddox family could tell you all about it — but the industry is experiencing a slow shift, according to the numbers. One thing is certain: The Maddoxes' operation of the resort near Laramie, Wyo., truly is a labor of love.

• Steamboat’s Maddoxes present family-friendly, affordable Wyoming skiing at Snowy Range
• A snapshot of Presidents Day weekend at Snowy Range
• Compare Snowy Range with similar ski areas in Colorado

Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area

35 miles west of Laramie, Wyo., via Wyoming Highway 130 in Medicine Bow National Forest

Mountain stats

■ Lifts: 4 chairlifts, 1 magic carpet

■ Trails: 12 blue, 8 black, 7 green

■ Vertical: 1,100 feet

■ Summit elevation: 10,000 feet

■ Terrain park: yes

■ Professional ski patrol: yes

■ Ski and snowboard school: yes

■ Amenities: large cafeteria, coffee bar, full-service bar with craft beer brewed on site

Costs

■ Lift tickets: $43 for adults, $37 for teens ages 13 to 17, $26 for children ages 5 to 12, free for children younger than 5 with a paying adult

■ Season passes: $259 for adults, $249 for students, $219 for teens early season

■ Rentals: $19 for basic daily package

■ Lunch: $6.50 hamburgers

Sunlight Mountain Resort

In Garfield County 12 miles south of Interstate 70 and Glenwood Springs

Mountain stats

■ Lifts: 1 triple, 2 double chairlifts

■ Trails: 67

■ Vertical: 2,100 feet

■ Summit elevation: 9,895 feet

Costs

■ Lift tickets: $55 for adults, $45 for children ages 6 to 12

■ Season passes: $505 for adults

Ski Cooper

On Tennessee Pass between Minturn and Leadville, about 9 miles from Leadville and about 35 miles from Vail

Mountain stats

■ Lifts: 3 chairlifts, 1 magic carpet

■ Trails: 26

■ Vertical: 1,200 feet

■ Summit elevation: 11,700 feet

Costs

■ Lift tickets: $46 for adults, $26 for children ages 6 to 14

■ Season passes: $309 for adults

Powderhorn Mountain Resort

On edge of Grand Mesa about 40 miles from Grand Junction

Mountain stats

■ Lifts: 1 quad, 2 doubles, 1 surface, 1 magic carpet

■ Trails: 63

■ Vertical: 1,650 feet

■ Summit elevation: 9,850 feet

Costs

■ Lift tickets: $59 for adults, $51 for teens, $30 for children ages 7 to 12

■ Season passes: $399 for adults early season