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Steamboat briefs: Lodging barometer predicts more than 14,500 visitors







About 14,500 visitors are expected to be in town Saturday, according to the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association’s lodging barometer released Wednesday.

The figure represents 96 percent capacity at area lodging properties, with downtown occupancy at 100 percent. On the mountain, both hotels and condos are forecast at 96 percent capacity.



Lodging is expected to dip to 11,200 visitors by Wednesday.

The Chamber’s lodging barometer is based on survey data from local lodging properties. Its primary function is to help businesses determine staffing levels during the winter and summer tourism seasons. Actual lodging occupancy levels tend to increase from the forecast levels as a result of last-minute bookings.



Snowman contest, ice skating headline Oak Creek Winterfest

Oak Creek WInterfest will be celebrated Friday and Saturday with free ice skating, adult drop-in hockey and snowshoe softball.

Friday night activities, which will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Oak Creek Ice Rink, include music, free ice skating for all ages and free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Adult drop-in hockey will be offered beginning at 8 p.m.

Winterfest activities will continue from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Decker Park and will include snowshoe softball, snow bowling and sledding.

Festivities are free and open to the community.

2017 snow drawing focuses on finding peace in nature

Bud Werner Memorial Library and The Nature Conservancy invite the Yampa Valley community to join in creating a large, landscape-scale work of art on the snowy hay meadow from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Carpenter Ranch near Hayden. A snow drawing is created by human feet wearing snowshoes, walking patterns on fresh snow.

The theme of this year’s snow drawing is “Finding Peace in Nature” and will take place before the WinterWonderGrass festivites begin. Volunteer artists will meet at the Carpenter Ranch near Hayden at 9 a.m., where organizers will share information about the landscape that is the canvas, answer questions and offer inspired ideas and instruction for how to delve into the snow drawing before heading out to the hay meadow. Community snow drawing continues until noon, but attendees can leave earlier if they need to, or stay later if they want. Participants must bring their own snowshoes, snacks and water.

In past years, the community has worked alongside environmental artist Sonja Hinrichsen to create snow drawings on Rabbit Ears Pass, the Carpenter Ranch hay meadows and Lake Catamount. Now, the community is creating a solo piece without Hinrichsen.

Anyone who wants to participate is asked to RSVP to Jennie Lay, the library’s adult programs coordinator, at jlay@steamboatlibrary.org with name, email address and phone number. Visit steamboatlibrary.org/events for more information.

Community meetings announced by city planners

The Routt County Planning Department will host a series of community meetings to answer questions about the master plan, allowed uses and regulations. Community members will have the opportunity to meet planning staff and members of the Planning Commission. Meetings will be held at the following dates and locations: Steamboat Lake State Park Headquarters, 7 p.m., Wednesday; Hayden Town Hall, , 7 p.m. March 8; Routt County Historic Courthouse, 7 p.m. March 15; and Oak Creek Town Hall, 7 p.m. March 22.

State representative to host town hall meeting locally

State House Representative Diane Mitsch Bush will host a town hall meeting from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 3 at Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat Springs. Mitsch Bush will meet with constituents to discuss the legislative session. The meeting is open to the public.

RMYC hosts Moonshine Ski and Dine fundraiser

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps will host its 11th annual Moonshine Ski & Dine from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Catamount Lake House, 30065 Waters Edge Trail in Steamboat Springs. The evening will begin with a cross-country ski or snowshoe on Lake Catamount Touring Center trails under the moon’s glow.

Drinks, appetizers, chili and desserts will be served. There will be live music by Andrew “Sage” Henry, a singer and songwriter from Missed the Boat and Sage and Friends. A silent auction will also be held.

Tickets are $60 per person, and all proceeds benefit RMYC youth programs. Visit 32auctions.com/organizations/18440/auctions/35691/auction_items/911383 to purchase tickets.


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