Winter Dispatch: 009
A ski-through McDonald's, your guide to Steamboat, Colorado, and the best ski bags for your travels!
Good morning and happy 2025!!! Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and got some turns in over the past couple of weeks!
‘Tis the season for discovering resort sticker gems. Spot a good one? Send it to me and I’ll feature it in the letter.
Chairlift Chatter
When the intrusive thought “I can totally ski to the car” wins.
Park City Mountain Resort Ski Patrol, the group that patrols the biggest ski resort in the US, has been on strike for over a week. Here’s the crux of what they’re asking for: moving their starting wage from $21/hour to $23/hour. As you would expect, lift lines during the busiest weeks of the season are insane, and this has intensified the issue significantly. Per the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, rather than truly attempting to negotiate in good faith, Vail Resorts (owner and operator of Park City Mountain Resort) has elected to fly in temporary staff from other mountains. Operating with a skeleton crew also means that vast swaths of terrain that would normally be open are still closed (per OpenSnow, 21% of terrain is open at Park City vs. 53% at Deer Valley, the resort physically next door to PC that is not owned by Vail). There are also reports alleging that response times to on-mountain emergencies have become disconcertingly long.
Speaking of the Park City area, Deer Valley is opening two of its three new lifts a year ahead of schedule – next week, to be exact! This is part of their multiyear terrain expansion project, but you’ve got to admire the hustle.
East Coast skiers: Killington will finally have a ski village! It’ll be a slow burn over the next two decades, but exciting nonetheless.
A rendering of Killington’s planned mountain village If you’ve been looking for a Big Mac on-mountain, it’s time to head to Sweden.
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Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browserZara’s skiwear line does not perform. Shocking to nobody, unfortunately.
A Slopeside Guide to Steamboat, Colorado
Welcome to the first installment of Slopeside’s mountain town guides – your insider’s guide for where to ski, eat, shop, and play in some of the best alpine destinations. We’re kicking things off with Steamboat Springs, Colorado, fresh off of a Christmas trip there!
If you haven’t been to Steamboat, it is an insanely charming place in Northern Colorado about 45 miles from Wyoming. The town oozes authentic rustic Western charm – a vibe that’s increasingly rare in today’s polished, Aspen-esque mountain towns. Driving in from Denver, you’ll pass 100 (yes, exactly 100) signs for F.M. Light & Sons, a Western outfitter that really sets the tone for your trip.
My first visit to Steamboat was three years ago for the iconic Cowboy Downhill event that takes place over MLK Weekend and I’ve been back every year since. Professional rodeo stars – most of whom have never touched skis – put on their full rodeo gear and hurtle down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a rodeo queen, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. Bud Light sponsors it, obviously. This January will be the 50th anniversary and I’d highly recommend you also check it out, it will be a can’t-miss event.
Another fun tidbit: Despite other mountains claiming it (Taos), Steamboat trademarked the term “champagne powder.” The name came from a local rancher in the 1950s who said the snow tickled his nose like champagne bubbles. With only 6% water content compared to the usual 15%, Steamboat’s snow is as light and fluffy as it gets (and about as close to floaty Japanese powder as you can get in the US). Last year, I splurged on First Tracks (something I’ve never done unless it’s free) during the biggest storm of the season, and it was so worth it. We got 4-5 laps in of waist-deep powder before we saw anyone else on the mountain. A season highlight!
Where To Ski
Long Groomers: High Noon to Two O’Clock and Long Horn are two of my favorites, though they can get icy later in the day.
Powder Days: Head straight to Morningside. Get there early for rope drop – it’s magical to be among the first in that area. Christmas Tree Bowl and North St. Pat’s are also amazing when open.
Off-Piste: The terrain off Morningside and Pony Express is spectacular. Powder or not, the vibes back there are always top-notch.
Where To Stay
Steamboat’s charm lies partly in its lack of big hotel chains. I’ve always gone the Airbnb/VRBO route, and it’s worked out great – lots of nice options within walking distance of the gondola. If you prefer hotels, the Sheraton gets solid reviews, but I haven’t stayed there myself. I recommend prioritizing staying near the mountain rather than in town (it’s a quick 10-minute drive). The free city bus is super helpful for getting around, and Uber/Lyft are reliable too.
Where To Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Besame: A must-visit Latin fusion tapas spot downtown. Perfect for groups, and their carrot tequila cocktail is life-changing (I’ve tried and failed to recreate it at home).
Aurum: A solid choice with great martinis and fries. Sit at the bar if you can.
Yampa Valley Kitchen: Everything here is delicious (open for breakfast/lunch/dinner), especially their pancakes.
Laundry: Ideal for dinner with a group, fun atmosphere. Good appetizers.
Johnny B Good’s Diner: Breakfast staple. Is it nostalgia, or is it their Oreo milkshake? Hard to say.
Primrose: Heard great things but haven’t tried it yet – on my list!
On-Mountain Eats: Dining at Steamboat’s mid-mountain lodges isn’t mind-blowing, but Ragnar’s inside Rendezvous Lodge is decent. Their French onion soup and mulled wine get the job done. They also have over-the-top Bloody Mary’s, some with a hamburger attached.
T-Bar: An absolute Steamboat essential. Whether skiing in for a midday bite (their Thai curry soup is a sleeper hit) or coming for après with live music/DJ on the “patio,” it’s a guaranteed great time.
Sunpie’s: A divey New Orleans-themed bar that’s always lively (and apparently serves food – who knew?).
Schmiggity’s: Live music, karaoke, and always a fun night. Don’t miss it.
Steamboat’s blend of cowboy charm, unbeatable snow, and low-key vibes make it one of my favorite mountain towns. Let me know if you check it out, or if there’s something I missed!
Adding to Cart, Ski Bag Edition
You probably wouldn’t think about it until you’re schlepping an unwieldy bag from the airport outside but a great ski bag is a true game changer. If you have traveled to ski or are planning on it, you definitely need a ski bag. Here are a few standout options for different needs and budgets.
Scandinavian brand Douchebags’ Snow Roller ski bag ($270) continues to reign supreme amongst the ski community for its innovative design and impressive adjustability. Its roll-up feature allows it to accommodate skis of any length, making it incredibly versatile. Douchebags also shines with its patented hook-up system, which lets you connect multiple bags and shift the weight onto wheels instead of your shoulders. Known for blending form and function, Douchebags consistently delivers well-designed products.
The Thule RoundTrip ski roller bag ($300) is a reliable choice for skiers who prioritize durability and space. With enough room to hold two pairs of skis plus additional gear, it’s perfect for longer trips. The smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to navigate, even when fully packed, and its high-quality construction ensures it will withstand years of use.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Dakine Fall Line ski roller bag ($180) offers solid features without breaking the bank. Its compact design includes a padded interior for ski protection and also comes with a built-in boot bag. It’s a practical and affordable choice for skiers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Jackson Hole-based Tramline has officially entered the ski luggage scene with their flagship product, The Quad Hardside Roller ($600). This premium bag features a hard shell exterior that provides unmatched protection for your gear – something fabric bags simply can’t offer. Inside, the thoughtfully designed packing compartments make organizing your equipment both functional and stylish. Excited to keep tabs on this company.
Not a bag for your skis but still worth noting… Ski gear brand Yardsale recently launched their new Day Bag, a versatile addition to their lineup. A couple months ago, I had the chance to interview Yardsale Co-Founder Cristina, who shared some behind-the-scenes insights into the bag's development. Designed to carry your essentials on ski days, it features dedicated compartments for helmets and goggles while remaining stylish and practical enough for everyday use.
If you enjoy this letter, please share with friends! Feel free to respond here with ski-related intel, new products you’re loving, or just to say hi. Thanks for reading 💌
Let’s go ski patrol!!!