Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Discover Colorado has been my favorite journalism experience. Why? Because, although I am not a Colorado native, I love Colorado more than any other place I’ve ever lived or visited. What is it about our state that I am so in love with? What isn’t there to love?! The picture-perfect postcard sceneries, the variety of wildlife, abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, our music scene and so many places to take a vacation without ever truly leaving home. 

I first came across the term champagne powder snow while in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is the description of very smooth and dry snow. The term originated from the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains. Which I hear, is great for skiing. No, I don’t ski. Not yet, at least. But let me tell you, I could sit on a mountain top and watch people ski all day. The hyper-creative soul inside me can easily live vicariously through them. It looks so invigorating!

I did exactly that when I visited Steamboat. I spent an entire day sitting in awe and found myself swaying to the rhythm of the skiers and snowboarders. I could imagine how such a sport would feel to me. At times I would close my eyes and imagine the sensation of gliding on snow. Exciting, yet calming.

There are three types of skiing, for those of us that don’t know much about skiing. You can experience alpine skiing, which is pretty much downhill skiing. There’s extreme skiing, which means skiing down steep, forbidding slopes that offer at least a 45-degree descent. Extreme skiing also involves ‘making the run as you go.’ Nordic is our third form of skiing. It is also described as cross-country skiing. It’s almost like hiking or snowshoeing. Except, you’re wearing skis and using more of your body to control your movements. Depending on the type of skiing you are into, you will need different skis. I learned all of this and more in Steamboat. 

I also learned that the town is known as Ski Town USA. It is home to the Steamboat Ski Area and the oldest continuously operated ski area in Colorado, Howelsen Hill. A little birdie told me that Howelsen Hill offers free skiing on Sundays all winter long. During my visit there, I also got to see Steamboat’s iconic symbol, the More Barn. Its fame began in 1972 when it was used on an advertising poster for the area’s slopes. 

It was the first image I saw as I entered the first café in Steamboat and everywhere else I went. Naturally, I had to find it and take my own photos. It was a gorgeous sight to see and it was surrounded by some of that champagne powder snow. 

(Originally published in the March 5, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)