A vertical hill of 440 feet. Not 4400 feet. A hill, not a mountain. Lodge, more of a shrine. Busy, but yes, of course. Known by Olympians, 79 of them, more than any other hill or mountain across the USA. Do skiers and boarders howl here? Of course, for the last 100 years. Famous? Well at least in the Hall of Fame. Was that a typo, 440 feet of vertical?
How can a hill, a 440 foot vertical hill be so unique and produce so many Olympians? It is simple. Pride and dedication. An easy location with a steep grade, one that holds steep ski jumps, where skiers seem to fly into the Yampa River, just a bit past the tracks that hoot. Daily trains blast their horns, drawing the attention of all, awaking all from the deep ski dreams of night.
MauiSkiBus was given a tour of Howelson Hill, in the heart of Steamboat Springs, by one ski patroller, Mr. Fletcher, with real stories of Olympic experiences. Whether a look to the left or right, the lodge, well really a shrine, harbors and stores relics of the 100 years past, as Howelson Hill, all 100 years old, qualifies as ski museum. Want to ski here for the numerous turns, the choices of runs, the exhilaration of a 4400 vertical mountain? By pass this hill, as Howelson has not, but has more. Inspiration, dedication, and pride, those are not bought, those are passed on and on. Hence, another 100 years will pass, more Olympians will emerge from here, and more will be added to this Steamboat ski shrine.