Game Over! Steamboat 2006 First Snow

Steamboat had its first official snowfall on Saturday, September 16th. Rabbit Ears pass had "4" inches. Mid-ski mountain had 7-8 inches, so we know that there had to be 10" inches on top of Mt. Werner. The weather was so snowy and blustery that the "Rubber Ducky Race", a Yampa Valley Medical Center Axillary benefit, was canceled on the Yampa River.  This first snowfall ends the speculation and betting that starts the beginning of October on "when the first snow fall will happen". Most light hearted betting is for on or around Halloween. Historically, this is the typical time for winter to start rearing its snowy head. So this year's "first" snow betting game is now over.

Interestingly with all the talk of global warming, I definitely have noticed that all things "Spring" in Steamboat Springs are about a month ahead.  The crocuses once sprouting in late April, appear in March. Tulips that lined my driveway in May are now arriving in April.  Birds are showing up and singing in April that didn't turn up until the snow was all gone.  I can now grow rose bushes at 8000 feet and they are thriving. Mud season is showing up earlier and ending earlier.

Now we just have to watch for the first signs for winter....earlier or later in years to come? In the future will Ski Season begin in October and end in March or start in December and end in February?  Only time will tell, perhaps sooner than we think.

New Game. Let the betting begin!