When minutes matter, knowing how to use your backcountry safety equipment could save someone's life. Howelsen Hill has partnered with Routt County Search and Rescue again this season to offer a beacon training facility at the base of the ski area. The idea behind the Beacon Basin training park, is to educate recreationalists about backcountry safety, and provide a safe and accessible venue for practicing avalanche recovery skills. Six waterproof transmit boxes are buried throughout the area and can be easily activated via a control panel attached to the instructional sign. With the heavy snow and high avalanche danger in the backcountry this season, everyone is encouraged to come out and practice, no ticket required!

Haymaker celebrated the grand opening of the new indoor golf simulator on Monday, January 9, and is now officially open to the public. With so many ways to play, the new simulator offers something for everyone. In addition to simulator tee times, Haymaker will be hosting the first Callaway demo day of the season on February 4 in the new golf simulator. This exciting demo day will take place just one week after Callaway's 2023 product launch, so there should be plenty of fun new products to test out. For those looking to play in one of Haymaker's many unique tournaments this summer, the 2023 tournament schedule has been finalized and is now posted online. Check it out and start planning your summer play today!

The Howelsen Ice Arena and Steamboat Curling Club will be offering several drop-in curling sessions over the next few months. The next sessions will be held on January 13 and January 20. Each drop-in session includes 30 minutes of basic instruction from 7:30 PM to 8 PM, followed by open play from 8 PM to 10 PM. The cost is $25 and all participants must be 18 years or older. Pre-registration is recommended and spaces have been filling up fast. Visit the website for more info and to sign-up.

Join us for the second Ski Ascent Series race of the season next week! The Mt. Werner Madness takes place on Thursday, January 19 at Steamboat Resort. This will be an individual format race with a combination of climbs, boot packs, and descents. Online registration will remain open until 11:30 PM on Wednesday, January 18, and race-day registration will be available onsite from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM. A pre-race meeting will take place at 5:50 PM with racing beginning at 6:10 PM. With multiple race categories and course distances, this event offers something for all ages and ability levels. We look forward to racing with you next week!

Routt County High School students are invited to Paint, Sip and Snack at our next youth programs events. All students grades 9-12 can let their artistic skills flow as they enjoy a fun step-by-step painting night, complete with charcuterie boards and delicious drinks. The event will take place on Monday, January 23 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM in the new upstairs event space at the Howelsen Ice Arena. Advanced registration is requested.

Do you have energy and a passion for working with kids? Are you looking for a flexible work schedule with great pay and end-of-season bonus opportunities? Well look no further! We are currently hiring Group Leaders for our Afterschool Action youth programs. This position includes a flexible work schedule that allows for plenty of time to play. Work up to 18 hours/week Monday - Friday and received a $2-$3 hour bonus after the successful fulfillment of each Afterschool Action session. We hope that you will join or amazing team and help support our local youth and families.

Thank You to our friends at Routt County Riders for their continued winter grooming efforts on Emerald Mountain. Again this season, RCR has continued to help groom and maintain a number of the singletrack trails on Emerald Mountain. This volunteer led program includes grooming two days a week, typically on Friday and Sunday evenings. These groomed singletrack trails are open to all users, but for those on foot, please consider using skis or snowshoes to avoid postholing the nicely groomed track. Same goes for all users, if conditions are warm and you find yourself creating a rut or deep footprints in the snow, turn around. Check out the online map to see what trails are being groom this season. Thanks RCR!