The community tree recycling program will be back again this season. Parks & Recreation will begin accepting trees the on Friday, December 23 through the end of February. Trees can be dropped off seven days a week at the southwest corner of the Emerald Park parking lot. We'll take it like you found it - Au Naturale. Please make sure that all tinsel, ornaments, lights, nails, etc. are removed before dropping off your tree. Wreaths are not accepted. The mulch will be provided to residents on a first come, first served basis in the spring as well as used in city parks during the year.

The Town Challenge Ski Ascent Series kicks off tomorrow night with the first race of the season, the Howelsen Hill Circuit. Race registration will be available online until 11:30 PM tonight, with race-day registration taking place at Howelsen Hill tomorrow from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM. Tomorrow night's race will be a circuit format that includes a series of laps on a shorter course. The series includes five unique divisions, including a new Novice division, and offers something for every age and ability level. Visit the website for more information and to register today!

The Community Sledding Hill located at the Howelsen Rodeo Grounds is now officially open to the public. This 20-foot-high slope is made during snowmaking operations and will continue to grow with fresh snow from Mother Nature throughout the season. The small hill offers a place for the community to enjoy sledding in the heart of downtown. The free community sledding hill is open from dawn until dusk daily. The hill will be groomed periodically throughout the season and users sled at their own risk. As a friendly reminder, sledding is not allowed anywhere inside the Howelsen Hill ski area boundary. Tube Howelsen will be opening for the season very soon, so stay tuned for more details coming next week.

Although golf season may be over for the year, there are still plenty of exciting things taking place this season. Construction is nearing completion on the new Trackman Golf Simulator. The new simulator will be available for hourly rentals and can be used for practice, play, and instruction. Stay tuned for more details regarding the official grand opening and celebration in early January. Golf punch passes and gift cards are also available through December 23 and make the perfect holiday gift. The Haymaker Nordic Center officially opened for the season this morning and Steamboat Resort has started taking reservations for their magical sleigh ride dinners.

Indoor volleyball leagues are back! We are excited to host indoor coed 4v4 volleyball leagues again this winter. Registration is now open with league play beginning on January 15. Regular season league play will run through March 12 with a playoff tournament and finals taking place the the following week. This winter's league format will include two divisions, a Competitive Division for advanced level players, and a Recreation Division for more casual play. Matches will take place on Sundays from 4 PM to 8 PM at the SSMS gym. The cost to participate is $400 for a team and $100 for free agents. Space is limited so gather squad and register today!

Join our friends at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club tonight for the inaugural lighting of the historic Howelsen Hill Lodge. Get into the holiday spirit as they light up the lodge tonight (Dec. 14), at 5 PM. Thank you to SSWSC partner Aspen Tree Service Inc. (Lightscapes) for installing all of the beautiful lights and making our community a little bit brighter this holiday season. We hope to see you there!