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Steamboat Springs' Nordic skiing history dates back to the late 1800s. Much like other Colorado towns, skiing was a form of transportation, a way to deliver the mail or get to town. However in 1913, one man changed the nature of skiing in Steamboat Springs for good. Carl Howelsen moved to Steamboat Springs after the encouragement of local resident, Marjorie Perry, who saw Howelsen in a jumping competition near Hot Sulphur Springs. Howelsen started the first winter carnival in 1914, which featured jumping and cross -country competitions. Due to his influence, bringing skiing as a sport to Steamboat Springs, they named the Howelsen Hill Ski Area after him, which opened in 1915. As early as 1917, a ladies ski club started touring the area. Several National Jumping distance records have been set and broken in Steamboat Springs The first groomed trail on Rabbit Ears Pass was built in 1937 In 1948 Gordon Wren, a 10th Mountain Division veteran, competed in Nordic Combined, Alpine, Special Jumping, and Cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Swizerland
In addition to hundreds of miles of backcountry trails in the Routt National Forest, there are four Nordic Areas within a 30-mile radius of downtown Steamboat Springs: Howelsen Hill Nordic Center Lake Catamount Touring Center Steamboat Lake State Park Touring Center Steamboat Ski Touring Center
For more details on these ski areas visit the Nordic Center of the Rockies. This winter, individual skiers or families can purchase the Steamboat Valley Nordic Pass, good all season at Howelsen Hill, Lake Catamount, Steamboat Lake State Park and Steamboat Ski Touring Center. Individual pass $375 ($295 before November 1)
Family pass $795 ($645 before november 1) These passes can be purchased at Ski Haus or the Steamboat Ski Touring Center.
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