Winter Programs for 2008-2009

December 15, 2008 - March 31, 2009

Weekly Adult and Family Programs

Winter in Steamboat is not like winter in most places with which you are familiar. The sun is usually out and the humidity is low, so being out in the snow is a treat. On top of that, there is a lot of snow to enjoy and with mountains and open land, there is no lack of beautiful places to go. We rent snowshoes for only $10, and cross-country skis can be rented at local ski shops. Just be sure to bring plenty of water — at this elevation and with our sun, you will want it. These are great activities for the whole family.

Registration is required for ALL programs. Call 871-9151.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs will meet at Yampatika.

Program scholarships are available for both children and adults. Please ask!

Most of these programs are sponsored in part by Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp., USDA Forest Service, City of Steamboat Springs, and Vista Verde Ranch. Thanks also to the Wells Fargo Neighberhood Assistance Fund.

Repeating Programs

Tuesday
- Ski with a Naturalist 1:30 - 2:30
  Learn about winter on the mountain. Where do the animals go? How do predators find their prey? Why do our forests look the way they do? What are those white things with a black-tipped tail? This is a family event.
  
  Free, courtesy of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. Meet at the Why Not? trail at the top of the gondola.
Thursday
- Learn about winter on the mountain. Where do the animals go? How do predators find their prey? Why do our forests look the way they do? What are those white things with a black-tipped tail? This is a family event.
  
  Free, courtesy of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. Meet at the Why Not? trail at the top of the gondola.
- Uranium Mine Snowshoe 10am - 1pm
  Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fish Creek Canyon! This 4 mile round-trip snowshoe is moderately strenuous, and will follow the rim of Fish Creek canyon to a spectacular view down valley. The diversity of habitats makes for a special walk, with plenty of time for tracking, learning the local trees, and taking in the scenery.
  
  Meet at Fish Creek Falls upper lot. Bring water, a snack, and showshoes if you have them. (Snowshoes can be rented from Yampatika for $10.) Wear layers and winter shoes. This program is sponsored by U. S. Forest Service and is FREE! This is a family event.
Friday
- Vista Verde Snowshoe 2pm - 4pm Vista Verde Ranch
  Settled in the peaceful Elk River Valley, Vista Verde offers a stunning backdrop for this easy to moderate showshoe tour. Meet at Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Transportation is not provided. Please call Yampatika at 871-9151 for reservations. This is a perfect family event or a way of entertaining out-of-town guests.
  
  This snowshoe hike is FREE! and is sponsored by Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Space is limited, so call ahead.
Saturdays
- Emerald Mountain Snowshoe 12/20/08 - 3/28/09 10am - 12pm
  Climb to the top of the Howelsen Ski Area (the other ski area in Steamboat) and then explore the beauty and history of Emerald Mountain and Howelsen Hill. The views are spectacular and our "first" ski area provides fascinating stories. This is a family event.
  Meet in front of Olympian Hall at the base of the Howelsen Ski Area $12.
Various Days

Moonlight Snowshoe Tours 6pm - 8pm

Ride to the top of Howelsen Hill Ski Area by the light of the full moon and explore the beauty and history of Emerald Mountain and Howelsen Hill. The evening views are spectacular, winter wildlife abounds, and the ski area provides fascinating stories.

March 10, (Tuesday)

April 9, (Thursday)

Private Tours

Yampatika will create a private program to fit the needs of your group or family. We offer back country tours and snowshoe tours as well as learning experiences for children with subjects such as Animals in Winter or Tracks and Traces. We also offer tours of historical downtown and Steamboat's Olympic Heritage in partnership with the Tread of Pioneers Museum and Historical Routt County. No matter what the age, interest or activity level, we will customize an adventure for you. Program fees: $15 per person per hour--minumum group size is 4.

¡Se ofrecen viajes guiadas en español!
We offer guided tours in Spanish too!

Soup Sessions

We are having a series of three lectures during the winter covering topics of local interest. A casual soup/chili supper is included in the cost, which is only $15 per person. To discourage the use of disposable products, guests are being asked to bring their own soup bowl and spoon. Soup bowls and spoons will also be available for purchase. Please call Yampatika for reservations (871-9151).

Permaculture Applied
January 20 5:30 - 7:30pm: The Rockin' J Cattle Story. This is an exciting story about drastically changing ranching habits to make the land more productive by going to back to far more natural practices. It involves massing cattle into denser groups, encouraging grass to grow only to optimal heights, using chickens to follow the herds and breakdown wastes, and other appraoches that you would probably never think of. Steamboat Springs Community Center

Renewable Energy
February 17 5:30 - 7:30pm A case study from New Belgium Brewery: Steamboat Springs Community Center

Yampa Valley Geological Assessment
March 24 (Note Change in Date) 5:30 - 7:30pm : Steamboat Springs Community Center Geology Maps of the Yampa Valley Join Dave Noe of the Colorado Geological Survey for an armchair visit to the geology of the Yampa valley. We will learn to read and interpret different geology maps of the area. Dr. Noe will show photos of how geology maps are made, from fieldwork to map production to publication. This Soup Session will give you a richer understanding of the fascinating geology that surrounds Steamboat Springs, as well as the geologic history of the region! There will also be a follow-up program this summer with Dr. Noe.