Powder Play

COLORADO STEAMBOAT

Okay, it’s now or never. I will either get this ski thing down pat or I’m doomed to the bunny slopes for eternity. After seven years of random snow trips and glacial-speed progress, I’m primed to get to that “it’s-like-riding-a-bike” stage. And if anywhere’s going to inspire me to hone my powder craft, it’s Steamboat in Colorado.

In fact, Steamboat has even trademarked its snow as the only place in North America with “Champagne Powder”. Snow in the area averages six per cent water content compared with the 15 per cent more typical at other locations, and this makes for epic ski conditions that extend into the spring months.

Getting to Steamboat entails a three-hour drive from Denver International Airport, but it feels more like an