A dark sky forms over Steamboat Resort, potentially bringing rain but also the threat of lightning that could cause a wildfire on the mountain. (Photo by John F. Russell)
A wildfire threatening a ski resort isn’t entirely unfamiliar in Colorado. The 416 Fire, one of the largest in the state’s history, nearly took out Purgatory Ski Area outside Durango in 2018. Two years later, another wildfire claimed about 6 acres at the same mountain resort.
Such a massive blaze isn’t easy to recall having happened at Steamboat Resort, according to Corey Peterson, director of slope maintenance, at least not since he’s been with the resort.