By Shannon Lukens.

 

Dave Hunter, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, has responded to the recent news regarding the formation of a Regional Transportation Authority and the ski area’s support. Hunter writes that he understands there was tension and the ski area will continue with their commitment to the community, as they have done for six decades.

On Monday, Aug. 25, Steamboat Springs City Council accepted a three-year guarantee of funds from Steamboat Resort for a Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority. The agreement was approved at a special council meeting Monday. There is a clause that says if the city passes a lift tax, $1 million of that would go to the RTA. Now other jurisdictions can move forward with approving RTA ballot questions. Those include Routt County, Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek, and Yampa.

 

Here is Hunter’s letter.

To our community,

I know many of you have felt frustration and disappointment with Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation in recent weeks. As the leader of SSRC, I acknowledge the confusion and strain that recent negotiations have caused. Let me be clear: SSRC is not retreating from our commitment to this community, to supporting SST, or to the formation of the RTA. These efforts are vital to the future of the Yampa Valley, and we want to be a strong partner in seeing them succeed.

It was never our intent to derail progress or undermine the collaborative work that has gone into building transportation solutions throughout the entire Yampa Valley. We acknowledge that we’ve reached a point of tension, and we are committed to rebuilding trust by moving forward together.

For more than six decades, SSRC has invested—not just financially, but with time, resources, and collaboration—in honoring our heritage, celebrating local athletes, creating community programs, supporting our youth and environment, and partnering with local government and nonprofits to address community challenges. That spirit of giving back isn’t just our history, it’s what guides us into the future.

We continue to dedicate resources to preserve the fabric of this community, whether that’s working with nonprofits like STARS, SSWSC, SOS Outreach, and the Cycle Effect to expand access to outdoor recreation, standing up the Steamboat Child Care Center and supporting Boys & Girls Club so young families can thrive, or sponsoring the Routt County Fair and local Olympians. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to being a responsible company and engaged community partner.

While we are part of a larger company with shareholders, the people who make up SSRC are your friends and neighbors. We are the coaches, volunteers, and parents who live, work, and raise our families here. We care deeply about the entire Valley and remain stewards of what makes our community so unique and special.

We are committed to working alongside you to help our community thrive- today and for generations to come.

Dave Hunter
President & Chief Operating Officer
Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation