By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News. File photo.
Steamboat Springs City Council has approved construction of a new water ramp and trampoline training facility in collaboration with Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. It will be at the bottom of the Park Smalley Freestyle Complex at the ski area. The new facility replaces the current water ramp at Bald Eagle Lake which closes after this summer, due to future residential development.
The MacArthur family provided the water ramp facility at Bald Eagle Lake where athletes have trained for more than 20 years. Steamboat is home to the only water ramp facility in Colorado.
Photos of current water ramp courtesy Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
Press Release from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; July 8, 2026.
Steamboat Springs City Council Approves Permits for New Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Water Ramp and Trampoline Training Facility at Steamboat Resort
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), in collaboration with Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation (SSRC), has received approval from the Steamboat Springs City Council to move forward with construction of a new water ramp and trampoline training facility at the bottom of the Park Smalley Freestyle Complex on the mountain. The new facility will replace SSWSC’s current water ramp site at Bald Eagle Lake, which will permanently close following the summer 2026 season to make way for residential development. In addition to providing the site for the new facility, SSRC is contributing to the project through planning, design, permitting, and operational expertise to help bring the facility to life. The project is scheduled to break ground late July or early August following permitting processes. The new training facility will include water ramps and in-ground trampolines designed to provide a safe environment for athletes to develop aerial skills while supporting year-round training and athlete development.
For more than 20 years, the current water ramp facility, made possible through the support of the MacArthur family, has served as a cornerstone of freestyle athlete development throughout the Rocky Mountain Division. The facility has helped athletes progress to success at the state, national, and international levels, as well as introducing hundreds of kids to acrobatics and air awareness.
“The Steamboat Water Ramp project is a great example of community partners coming together to continue a longstanding tradition in Steamboat,” said Brian Krill, Executive Director for SSWSC. “Thank you to the MacArthur family for supporting the athletes for the last 20 years as well as this new project. Through our partnership with the SSRC, we have preserved invaluable training opportunities for the next generation of athletes, and in a more visible location. The project not only enhances our partnership but also solidifies Steamboat as a premier training venue for local athletes and athletes from around the region and beyond.”
Steamboat is home to the only water ramp facility in Colorado. Seven of the eight U.S. Olympic moguls athletes who competed in 2026 frequently trained at the Steamboat facility during their development.
Water ramps are an essential training tool, allowing athletes to safely learn flips, twists, and advanced aerial maneuvers before transitioning those skills to snow. Without a replacement facility, athletes throughout the region would be forced to travel out of state for training, creating additional costs, time commitments, and barriers to progression.
“The Steamboat Water Ramp project shows what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared vision,” said Gavin Malia, Vice President of Engineering, Maintenance and Facilities for SSRC. “We’re proud to contribute not only the land but also offer the technical expertise and resources needed to help bring this facility to life. Supporting athlete development has always been part of what makes Steamboat special, and we’re excited to help create a training venue that will serve generations of athletes and strengthen Steamboat’s legacy as Ski Town, U.S.A.”
The new facility represents the continued partnership between Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Steamboat Resort to support athlete development and preserve Steamboat Springs’ legacy as a training ground for aspiring skiers and snowboarders.
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ABOUT SSWSC
Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) provides sports and youth development programming for nearly 1,200 athletes in Steamboat Springs. SSWSC believes in the fundamental value of sport for the individual. Our mission is to create champions on and off the mountain by developing life skills and personal growth through sports. Our vision is to be the nation’s model community youth sports organization, inspiring every individual to achieve their highest level of personal and athletic potential. SSWSC alumni have become Olympians, NCAA champions, collegiate scholars, CEOs, and leaders. Our programs include alpine, cross country, freestyle, freeskiing, Nordic combined, jumping, snowboarding, backcountry education, strength and conditioning, cycling, and skateboarding. Founded in 1914, SSWSC is one of North America’s oldest and most successful winter sports clubs, serving tens of thousands of athletes for over a century, including 108 Olympians. U.S. Ski & Snowboard named SSWSC Club of the Year five times, more than any other club in the country. For more information, visit www.sswsc.org.