By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News. Video and pictures courtesy Steamboat Resort.

Video of Snowmaking Machines on Steamboat Resort

 

UPDATE from Steamboat Resort on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

 

Where is the water coming from?

Steamboat Resort has a longstanding water right on the Yampa River, similar to other agricultural and commercial water users in the Yampa Valley. There is not currently a call on the river which means water right holders are able to divert water in accordance with Colorado water law.

 

Did the resort need special permission to use the water?

No. The water being used is authorized under the resort’s existing water rights and is operating within those permitted rights.

 

How was the decision made to use snowmaking equipment?

Using our snowmaking system as a wildfire preparedness tool is part of the resort’s Emergency Response Plan. On Sunday afternoon, based on the location and growth of the Fishhook Fire and in coordination with our internal emergency planning efforts, we activated the system and positioned the snow guns to saturate targeted areas around Tomahawk, Spike, and High Noon areas as a precautionary measure.

 

When have the snowmaking guns been operating?

We mobilized the system on Sunday afternoon, July 12, to position and test the equipment. Following that initial activation, the snowmaking guns operated overnight Sunday, July 12 and Monday, July 13 when weather conditions were most favorable. The system remains available, and if fire activity or wind conditions change, we can quickly reactivate it as part of our ongoing wildfire preparedness efforts.

 

Steamboat Resort has turned on snowmaking machines to help with any fire threat. Right now, there isn’t one, but as Steamboat Resort Spokesperson Maren Franciosi says, “We recognize that wildfires can be unpredictable and we are taking proactive precautions.”

Steamboat Resort is operating 41 snowmaking guns to saturate the ground in the Tomahawk and Spike areas, and around Rendezvous Lodge, as a preventative measure.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in close coordination with agencies responding,” said Franciosi.

The Fishhook Fire is about three miles from the boundary of Steamboat Resort, in the Sunshine area.

Steamboat Resort is open for mountain operations today, including hiking and biking, the gondola and dining. Access to the upper mountain above Thunderhead will be closed along with Moonlight, Valley View, Spur Run and Valley View.

Steamboat Resort is working with those agencies responding to fire activity in the area.

While there is no immediate threat to the resort, access to the upper mountain is limited.

Franciosi adds, “We’d like to share deep gratitude to our staff, community, and first responders for their quick action as this situation has been rapidly evolving. As always, we ask everyone remain vigilant. If you notice anything out of the ordinary including smoke, fire, or any other potential safety concern, please report it immediately.”