Ski Haus’ Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Date on Steamboat’s Most Loved Ski Lift
There’s a reason they say the Bar UE lift is for lovers. Maybe it’s the slow, creaky ride that forces you to settle in close. Maybe it’s the quiet stretch of trees along the way, where all you hear is the hum of the lift and the occasional hoot from a skier in the powder below. Or maybe it’s just one of those Steamboat things—like the trademarked Champagne Powder® or the way everyone has a Billy Kidd story—that makes it feel like a piece of local legend.
The Bar UE lift holds a special place in Steamboat Resort’s history. Built in 1977 as a YAN double-chair lift, it was named after the cattle brand used at the Werner Ranch, owned by Edward and Hazie Werner—parents to Olympians Buddy, Skeeter, and Bugs Werner and namesakes for Mount Werner. This legacy makes it a cherished landmark for both locals and visitors… and the lift for lovers!
For Yampa Valley locals, Valentine’s Day isn’t about fancy dinners with overpriced prix-fixe menus. It’s about layering up, loading onto an old-school double chair, and soaking in an experience that creates a special connection with the skier or boarder next to you.
The Perfect Bar UE Date for Two
Start the day with a slow morning—because let’s be real, no one around here is rushing to make first chair unless there’s a foot of fresh. Stop by Ski Haus for that last-minute Valentine’s gift—because, let’s be honest, in Steamboat, last-minute is just how things get done. Around here, though, it’s not chocolate, flowers, or jewelry that bring the biggest smile—it’s new gear!
Beyond the gift, Ben Brodsky, an employee at Ski Haus, recommends a few must-haves to ensure your date stays comfortable and fun. “Definitely pick up some snacks while you’re here—everyone loves snacks,” he says. “And maybe some hand warmers. It’s nice to play ‘hero’ and have those readily available when your date has cold hands.”
Once you hit the mountain, alone time will be hard to find in a packed gondola car. You might sneak flirtatious glances, but this isn’t the place for deep conversations or heartfelt expressions. That’s why the real destination is Bar UE. As you approach the old lift tucked away at the bottom of Buddy’s Run and Flying Z, there’s a certain nostalgia to it—the kind of old-school, two-seater romance that’s been lost over time as resorts swapped out their doubles for high-speed quads.
Once you’re loaded up, settle in and take a breath. This is your moment. The true magic of Bar UE lies in the quiet, scenic ride through the trees next to the one you love.
“You know, just really enjoy the nice, quiet peacefulness of Bar UE as you take a beautiful ride,” says Brodsky. “It’s probably my favorite lift, and it’s definitely my wife’s favorite lift. Every time she’s on it, she’s always excited.”
For the Singles: Make Bar UE Your Steamboat Dating App
Not paired up yet? No problem. Bar UE isn’t just for couples—it’s the ultimate place to meet someone new—no swiping required.
First impressions count, even in ski gear.
“What you’re wearing says a lot about who you are. People who wear big, bright, colorful clothes versus more conservative clothing—it definitely reflects their personalities,” says Ben Brodsky, employee at Ski Haus. “For example, if you’ve got backcountry gear and hybrid equipment, it shows you’re adventurous. We have options at Ski Haus for every person and personality to make that ever-important first impression.”
Once you’ve caught the eye of a potential seat-date, master the art of the casual but inviting, “Hey, are you single?” Talk about a skiing double entendre. Is it cutting straight to the point, or simply asking if you can ride up the lift more efficiently together? Either way, the answer will be telling.
If that’s too forward, accessories can be a great icebreaker.
“We have a lot of fun stickers here, so you can accessorize your skis, boards, or helmet,” Brodsky suggests.
Once you’re on the lift, you’ve got about ten minutes to make a connection. That’s not a lot of time, so the urge to overtly show off needs to be dulled. Small details can make the biggest difference.
“We have some very fun ski pole baskets here at Ski Haus,” Brodsky shares. “Some have the Colorado flag or a donut on them—just a nice little ski accessory that can show your unique personality. And I always like to see what kind of buffs people are wearing—there’s such a good range.”
Ask about their favorite run, their worst yard sale, or what they’re doing for après. If the conversation clicks, well, you’ve got the rest of the mountain (and maybe the rest of the night) to keep it going.
The key is to embrace the moment—because in a town like Steamboat, where community runs deep and powder days bring everyone together, you never know when a simple lift ride might turn into the start of something special. Maybe even take the relationship to the next level—après ski.
From Slopes to Sips: Après-Ski Essentials for Date Night
Once you’re off the slopes, a few key accessories can take you from mountain-ready to date-ready.
“My new favorite après accessory is either some Blenders or Goodr sunglasses,” Brodsky says. “I never like to hang out in my goggles while I après, but it’s really nice to have a pair of cheap glasses in your pocket in case you crush them or something happens. You’re out $25 or $35, not $250, and they come in all sorts of fun colors and styles.”
So this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re cozying up with your longtime love or hoping to meet someone new, take a ride on Bar UE. After all, they say it’s the lift for lovers—and in Steamboat, the legends usually have some truth to them.
Last word of advice: if you have a great Bar UE date, don’t screw it up. Tradition says that if you tap Buddy’s statue with your ski pole, it will bring good luck—and who doesn’t want to get lucky on Valentine’s Day?
