Capturing a Century of Impact – The Legacy of Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
How does one sum up 112 years of continuous athletic excellence, community contribution, and the thousands of lives touched by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC)? When I began researching for this article, it seemed a gargantuan task to convey what SSWSC has accomplished in its centenarian lifespan and what it means to the Steamboat community. However, as is characteristic of SSWSC, everyone I spoke with was welcoming, open, and passionate about sharing their stories about an organization they love.
My first impression of SSWSC came in 1998 when I arrived in town. At the time, the club was perceived as an elite institution where Olympic hopefuls and competitive athletes invested a lot of money to train. It seemed exclusive and unapproachable for the average student. Fortunately, as I have learned more, those impressions have turned out not to be true. At its core, SSWSC is committed to athletic excellence and producing champions both on and off the hill, and it is also much more—a community supporter and connector, a source of pride, a symbol of history and tradition, and an empowering force for youth and adults alike.
The Beginning
In 1913, Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian ski jumper, introduced ski jumping and Nordic skiing to the community of Steamboat Springs. A year later, he founded the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival to highlight winter sports, integrate the ranching and skiing communities, and bring joy to the long, harsh winters. At the same time, SSWSC was born, providing structured training for young aspiring athletes using specialized techniques and qualified coaches.
In 1915, Howelsen established the Howelsen Hill Ski Area, creating a designated space for these sports. Today, each of these elements—Howelsen Hill, the Winter Carnival, and SSWSC—holds the distinction of being among the longest-running ski areas, winter festivals, and winter sports clubs in the United States.
For context, SSWSC began at the dawn of World War I and has endured through major wars, the Great Depression, economic and political fluctuations, natural disasters, and a global pandemic. Throughout it all, the club has never shut down and, in fact, continues to thrive. SSWSC exemplifies the very values it teaches its athletes—adaptability, perseverance, and excellence.
A Community Institution
I spoke to a variety of people—Olympians, coaches, board members, competitive and non-competitive athletes, and parents. “What makes this town special is the culture, and Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club is a key component of that culture,” said Travis Mayer, current board member and 2002 Olympic Freestyle Mogul Silver Medalist. “It’s truly special and has a magical element. It’s magical.” He loves seeing his own children participating and loves how much more is going on at SSWSC than when he arrived as an 18-year-old. “That we are reaching 51% of Steamboat’s youth is amazing!”
SSWSC has expanded its mission to become more accessible, reaching more youth and making a larger impact on the community. Today, the club serves 1,300 youth—over half of Steamboat’s student population—through diversified programming. Offerings include Alpine Skiing/Racing, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, Freestyle, Nordic Combined, and Ski Jumping. It serves ages 3-years-old to 20-years-old as well as older adults. It offers recreational programs for older kids who want to develop skills but may not be as interested in competing. There are also Summer programs that include cycling, skateboarding and fitness and skill development.
With the support of Mountain Valley Bank, Christy Sports, Smartwool, local schools, and the resort, SSWSC organizes the Ski Town USA Initiative, which benefits 600 second graders per year. This program ensures that every Steamboat Springs School District second grader has the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard at no cost. Four days of skiing or riding are provided to each child, with lessons coached by SSWSC athletes and coach volunteers through the Champions of Service program. The initiative includes students from all district schools, charter schools, and even some homeschoolers. This initiative has been wildly successful and gives kids who might never have the opportunity to experience a winter sport an enjoyable and inspiring experience.
Financial Accessibility & Scholarships
Through fundraising events and generous donors, SSWSC has grown its scholarship fund from $92,000 a decade ago to nearly $600,000 today. The priority is to reach as many youth in the community as possible. Enrollment fees only cover 64% of the cost to run the programs, making donations essential to its operations. SSWSC also relies heavily on Volunteers and has noticed a decline, not just in Steamboat but nationally, in volunteer participation.
For detailed information on how to apply for scholarships, volunteer, or donate please go to: SSWSC.Org.
More Than Just Athletics
One sentiment echoed throughout my conversations was the club’s emphasis not just on athletics but on personal growth and connection.
Junior Coach Lupita Jaconetta, who grew up participating in the youth programs, shared: “It challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and teaches me confidence, perseverance, the importance of connection and team building, responsibility, and healthy habits.”
When asked why she joined the Junior Coaching program, she said, “My coaches were such great role models for me when I was younger, and I want to recreate the bond I had with my coaches with the kids I work with.” She also noted how many of the skills she’s learned—like problem-solving and leadership—translate into other areas of her life. Interestingly, though she loves skiing, it was not the first thing she mentioned when asked what she valued most about SSWSC. She also said “When I wear the SSWSC jacket, I feel proud, like I am part of something bigger.”
The Role of Coaches
SSWSC coaches are keenly aware of their influence and take their role seriously. “Sometimes I see kids do things on or off the hill that make me so proud,” said Ann Battelle, a long-time Winter Sports Club athlete, Olympian, head coach, and current Freestyle Program Director. “We spend a lot of time with these kids—training on and off the hill, traveling to events, mentoring. If a student asks me a question, I think very carefully about my answer because I know how intently I listened to my coaches and the monumental impact they had on me.” SSWSC only selects high quality coaches who embody the values and mission of the program.
Kids who participate in SSWSC take away much more than just learning or perfecting a sport. They are held to high standards as representatives of the program and are encouraged to help each other, be responsible, show kindness, and challenge themselves to be better in all areas of life.
A Lasting Legacy
SSWSC is not just about producing Olympians and athletic champions—though it has done that exceptionally well! It is about shaping individuals who carry the values of hard work, connection, and resilience into their lives and community long after their time on the slopes ends. It’s about giving opportunities to youth who might never have had those opportunities and being an integral part of a special community. It is about maintaining tradition while growing into a new era.
For over a century, the resilient spirit of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has been an important part of Steamboat’s identity. And with its ongoing mission to inspire and empower, I imagine SSWSC will continue to shape new generations for another hundred years. It is, after all, magical.
Written by Madeleine Mason
To hear more about the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, listen to the Elevating Steamboat podcast featuring SSWSC Executive Director Brian Krill
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