Steamboat Springs, CO – Few destination resorts offer night skiing, but officials at Colorado’s Steamboat hope that night riding will reinvigorate the resort’s base area.

Roughly $35 million has been invested over the past six years to redevelop Steamboat’s base village, but activity still drops off dramatically once the lifts stop turning. The resort’s vice president of mountain operations, Doug Allen, told a public information gathering last week that the addition of night skiing has the potential to get more out of that public and private investment.

Skeptical attendees at last week’s meeting voiced concerns about noise and light pollution generated by night skiing, which resort officials hope to offer by operating its Christie Peak Express lift until 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with hours extended until 9 p.m. in spring and as late as 11 p.m. for special events. Modern lights developed by New Jersey firm Ultra-Tech would illuminate five runs for all abilities using a magnetic induction system to reduce glare and light pollution while better illuminating the terrain, resort officials contend.

The resort’s permit application with the city of Steamboat Springs will be discussed at a Planning Commission meeting at 5 p.m. today at the city’s Centennial Hall, before the City Council hears the proposal on Aug. 20. City officials liken the process to approval of a new building proposal.

Howelsen Hill, a small ski area in downtown Steamboat Springs, already offers night skiing until 8 p.m., but those amenities are largely utilized by skiers enrolled in evening race and jumping programs at Howelsen Hill. The nearest alternatives for night skiing are located at Granby Ranch or Keystone Resort.