14.5 inches!  That's how much snow has fallen on Mt. Werner already this year.  Perhaps more than what the ski area received for the month of January 2012.  There certainly is a buzz in the Steamboat air that this year will make up for the lack of snow we had last year.

However, that doesn't sound like a whole lot when compared to how much some locations along the Appalachian Mountains received from Hurricane Sandy (and I hope if you were involved with that you are safe), but for Steamboat Springs and this time of the year, it is very welcomed.

Here's what the ski area looked like from downtown earlier this week:



Halloween in downtown Steamboat Springs is one of my favorite events of the year.  Although there are some neighborhoods around town that have a door-to-door trick or treat prior to All Hollows Eve, Halloween in Steamboat is celebrated by the entire community, with Lincoln Avenue closed to vehicular traffic to allow pedestrian revelers of all ages to dress up in their most unusual costumes to walk the street and kids to load up their bags by going from business-to-business for candy and other 'healthy' treats.

There is also another exciting event happening in Steamboat in the coming week.  On November 2, the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be harvested in the White River National Forest, near Meeker, CO. The tree will then be wrapped and transported to Washington, D.C. on a custom-decorated Mack Pinnacle model truck which will be driven by former U.S. Senator, Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO).  On November 6 the tree will be in Steamboat at the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Arena from 6:00-8:00pm.  In addition to viewing the tree, there will be an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, purchase commemorative ornaments, enjoy some hot chocolate and holiday music.  Participants can don their ugliest Christmas sweaters and be a part of the community photo to be taken at 6:30 pm.