Skiers and snowboarders at Steamboat Mountain Resort experienced an unexpected and tense encounter a few weeks ago when a large female moose made an alarming appearance at the base of the mountain.
Viral Video Captures the Moment
A video circulating on social media captured the dramatic scene. The footage shows the aggressive moose dashing towards skiers, knocking over a woman and a child. Kylee Rinker, the woman behind the clip, described the moment she heard someone shout “moose” as she was texting and removing her ski boots.
“At first I was like, this is awesome, and then it kept getting closer, and it was very clear that it was angry. I got a little afraid,” Rinker shared. She quickly sought protection by wedging herself between two ski racks. Other skiers and snowboarders also cleared the area, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
Quick Resolution Avoids Injuries
Fortunately, the chaotic incident de-escalated swiftly. The moose ran back up the mountain, and no injuries were reported. “Everybody seemed to know that this was a pretty serious situation, and a moose is not something that you should be messing around with,” Rinker added.
Moose Sightings Are Common at Steamboat
According to a Steamboat blog post, spotting moose at the resort is not unusual. In 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracked up to 10 moose living within the ski area boundaries during the winter months. The blog noted that ski patrol is trained to handle such situations by closing runs and ensuring everyone maintains a safe distance from the animals.
Officials Issue Safety Reminder
Following the incident, the city issued a statement on social media reminding skiers to exercise caution and keep a significant distance from moose. These animals, while awe-inspiring, can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Steamboat Mountain Resort officials were contacted for comment but did not provide a response.
This encounter highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and remaining vigilant in shared outdoor spaces. Moose sightings may be thrilling, but safety should always come first.