Meet the Ski Town Media Team

PUBLISHER

Deborah Olsen has been a professional writer, reporter, editor and publisher in Steamboat Springs for 35+ years. She has a bachelor’s degree with a double major in journalism and English from the University of New Mexico, where she also did her post-graduate work. She has won numerous awards in her field: AP story of the year, Colorado Press Association feature story of the year, and the U.S. Ski Team’s White Stag award among them. Additionally, she has received awards for photojournalism. She purchased Steamboat Publications in 2004, and has since transformed it into Ski Town Media, Inc., Northwest Colorado’s most prominent locally owned media outlet. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Deborah is currently president of the board of Steamboat Art Museum, and has served on the boards of the Steamboat Springs Chamber, Steamboat Springs Marketing Committee, Steamboat Mountain School, Advocates, Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and Emerald City Opera (now Opera Steamboat) in the past.

EDITOR

Sophie first came to Colorado when she attended the University of Denver, earning her degree in communications in 2008. After a brief stint in New York City, she moved abroad with her husband Ryan while he pursued a professional hockey career. After seven years in Italy, Scotland and England – which included countless hockey games, Italian lessons, travel adventures (and mishaps) and two babies – they moved back to Ryan’s hometown of Steamboat Springs to raise their two boys. Sophie continued to grow her career as a freelance writer locally before settling into her role as editor at Ski Town Media. When she’s not chasing after her boys, she loves reading alone in a quiet house (a rare occurrence), hiking with her lab and of course, skiing.

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

John brings extensive marketing experience as the sales & marketing director at Ski Town Media, Inc. His career began in New York City over 15 years ago, working for several of the largest consumer lifestyle magazines. But “the mountains were calling” and he answered, moving to Colorado in 2011. John continued his advertising career with Denver’s Top Radio Stations, helping local businesses grow their integrated media campaigns. Recently moving to Steamboat, he is excited to come back to advertising and embrace his new home and community, all while helping local businesses continue to succeed.

John is a true outdoors enthusiast, and can often be found skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. He also enjoys creating one-of-a-kind shot-skis, games and ski furniture.

ART DIRECTOR

Melissa VanArsdale’s graphic design career began with the Brewers Association and Epic Design in Boulder, Colorado. Melissa moved with her family to Steamboat Springs in 1999 to become art director for Paddlesport Publishing, Inc. PPI produced four publications 14 times per year, including Paddler and Kayak magazines. When PPI moved to the Northwest, Melissa became self-employed, working with clients including the U.S. Coast Guard and a variety of local Steamboat businesses. Plus, she was employed at an adaptive-recreation nonprofit as a client representative and creator of promotional materials. In fall of 2015, Melissa became the art director at Ski Town Media, Inc. During her spare time, Melissa enjoys the outdoors, traveling to New Mexico to fly with her dad, and traveling to Utah to visit her kids who flew the coop.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Gavin recently moved to the Yampa Valley after two years working as a sports photographer in Missouri. An avid snowboarder, Gavin grew up visiting family friends in Steamboat during winter breaks and knew he needed to relocate here one day. Most recently, Gavin worked as co-director of photography for University of Missouri Athletics (Mizzou) and as assistant photographer for the Super Bowl LVII Champion Kansas City Chiefs. While photographing professional and collegiate sports was beyond exciting, it was his passion for getting outside with friends that first inspired him to pick up a camera. With his return to Colorado and a community he has come to love, Gavin hopes to reignite an even stronger passion behind the lens. During his days off you can find Gavin hiking, biking, snowboarding, and pretending to improve at the game of golf.

STAFF WRITER

Haley first moved to Colorado in 2018 to pursue a Master’s in Education at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. After completing her degree, she moved to Steamboat Springs, where she has lived for the past four years. During her six years in education, Haley found joy in teaching but ultimately yearned to dive back into her roots in journalism. In college, she worked at the campus newspaper, and over the years, she has continued to pursue freelance writing while teaching. Now, Haley is transitioning into a career that allows her to blend her passion for storytelling with her love for the outdoors. Haley moved to Steamboat Springs for the small-town vibe and access to world-class skiing, hiking, camping, and all things outdoors. When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying a powder day, hiking with her dog Finn, or running on the core trail.

Samie Jo (she can’t spell – that we know), aka Lucy in the Eye with Diamonds, is the daughter of an Aussie daddy and a chocolate lab mama. Her maternal side isn’t evident, except in her sweet personality. She greets everyone who comes into our office as a long-lost friend. Her jewel-like eyes, also called “moon eyes,” are a recessive Aussie characteristic. She can see just fine, as anything that moves on our property can tell you.

Stout is a mixed rescue dog who loves his ball. On any day, you can find him chasing chipmunks, hiking trails and finding the nearest body of water to lay/swim in.

Finn is your classic Golden Retriever. He's an attention hound, loves to play fetch, and is his happiest rolling around in the snow. He is a big fan of people, he does not like horses, and is a sucker for a treat.

Lexie is a Mini Aussie. Don't let that fool you – Aussies are known for energy, and a Mini is no exception. She loves chasing chipmunks with her brother, Stout, and the two are inseparable.