Coworker with bikes
There’s a place in the mountains of northern Colorado where you can easily get a few hours of work done before and after hitting the slopes. That place is the Ski Locker in Steamboat Springs. Here’s what owner Barclay Idsal has to say about his coworking space.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
The original Ski Locker is actually based in Chamonix, France. I was lucky enough to spend my first year working remotely there during the winter of 2015/2016. I literally lived 100-some-feet from the front door and probably spent more time there than in my shoebox, 17 square-meter (182 square-feet) apartment. But space and a good WiFi connection aside, I quickly grew to love the Ski Locker community and everybody it included. Founders Nicola Broom, Patrik Spathon, and Petter Wallberg became fast friends and before I knew it, I was a part of a vibrant and diverse international community that I’d not be privy to otherwise.
After my visa was up, I returned home with dreams of creating a similar community in Steamboat Springs, CO. I’m proud to say that a year later, I opened the Ski Locker’s first state-side office in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary this [past] New Year. Come celebrate 3 years in 2019!
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space? 

My favorite part about operating a coworking space is literally saying hello to my fellow coworkers. There’s nothing better than that initial morning salutation to start my day. I’m simply a more productive person after greeting someone in the morning, especially on Monday’s so I can see what people did outside over the weekend!

 

Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
We sport a simple yet sophisticated office that’s very unique to Steamboat. What I’d say sticks out in the mind’s of our members would be the internet connection. We’re one of the few non-public businesses in Steamboat with fiber [optic internet] (*250up/250down). That makes video conferencing in our glass-walled meeting room that much smoother for morning check-ins with HQ, especially when you’re trying to get a few laps on the ski hill in the afternoon. Oh yeah – and there’s the free craft coffee, two phone booths, and complimentary La Croix available to members.
Coworker and bikes in conference room
Coworking lounge at Ski Locker
Coworking Happy Hour at Ski Locker