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.

OFFICE MANAGER

Kenny recently moved to the Yampa Valley after two years working as a Marketing Manager in Wisconsin. With a love for traveling, Kenny grew up going on trips around the country and always knew he would move somewhere like Steamboat Springs. Most recently, Kenny worked as Marketing Manager for Warhawk Dining promoting and planning special events, limited time offers and meal plans to the students at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. While planning and promoting events for the University’s dining service was beyond exciting, it was his passion for contributing to the campus experience that made him want the job. Since coming to Colorado, Kenny hopes to reignite an even stronger passion by connecting people through events and local stories. During his days off you can find Kenny hiking, first Friday art walks, playing volleyball, and attempting to learn how to ski.

Skylar is a writer and storyteller with a lifelong passion for narrative and language. A graduate of Elon University in 2021, Skylar began her career as a freelancer, spending over a year and a half collaborating on a wide range of creative projects before joining Ski Town Media. Originally from Steamboat Springs, Skylar moved away a few times after college, exploring Colorado and Spain, but felt the pull of home grow stronger over time. In April, she returned to the Yampa Valley not just as a local, but as an adult deeply connected to the community that shaped her. Her love of the outdoors—especially skiing, hiking, and camping—continues to inform both her personal life and professional perspective. Drawn to Ski Town Media for its community-oriented, locally rooted, and holistic values, Skylar brings a thoughtful and authentic voice to each project. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for place, people, and storytelling that makes an impact. When she’s not writing, you can find Skylar exploring Routt County with friends, spending time with family, or diving into a good book.

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.

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.

Strider is the Golden Retriever king of our home (and office). Duly so, Strider's namesake is from The Lord of the Rings character Aragorn, the Ranger of the North and lineage of kings. He's handsome, strong and very friendly. And he is a sucker for "pup cups.

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha is a fluffy tabby cat. She’s the queen of the household and the mother of Mimzy. When she’s not chasing birds, Marsha can be found napping in her cat tree.

Mimzy is a forever-small, dark grey scaredy cat with a lot to say. Daughter of Marsha, she loves chasing birds, yelling her opinions, and trying to eat anything that even resembles paper.