| at Springs, Colorado is a small Rocky Mountain town | | | | intermediate or "blue run" skiers can experience |
| with plenty of character and plenty of options for | | | | powder skiing in the backcountry. Experts are taken |
| outdoor fun. Originally a ranching community, | | | | to different areas with steeps, deeps, lots of trees |
| Steamboat really maintains that old-west feel. The | | | | and rocks to launch off. The Buffalo Pass area |
| locals are notoriously friendly and the snow is | | | | boasts 10,000 acres of skiable terrain and only one |
| world-renown. Last year almost 500 inches of snow | | | | company is permitted in this area. Enthusiastic |
| fell on the mountains of Steamboat. The resort is | | | | snowboarders and skiers are sure to find more |
| known for its epic tree-skiing through endless Aspen | | | | powder than they can handle. |
| glades. There is about 3,000 acres of skiable terrain | | | | The increasingly popular tubing hill is an activity that |
| to explore. | | | | scores big with the kids. This isn't your run-of-the-mill |
| Steamboat has been appropriately nicknamed "Ski | | | | sledding hill. The rolling hills are fast enough to get |
| town U.S.A", but if you find yourself here for a week | | | | adrenaline pumping, even for adults. The tubing hill is |
| in the winter, don't stick to the slopes. Steamboat | | | | groomed and equipped with a state of the art |
| has many other outdoor adventure opportunities. | | | | tube-tow lift system that attaches itself to the tube |
| Visitors can try a new sport and take advantage of | | | | to transport users back to the top with minimal |
| this winter-wonderland. Activities include snowmobiling, | | | | effort. This saves the time spent on hiking up the hill |
| snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, | | | | and leaves more for flying down. |
| horseback riding, sleigh rides, tubing and snowcat | | | | For evening entertainment, try a dinner sleigh ride. |
| skiing in the backcountry. After participating in one of | | | | This outdoor experience is great for families or |
| these adventures, visitors can utilize another of | | | | couples and includes a hearty, home-cooked meal. |
| Steamboat's delightful attributes...its secluded | | | | The sleigh is comfortable with a large wool blanket to |
| mountain hot springs. | | | | cuddle beneath as powerful draft horses with jingling |
| Snowmobiling has become a favorite pastime in | | | | harnesses pull you through the snow. Breathtaking |
| Steamboat Springs. Riders come from far and wide | | | | views are to be enjoyed from your cozy perch as |
| to play in this area. Guided snowmobile tours are | | | | the alpen-glow dims into a starry night. Upon arriving |
| offered by a handful of local outfitters, some who | | | | to the warm lodge, the smell of delicious food is |
| operate in the beautiful Routt National Forest and the | | | | pleasing, as is the taste of hot chocolate or warm |
| serene Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Thousands of | | | | apple cider. |
| acres are open to motorized sports, with incredibly | | | | One of the best secrets about Steamboat is the |
| diverse topography. The terrain varies from mellow | | | | natural hot springs for which the town was named. |
| groomed trails to steep, jagged pitches. This provides | | | | Early settlers stumbled upon a steaming and bubbling |
| fun for everyone, no matter how much they have or | | | | source that lies in the middle of the present-day |
| have not ridden in the past. | | | | town. To the settlers, the spring made a sound |
| Horseback Riding over the hills and through sunlit | | | | similar to that of a Steamboat. Geo-thermal activity is |
| aspen glades is a peaceful endeavor. For those who | | | | present beneath much of the area. There are two |
| seek to enjoy the mountain wilderness in a | | | | different commercial locations for locals and travelers |
| non-motorized fashion, a horseback ride is ideal. Other | | | | to take advantage of this gift from mother nature. |
| options for a quiet excursion in the backcountry | | | | The minerals in the water have been said to have a |
| include snowshoeing or nordic (cross-country) skiing. | | | | healing effect and there is no denying how |
| These activities combine post-card perfect scenery | | | | immensely relaxing the pools are. Each of the springs |
| and a little bit of exercise. Also, because hikers and | | | | that are open to the public have been strategically |
| skiers make a limited amount of noise, there is a | | | | diverted in order to create a variety of pools, from |
| great chance of spotting wildlife! Break up the | | | | ice cold to steaming hot. The Strawberry Park Hot |
| excursion by stopping at a secluded igloo for a snack | | | | Springs allows guests to soak away their aching |
| and a hot drink. | | | | muscle while taking in views of the surrounding |
| Snowcat skiing offers an adrenaline-filled day for | | | | wilderness. Its the perfect end to an active day |
| skiers and riders who are ready for powder. A | | | | spent outdoors in the mountains. |
| snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck sized, fully tracked | | | | The mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado can |
| vehicle designed to move on snow. They are also | | | | certainly keep you busy. On your next ski vacation, |
| know as "trail groomers" because of their use for | | | | experience more than just skiing or snowboarding. |
| grooming on the slopes. Few other towns have a | | | | There is so much to gain from interacting with the |
| backcountry ski service that employs heated | | | | outdoors and so many ways to do it. Steamboat is a |
| snowcats to transport guests, avoiding long hikes | | | | unique town with unparalled opportunities for outdoor |
| that take time away from skiing. These machines can | | | | recreation. Come and be active in the mountains with |
| drive guests up to high elevations to find abundant | | | | your friends or loved ones, its sure to produce |
| untracked powder. Each group is separated by ability | | | | wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. |
| level and accompanied by a professional guide. Even | | | | |