It might mark the official end of summer, but Labor Day weekend in Steamboat is a full on celebration of all things we at Condos in Steamboat love about this town. While behind the scenes we are gearing up for winter working on your Steamboat ski deals, this weekend we’ll be out there soaking up the last of the summer days in true Yampa Valley style.

Dominating the skies will be the Wild West Air Fest running Saturday and Sunday at the Bob Adams Airport. You don’t need to be a plane spotter to appreciate the vintage and war bird static aircraft display, classic cars, radio controlled airplane shows, and the KidsSpace . (Check out www.wingsmuseum.org) Not content to watch things from the ground, take off in B-25 Bomber or Douglas C-47, rides are still available. Admission is $6 for Adults, $3 for youths 6-12, free to 5 and under.

As Bike Town USA, we have The Steamboat Springs Stage Race going on. Roughly 300 road cyclists will spin their wheels in a four stage race offering 10 different racing categories. www.bikesteamboat.com

Prefer to stay downtown, and then shop until you drop. Grab a bargain scouring the semi-annual side walk sale – they’ll be everything from fishing vests to heels. Wander through the 6th Street Farmers market, listen to the live band and savor the scent of freshly made local delicies from local favorites including Chef Dean Martin’s marinated kebabs.

Take part in the annual Chuck Wagon Chili Challenge from 11-3 on Sunday held every year on downtown’s 8th Street. Give your vote on the Valley’s best hot offerings from the kitchens of old time ranchers to top chefs. Condos in Steamboat’s own tasters Dan and Jake will be there for sure – it’s a date on the calendar for them without fail!

On Sunday afternoon starting at 3pm you won’t find a more Wild West spectacle than the Rocky Mountain Bull Bash PBR. Sit among the Stetson clad audience to witness 40 top professional bull riders battle it out for $15,000 prize money.

If you’d rather get away from the crowds and take in some last summer splendor, slip into some waders or pop on the hiking boots and transport your soul to sounds of nature. Find your eddies on the Yampa, the fish are jumping this year, or head for the trails. Traces of fall can be found on the odd turning leaf and the cooler mountain air.

Whatever it takes to recharge, feel your inner calm or the buzz of a festival, kick back relax and enjoy all things Steamboat.

The weather may have cooled slightly, but the bugs have left and there’s still plenty Colorado blue sky and warm days left to enjoy. If you haven’t already been looking for a hotel or Condo in Steamboat, now’s the time. Here are some top 10 reasons!

1. Steamboat Wildflowers – head to the higher elevations and they are still in abundance. Dumont Lake is our go to place, a sea of color climbing up from the Lake towards Rabbit Ears pass.

2. Strings in the Mountains – well into the season, the festival have plenty incredible musicians including Lyle Lovett on Aug 18 – the program covers all ages with youth events every Tuesday. www.stringsmusicfestival.com Look out for the free Music on the Green at the Botanical Park every Thursday from 12.15 until 1pm

3. Steamboat Rodeo – ye haw, grab your Stetson and head for the Brent Romick Arena in town, for an action filled night for entertainment, cowboy style. www.steamboatprorodeo.com

4. Steamboat Wine Festival August 7-11, who needs Napa Valley- at least for tastings!

5. Routt County Fair Aug 16-9 a little drive to our neighboring town for a fun filled day of all things ranchy. (Livestock, horse events, demolition derby, freestyle MotoX, barn dance and much more.

6. Steamboat Biking – hop on your own saddle for the Steamboat Stinger August 17-18 www.honeystinger.com or watch some of the best cyclists in the world from Aug 21-22 for the USA Procycling Challenge final of 4 stages. www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com

7. Hike or Bike Steamboat trails, everything is open and its’ pretty much all free (exception of the Mt Werner if you need a gondola pass). Long country roads following the rivers, or adrenaline junkie off road madness, it’s all there to be explored. Going on foot can take you totally into some stunning Colorado wilderness, head for Seedhouse Road and the Zirkels.

8. Fancy yourself as a bit of an iron man, show us what your made of in the Steamboat Olympic Triathlon at beautiful Lake Catamount www.steamboattriathalon.com

9. Steamboat Fishing – it’s been a fantastic summer so far, so grab pack the fly road and fish the Yampa. Head for Steamboat Flyfisher or Straightline for gear if you need it, license and fly tips to catch our big brown trout. (catch and release only).

10. Look to the skies for the Wild West Air Fest at Steamboats’ Bob Adams Airport on Aug 31. You don’t need to be a plane spotter to have fun, and kids love it.

All sounding a bit active? Sorry folks we are a bit obsessed with nature’s playground here at Condos in Steamboat. However, who can say no to a stroll through the Saturday farmers market, a soak in the hot springs, a picnic by the Yampa River or a spot of downtown shopping.

What are you waiting for? Steamboat Summers & Fall are the reason we stay here year round.

EARLY REWARDS PROGRAM
Save as much as 25% when you book one of our complete Steamboat Springs lodging early
Offer expires 10/31/13

The early guest catches the reward!

It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation, and if you’re thinking of spending it in the Colorado Rockies, then an affordable Steamboat Springs lodging will be perfect for you. Get 20% off lodging when you stay 5 nights with us, or get 25% off lodging AND 25% off lift tickets when you book 6 or more nights. Plus, if you buy an adult 5-day or more lift ticket, you get Kids Ski Free. Now, this is a deal you mustn’t miss out on!

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SUMMER HOT DEALS

• Get 15%, 20% or 25% off on selected properties for a minimum stay of six nights!

Affordability and comfort you’ll never get in regular hotels in Steamboat Springs.

Popular hotels in Steamboat Springs might cost you a lot, but you can never go wrong with choosing our condos for your summer vacation in Ski Town USA! Though the temperature is high, we are keeping our prices low. You can rent some of our fully furnished units with free Wi-Fi for 15%, 20% or 25% less than rack rates, if you stay six nights or more.

Six nights will, in fact, be too short for a Steamboat Springs vacation. While the place is known for its ski locations, there are plenty of activities you and your family will enjoy. There are ATV tours available that allow you to get up close and personal with the city’s sights and sounds. If you’re looking to have fun in the water, you can go boating, rafting, or kayaking in Yampa River’s smooth midsummer flow. Read the rest of this entry »

Rainbow weekend on Steamboat’s summer calendar of events is one not to miss. Early risers can view a sky dotted with Hot Air Balloons while relaxing over a cup of freshly roasted coffee from their Condos in Steamboat vantage points. And that is just for starters.

Launches take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings and this year Steamboat Chamber was thrilled to welcome back the Saturday evening launch. Having witnessed a storm like no other in this Valley during afternoon, the Glow event was in question. Some torrential rain and gale force winds didn’t deter our balloon enthusiasts and a calm certainly followed the storm. By 8.30pm the base area at Mt Werner was positively illuminated. “It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen” commented Lindsay Zarlengo of Colorado.

For most of the day our Condos in Steamboat guests were dotting around town from Art in the Park, to rugby event ‘The Cowpie Classic’. Yes, if you are wondering the teams really do play for a dried out, framed Cowpie. Past trophies are on display in the town’s Space Station on Lincoln Ave.

While we have great things to say about all this weekend’s goings on, we decided to turn to our guests and ask for their own personal favorites. The clear leader was Art in the Park, a smorgasbord of local and far ranging crafts people who bring their wares to town, setting up a makeshift camp west of town by Steamboat’s Library.

As the weekend draws to a close for another year, here are some of the favorite stops voted by our guests at Condos in Steamboat. The Art in the Park 2013 top 10!

1. Eagle Nest Chairs – “it’s like being held by someone” commented Tracey Wilson who reluctantly managed to get out of her total state of relaxation before buying two of the suspended hammock like chairs. As the owner’s wife shared with us all, the design is her husband’s, a brainwave following the birth of their son many years ago. You have to sit in it to see what we mean! www.wildwest-eaglechair.com

2. Artist Linda McKinnis and her husband were drawing a crowd with her beautiful and boldly colored abstract creations. A retired engineer, her husband has been having a little welding fun adding metal figures and funky electrical material to some of her pieces. Visiting from California for the show, the McInnis’s have been blown away by the setting and friendliness of Steamboat. www.linda-mcinnis-designs.com

3. Kids loved Sneekams hair twirls, Condos in Steamboat Georgian visitor, 8 year old Hayley Gantt was stocking up. “They are so cool I am buying some for my friends too”.

4. Todd Werthing from Texas was all about the food, “I’m not much of a shopper, but the food sure is great”. Running alongside the river, a temporary food walk provided fuel for those needing anything from freshly made limeade to oversized turkey legs and gyros.

5. Spin Art had lines throughout the whole weekend, local owner Charlie Holthausen has converted an old vent from the Steamboat Ski Area, into a motorized spinner allowing wild creations to be spun onto T-shirts and boards. Along with my three young kids our own stop at Spin Art proved to be a little more than we bargained for. A momentary storm blasted threw town making participants and visitors run for cover against the wild rains, wind and zaps of lightening. Waterlogged and windswept the event took a breather, re-opening with as much energy and atmosphere as ever.

6. Wondering what to do with a disused wooden wine case, a visit to Alpine Wine Design brought a smile to many faces with their ingenuity. Clever creations from trays to dog bowls had people talking. Trey and Joanie Redfern fell for the sink in a cask, driving from Texas, they joked “we’d need a U-Haul to get that one back!” www.alpinewinedesign.com

7. The enchanting sound of the flute had visitors swarming High Spirit Flutes. Beautiful hand crafted instruments were on display with sporadic demonstrations throughout the day.

8. Inspired by Murano glass during her time in Italy, Miss Olivia’s Line owner Megan Bassett had a constant line wanting her fused glass pieces. Brightly colored pendants, earrings, hair clips and belt clasps made for difficult choices. “There is so much to choose from, it’s hard not to spend everything right here” joked sisters Sally and Megan Franks. www.MissOliviasLine.com

9. Old time Steamboat favorite Rachel’s BBQ sauce was back as a well-loved staple selling to anyone who relished the idea of transforming their next burger.

10. The Yampa River – for most of the weekend the sun shone, and the temperatures rose. Where better to cool hot feet than dipping a toe in the river running by.

In a nutshell, despite the changeable offerings from Mother Nature, Rainbow Weekend brought us locals and our happy guests out and about with a smile.

For a small mountain town, Steamboat Springs sure knows how to put on a heck of a parade. This year’s July 4th certainly did not disappointment. From a fire breathing dragon to ranchers in saddles, every facet of the town’s culture was covered.

Kicking off the procession fire trucks and police cars had little ones cheering with excitement, flag bearing military got the nod from thankful countrymen, after a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

From then on it was anything goes. There was dancing in the street from Perry Mansfield and Elevation Studio, balls tossed through the air with Steamboat Rugby, a rubber ring clad swim team, chainsaw wielding forest fire fighters, giraffe on a bike, a live camel and that was just the quirky. Old time ranchers lassoed down Lincoln, tractors tooted, a longhorn mooed its way, and a Thunderbird revved up behind a Morris Minor.

Perhaps the most talked about entrant was Steamboat’s very own fire breathing dragon. Built entirely of recycled material, Charlie and Gail Holthausen’s art car is becoming something of an icon in the valley. So much so this July 4th centerpiece is heading west in the fall destined for Burning Man and the Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

Sticking with the anything’s possible theme, it seemed only right a ski town would have snow on their parade. Halfway through the procession a little flurry of the white stuff blew around Ski Corp’s gondola on wheels, thanks to the wonder of electronics.

Flag waving spectators cheered on the morning’s kid’s races, plus Nordic skiers (on roller blade like devices). Kids dived off the sidewalk for candy and Power Ice bars being dished throughout. The sun shone brightly on happy faces enjoying a tradition that each year brings out the best Steamboat has to offer.

For the longest time spandex was something you only saw in gyms. A wonderful partner for the towelling headgear and the oh-so-sexy legwarmers. Come to Steamboat and it’s having a renaissance but this time it is actually quite appealing.

Bikes have replaced skate skis with the changing of the seasons and our Lycra clad road racers are clocking up the miles. Hardly surprising as Ski Town USA morphs into Bike Town USA once the wildflowers begin to bloom. You don’t have to go far to find out why we’ve become such a magnet for folks on two wheels. Money spent over recent years developing extensive terrain on both sides of the Yampa is paying off. If you prefer to avoid the abundant vertical climbs, a gentle ride along the Yampa Core Trail is ideal for all skill levels. With over 500 miles of cross-country, hillside and single tracks there is plenty to explore on wheels. Sticking with a road bike offers endless opportunities for exploring stunning scenery and one-off stops on route.

After securing a spot on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2011, the competitive streak in this town is on a roll with events catering to all abilities. Why not consider adding another dynamic to your next Steamboat vacation?

Kicking off the summer’s competitive biking options is The Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series. Seven races offer a combination of hill climb and cross-country events with 24 categories. May 29, June 12, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 20 townchallenge.com

Tour de Steamboat is next, a non-competitive event in aid of Sunshine Kids Foundation. Bikers have three options, the 40-mile Stagecoach ride, the all abilities Yampa River Core Trail or the 110 Gore Gruel. Infamous, the final option takes bikers over Rabbit Ears and Gore Passes then back to Steamboat. Saturday 20 July, 2013 rockypeakproductions.com

On August 17 and 18, 2013 the Steamboat Stinger brings biking and running under one umbrella, but you don’t have to do both. Mountain bikers cover 50 miles up and over Emerald Mountain twice. Energy boosts will be on hand throughout the event thanks to Honey Stingers’ selection of chews, waffles and bars. honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge will return to Steamboat Springs. Riders will race through 9 host cities from August 19th – August 25th with the Bike Town USA Stage in Steamboat Springs on August 21st and August 22nd.

Mountain bikers will get their fix again with Steamboat Enduro, a 26 mile ride following the Continental Divide Trail from Rabbit Ears pass to the Steamboat ski area. Very much a backcountry experience. yeticycles.com

To finish off the season, inspired by the Tour de France, the Labor Day weekend Steamboat Stage Race has something for everyone. 10 different racing categories cover 4 stages of racing. Competitors must ride each day. Unusually in the world of pro sports this event offers equal prize money to female and male pro winners. bikesteamboat.com August 31, September 1 and 2, 2013.

Comprehensive details of all bike events can be found on steamboat-chamber.com and steamboatbiketown.com

Yampa Valley Farms’ Josh Kilbane is feeling a little last minute pressure. Today he will deliver 600lbs of his pasture raised pork shoulder to Steamboat’s base area, the main ingredient for the town’s first ever Savor Steamboat chefs’ cook off.

A new venture, Yampa Valley Farms is the partnership between a land owner and a visionary with a passion for sustainable farming. Raised on a ranch in Montrose Kilbane spent his 20’s back packing around the US, Canada and Mexico working on farms in exchange for lodging and knowledge.

In 2010 Josh, English born wife Kristy and daughter Esme found themselves in Steamboat and decided to stay. Fast forward to December 2012 and Yampa Valley Farms began, on a diversely vegetated ranch at the foot of Sleeping Giant.

Timing is everything for any business, and for the Kilbane’s theirs’ is perfect. Around the country consumers are far more conscious about the source of the food they buy. Steamboat is no exception, with a surge of local producers popping up all over the valley. Farming at altitude with a growing season of 59 days is no easy task.

Luckily there are a handful of hardy souls on a mission to fill our fridges with locally grown delights. If you are here visiting sourcing such delectable bounty is relatively simple. Every Saturday through summer, the courthouse lawn (off Lincoln Ave), houses the Farmers Market where you can find everything from fresh bread to jerky and homemade BBQ sauce. Sweet Pea on Yampa carries a great selection of local meats and veggies open 7 days a week. Bamboo Market and Natural Grocers, both downtown boast a wide selection of Colorado products. Visit Bamboo Market on certain Monday mornings (every alternate), and you may be lucky enough to pick up fresh eggs and raw milk brought in from Fort Collins.

If you’d rather skip cooking, head to Creekside Café for breakfast and order the Local Yokel – everything from the bread to the sausage came to the plate within 15 miles. At the end of the day spend an evening by the river sampling local fare at Sweet Pea, where everything you eat comes with an address, (literally).

This weekend has a little something extra. Kicking off the summer for the first time on the culinary calendar is Savor Steamboat. Nine local chefs will work their magic using Josh’s pork in a cook off. Kids have the chance to pet everything from a Llama to a lamb, grown-ups get a vodka bar, and everyone can boogie to the live music. Saturday June 15, 3-6pm. Free to visit, $20 for BBQ pork tasting and $40 for vodka and BBQ.

About a year ago we moved out of our Steamboat home while it was torn to pieces and given a major facelift. We spent many challenging months moving our family of 5 from place to place, care taking homes of dear friends while they vacationed around the globe. Fast-forward a summer of stress, and one too many moves we finally surrendered and rented a place.

After one day in Kitzbuhel #2 a Condos in Steamboat property, I was kicking myself for not checking in sooner. It is not every day you get the chance to vacation in your hometown, but I think I may do it again this year, just because!

Like all Condos in Steamboat properties, the place was immaculate on arrival and fully equipped with everything we could possibly need. The kids took no time to settle into their cabin style bedroom and make the entire top floor their own den. We had a master suite that would have made the pickiest celebrity content. The oversized bathroom was a godsend for bathing my large tribe.

Our everyday routine morphed into holiday mode every time we returned from the mundane school runs, and chores. Daily dips in the swimming pool, games on the tennis court, or a hike on the mountain (right out the backdoor), made a welcome break from daily tasks. Our kids made new friends zipping about on their bikes, or playing hide and seek in the trees. We renewed our own appreciation of this little town by listening to the tales told by visitors, most of them repeat guests.

Even dinner eaten around the oversized table felt alien from meal times at home. No phone ringing or random visitors, just everyone eating and watching the light changing on the mountain. Days would end with a soak in the hot tub, or a movie on the extra large TV.

Despite being “local guests”, nothing was too much trouble for Dan and Kim. Technical questions with the Internet, making trash day, understanding the heating system, maintaining the hot tub, you name it, and they had it covered. We felt utterly spoiled to the point I almost hoped our builders would run over the schedule. Alas it was not the case.

As I reflect on our experience at the Trails at Storm Meadows, Kitzbuhel #2, I am seriously contemplating a little vacation this summer and I’d only have to cross the highway!

Story by Suzi Mitchell and mother to many!

Routt County was once noted as the thinnest county in the country, so it’s no surprise the community is awash with athletes. Nurturing the competitive spirit from early on is commonplace in this town. Last weekend, on a snowy Saturday morning 270 participants took part in the 22nd Annual Steamboat Pentathlon. It was the largest field in the history of the event and here to share their experience are first timers The Fast Maniacs.

Splitting the tasks, which included charging 400 ft up Howelson Hill in ski boots before skiing down, skate skiing 2.25 miles, shoe shoeing 1.5 miles, mountain biking 7.4 miles and running 2 miles were best buds, Tate Dorris (5th grade), Quinn Dorris (4th Grade), and twins Jaxon and Jaydon Fryer (4th grade).

What made you want to enter?

The Fryers (Dad Darrin was 3rd overall in 2012), wanted to compete as a family but couldn’t find a category, so over dinner with the Dorris family it was suggested the boys make their own team. They jumped at the chance, especially Tate whose lucky number is 22 – it was the 22nd year of the event!

Who did what?

Run up and ski down, plus the final run was Quinn. Snowshoe was Jaxon, Skate ski, Jaydon and bike, Tate.

What was the best part of doing the event?

They all agreed camaraderie and team work, being with our buddies and having fun. Competitive Quinn also found running to be the best part.

What did the Fast Maniacs find the most challenging?

Training was for sure the hardest part. Darrin took them on several training sessions but until they were actually competing some of the specifics on rules were hard to explain ahead of time.

Tate thought his legs and throat might “fall off” after the bike leg, and Quinn found running uphill in ski boots his biggest challenge.

Will you enter again next year?

Jaydon wants to go solo, after asking Darrin to try out the whole course the very next day.
Jaxon is up for it again and hopes to be part of a duo or team
Tate is like Jaxon and plans on being in a team again.
Quinn will be giving Jaydon a run for his money by also going solo.

What is the best part of growing up in this town?

Jaydon – snow and great mountains to bike on
Jaxon – Skiing and biking
Tate – you can ski and have a great ski mountain, and it’s fun to live in Steamboat. Ice hockey and street hockey.
Quinn – Playing hockey

When not competing in races or attending school together the Fast Maniacs can be found together skiing, skating, camping, biking, swimming and hanging out having fun.

Hmm, and people wonder why we are the most athletic county in the nation??