There is something about the quaking golden leaves of an Aspen in Fall that does wonders for the sole. Coloradoans have been so inspired over the years that we have named a town, beers even our kids after this delicate tree.  It is therefore no surprise that as the seasons change turning hillsides from green into gold, we grab our sneakers to find solace amongst the trees. Before the falling leaves make way for snowflakes, we wanted to share with you 5 favorite hikes this Autumn.

Rabbit Ears Pass –A local’s favorite, this 6-mile trek brings you to the top of the iconic rocks where endless views await.  The drive back to town is spectacular. Your tired limbs may feel they have been wrapped up in a splendid autumn quilt as you descend among the patches of orange, red and gold.

Emerald Mountain – nothing can beat the location of Emerald’s ever-popular trails. Facing Mount Werner with a bird’s eye view of Ski Town USA, the paths wind around like ribbons. Reminiscent of a children’s novel where you choose the storyline at the end of a chapter, each trail gives options to continue along or head upwards. Whichever path you opt for, the views will bring reward…. how long you hike is up to you.

Mad Creek – just a few miles from town this “secret” hike is worth exploring. From the road you could be forgiven for driving by, not realizing what a jewel awaits. Hidden at the top of a steep rocky path, is a beautiful meadow embellished with aspens. The trail drops on one side to the Elk River, surrounded by evergreens and a wonderful selection of native shrubs. Hikers have the option of continuing for a well-deserved soak in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Three Island Lake and Gold Creek Lake – both of these North Routt hikes can be accessed from Seedhouse Road, on the edge of Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Stunning at any time of year, these two trails are spectacular in the Fall. The mix of vegetation brings evergreens and aspens together in abundance. Considering the devastation in the Zirkels after the 1997 blow down and 2002 fire, the re-growth on the hillsides is evident with new life forever apparent.

Fall can be a time of quiet contemplation for some. What better way to take 5, than to wander through a wood of golden Aspens watching the leaves quaking under a clear blue sky, inhaling the scent of pure mountain air.

Only 7 days remain on the biggest savings on lift tickets for the 2012/2013 ski season.

Reserve 6 nights or more & receive 25% off lodging and 25% off lift tickets. Kids Ski Free ™ (12 & under) with the purchase of an adult 5 day lift ticket. Kids 5 & under always ski free in Steamboat.  Offer ends 10/15/12 at 8pm (MST).

If you are skiing Steamboat this winter – Don’t miss out on this deal!  There will be other discount lift ticket offers but they will never be this big.  This is the last week to save the most on lift tickets.

Call Kim in Steamboat on 800-820–1886 for more info or check out the web site for availability.

Sisters in Steamboat Weekend: Oct 12 – 14, 2012

Hey girls -planning a Fall getaway and needing inspiration?

Take a peek at www.sistersinsteamboatweekend2012.eventbrite.com, sign up for $80 and head for the mountains. This all girls weekend offers a smorgasbord of activities from painting to pampering.

Beginning on Friday with a welcome reception and a chance to win downtown dollars. Spend the evening if you choose with some of the town’s local artists learning the art of watercolor while enjoying aperitifs and appetizers.

Join fellow “sisters” on Saturday morning attending a selection of one-hour enrichment programs – all top secret until registration. Then head for an afternoon of wiking – no, it’s not a misprint, it’s hiking with wine. Cellar Liquors will accompany hikers with wines from around the world to sample while you chalk (that’s chat and walk in case you wondered).

Join the party at night with the theme of the weekend – Girls Just want to have fun.

On Sunday kick back over a leisurely brunch, or find your way to Off the Beaten Path for Breakfast in the Books. Talk with authors over Skype  discussing this year’s chosen topics.

Spend the afternoon being creative making beaded knitted bracelets or no knit fibre art scarves. If that sounds too strenuous, then it’s off to Sage Healing Arts for a raindrop massage.

Chances are you’ll all leave a little more relaxed, enlightened and armed with a crowd of new best friends.

It’s officially summer in Steamboat Springs. School has finished for another year, and the annual kids’ carnival was just in town. Over the next few months we plan to bring you highlights from some of this summers fun events.

Next weekend it’s time to thank Dad for all those honey do’s he did (or meant) to do over the year. What better way than to let him spend a day or two admiring any of the 450 Ford Mustangs on show at the 24th Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup. From autocross to show n’ shine their will be plenty to rev up his motor.

After the events, dining family style couldn’t be more stress free here in one of the country’s most family friendly resorts.

Rex’s American Grill has heaps to keep junior diners amused. Dad can kick back with a cold ale on the patio while kids try Frisbee golf, hula-hoop or play a game of beanbag toss. If you make it for happy hour, pizzas and appetizers are half price.

Sweetwater Grill overlooking the Yampa River is another must for family dining. When the sun shines little ones can bounce to their hearts content on the blow up castle, then quench their thirst with a snow cone. The grassy playground complete with swing and slide is fenced in with ample space for running wild. With live music throughout the summer, Sweetwater is the ultimate place to let Dad take 5 while watching all the action on the river.

For more information on upcoming events please go to:  www.steamboat-chamber.com

24th Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup Thursday, June 14, 2012 – Sunday, June 17, 2012 (Father’s Day Weekend)

If you were watching Denver’s Channel 4 last night, you would have heard this week is BEAR week. Early snowmelt and a mild winter have seen our furry friends rolling out of hibernation faster than normal. Fewer berries and less water in the high country is forcing them to lower elevations, and bringing them into our neighborhoods.

They’ve certainly been making headlines on the Steamboat Today. Scouring trashcans and scaling trees, the canine community has had plenty to bark about. In this Steamboat household it was more a mere story in the paper.

Stargazing from our garage the other night, my husband was enjoying a little malted beverage and a cigar, until he was rudely interrupted. If you had been upstairs like I was, and heard the commotion that ensued you’d have thought a riot was happening in the basement. Slightly anxious, I ventured down to see what was going on, to find him making what could be perceived as an audition for a Jane Goodall movie. Leaping about with his arms in the air, crashing lawn chairs together and making his best daddy chimp sounds was my husband. By the car was a VERY large bear that, after a little consideration had decided tonight’s performance was one he’d rather skip. Thankfully 250 lbs of furry (questionable cuteness) left our property.

Despite my take on the evening’s proceedings, I am pleased to say awareness of how to handle such an encounter probably saved my other half a trip to the ER.

So, if during bear week, or any other week for that matter you need to scare such a creature away, here is a little pocket guide. (This only applies to black bears, grizzlies are a whole set of other rules).

1. Make noise – anything you can get your hands on – bang it furiously.

2. Look as big as you can.

3. Never get between a mama bear and her cub.

4. Back away slowly and find your own exit.

5. Do not corner the bear.

In case you are sorry you missed this particular sighting, attached is a gift left on the doorstep by our fuzzy friend.

Story & Photo by Suzi Mitchell.

When the mountain closes Steamboat switches gear. Everything slows down for while, businesses take a break, and locals recharge, preparing for summer.  Right now we are typically squelching in mud, but this years drier winter saw us stepping from ski boots straight into flip flops. Wildflowers are already laying their spring carpet, and fishermen can spy their prey in the usually murky Yampa.

Last week, spring breakers left town for sunny spots, while the rest of us kicked back and enjoyed the tranquillity. I may be in trouble for sharing mud season secrets, but it seems selfish not be spread the word to our Condos in Steamboat friends.

My top 10 reasons for coming here out of season:

1. Accommodation prices are a steal.

2. No waiting in line to be seated at your favorite eatery (if it is still open – many are).

3. Bike Emerald without fearing someone will come hurtling into you as you push your pedals uphill.

5. Listen to the roar as the ice melts at Fish Creek waterfall.

6. Soak in a hot springs pool all to yourself.

7. Take your time on that hot fudge sundae at the Soda Fountain – no one is waiting for your stool.

8. Walk Lincoln Avenue without the crowd.

9. Snap up the new spring/ summer collections while stores have all the sizes.

10. Last but not least – go for the ultimate pampering session knowing you are paying a lot less. Rocky Mountain Day Spa is offering “The Recovery” – perfect for a tired wintered out body. Spend 1 hr and 40 minutes experiencing a therapeutic massage, reflexology and scalp massage for $115. Now if that’s not a reason to come, I’m not sure what is.

Secrets by Suzi Mitchell.

Some of us are happy to admit it, others like to pretend otherwise, but I personally love food. Living in Steamboat is a great place to be for that very reason. There’s a medley of places to eat and a million ways to work it off, especially once the snow melts. Whether you’ve just played 18 holes on Haymaker Golf Course, kayaked the Yampa, or hurtled down Mt Werner on your bike, one thing is for sure, you’ll be hungry.

Last month Steamboat Living Magazine published it’s annual Best of the Boat survey results. Amongst the wide-ranging categories, I am delighted to say there is an entire feature on dining. For all our Condos in Steamboat friends I have rustled up a taster plate of recommendations.

As the sun rises in the valley, join the long line of locals stopping at Mountain Brew for their daily caffeine fix. Give your day a hearty start with a plate of legendary eggs benedict at Creekside Café. If a sweet tooth is calling it has to be Winona’s on Lincoln Avenue. Take a seat by the window and tuck into what is possibly one of the world’s biggest cinnamon rolls. No time to sit? Swing by Milk Run for a sinfully delicious donut, but be quick as they’re gone come mid morning.

Before heading off for a day on the river, or a wildflower hike in the Zirkels, stop en route and bag a lunch from Backcountry Provisions. With sandwiches named Expedition, Avalanche, Ridgeline and Summit, it’s unlikely you’ll forget where you are.

Feeling peckish strolling around downtown at midday, make your way to the waters’ edge. Chill out for an hour or three on the patio at Sweetwater Grill. Sip a chardonnay and share an artisan bread plate, while the kids roam safely around the play area.

Sound a little too civilized? Saunter downstream to the Double Z Bar and BBQ. There’s no need for airs and graces here, just saddle up to the bar for a Buckaroo, or a plate of Rocky Mountain Oysters (that’s bulls cojones to you and me!).

Bring a little nostalgia to your dining experience and snuggle up in a booth at Johnny B Good’s Diner. Voted Best Children’s Menu, kids are encouraged to add to the Diner’s artwork while chowing on hot dogs, and best selling hamburgers. Continue reminiscing by swivelling on a stool at Lyons Soda Fountain, sipping a malt shake, while the juke box cranks out old time favorites.

For the more health conscious, fear not. Routt County is currently the skinniest place in the nation. Try a roasted beet salad at Sweet Pea Café, or Basil Chicken at Asian themed Sambi. Head to the mountain for sushi at Saketumi or call into Freshies and feast on a lip smacking vege burger.

Forget the calories at the end of the day, and sample homebrewed cherry ale at Mahogany Ridge. Brewed on the premise, their selection of beers perfectly accompanies the extensive menu. Tuna Cerviche never tasted so good.

Restaurants come and go, but in Steamboat there are several that have stood the test of time. Whether its local or visiting diners, like dogs to a bone, we cannot help coming back for more. As the 2012 Best of the Boat fine dining winner, nothing beats saving your pennies and savouring every last bite at Café Diva. If you want to be waited on like royalty and served food that you’d be happy to call your last meal, then book a table.

As the snow begins to melt, a new season will bring a whole host of fresh flavours to our table. So I challenge you to sample what Steamboat has to offer and get back to us with your own favorites.

Sample eating and story by Suzi Mitchell.

February in Steamboat – what memories are made of!

It came last month, over 100 inches of the glorious white stuff. After an unseasonably warm and dry festive season, the precious powder that we Steamboatians so crave, came. Perhaps the lively snow dances performed under epic fireworks at the 99^th Annual Winter Carnival brought it on? Snow chanters cheered on young athletes carving up Howelson hill, including Condos in Steamboats’ own 7-year-old Jake Filler.

Mother Nature may have contemplated giving us snow shuvellers a break after last years unrelenting snow load. Whatever the reason, she changed her mind, and unleashed the winter storms.

Many of our lucky visitors who bagged some of that knee-deep powder, could be found making the most of the mountain’s first track’s program. At 8am seated amongst equally excited locals, guests were anxious to make their mark on the days’ untouched terrain.

Nordic enthusiasts were just as ecstatic cross-country skiing or shoe shoeing in the peaceful surroundings of the touring center, and Howelson Hill. On Rabbit Ears pass, you could easily believe you had stepped through the back of the wardrobe into C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. Spruce tree branches laden with snow lined over 30 miles of trails, waiting to be explored. As the ground sparkled under the infamous Colorado blue skies, the panoramic views from the Flat tops to Hahn’s Peak were breathtaking.

Across the valley, shrieks of joy from tubers at Saddleback Mountain Ranch rivalled the beaming smiles from sledders all over town. Snow mobilers headed further afield, eager to leave their path on unspoiled powder meadows.

At the end of the day tired limbs flocked to the Old Town Hot Springs, for a soak in the bubbling pools. Others sat by the fire curled up with hot chocolate and postcards to write. Around town, contented guests ventured out for cocktails and dinner recalling tales of a great day had.

Story by local resident & Mom of three:  Suzi Mitchell. March 2012.

Steamboat Ski Area was just rated 8th overall ski resort in North American by SKI Magazine’s reader survey. Steamboat was among six resorts from Colorado in the top ten, and the ranking represent a progression of six spots from last year.

SKI Magazine surveys more than 50,000 subscribers through the mail and online survey each year to determine the most popular resorts in North America across various categories ranging from on-mountain terrain and variety, to off-mountain dining, lodging and accessibility. Steamboat’s overall top-ten ranking was a combination of reader’s scores across a number of categories including family (#6), snow (#8), lifts (#8), lodging (#9), off-hill activities (#9), service (#10), après-ski (#10), dining (#11), character (#12), on-mountain food (#13), digital presence (#13), grooming (#14) and terrain parks (#15) .

Steamboat is famous for its authentic western atmosphere, friendliness, variety of terrain and Champagne Powder® snow, Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.® encompasses 165 trails, 3,668 vertical feet, and nearly 3,000 skiable acres with six peaks filled with world-class groomed cruisers, bumps, steeps, open meadows, four terrain parks and legendary trees.

For guests coming to Steamboat this winter will notice changes in the base area including heated pavers throughout Gondola Square, additions to the Promenade project connecting Ski Time Square and Gondola Square, and a permanent stage adjacent to the Gondola for concerts including the Bud Light Rocks the Boat free concert series in the spring.

With four 400+ inch winters in the past six years, and another La Nina storm system forecasted for this winter, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience Ski Town, USA and the home of Champagne Powder snow.

The Early Rewards Program which offers 25% off lodging and 25% off lift tickets expires on Monday, October 17, 2011. If you were ever thinking about returning to Steamboat or trying Steamboat for the first time, call Kim this weekend at 1-800-820-1886 to book your vacation package.

Ten years have come & gone since Condos in Steamboat was founded. In those years, Steamboat has changed, our business has grown, we built our dream home, had a child and traveled back to Australia twice.

During all this our focus never changed on the business side of things. It was always about the personalized service we give to every reservation, attention to every detail in our rental units and making sure we exceed our guests’ expectations – this is what sets us apart from the crowd!

We were recently recognized and honored by two leading Internet based travel review web sites.

Trip Advisor, the world’s largest travel site for travel information and reviews in partnership with Flipkey, who focuses on Vacation Rental Properties, rated our services “Excellent” for 2011.

Additionally, Flipkey awarded Condos in Steamboat the title of “Top Rental Manager” – an exclusive honor awarded to a very select group of rental managers based on reviews from past guests.

It is a huge accomplishment for such a small company to be recognized by the largest travel web site. We are honored to receive these awards. We want to thank all our wonderful past renters who wrote a review. We strive everyday to be better and because of our guests, we are now recognized as “One of the Best”.