In the early 1950’s Kremmling rancher Joe McElroy operated a rope tow on Baker Mountain (east side of Rabbit Ears Pass). He coined the phrase champagne powder to describe the fluffy snowfall, which has become famous today.
Steamboat Springs did not earn its name as we know it today until three French Trappers came to town citing the chugging sound from a downtown hot spring – believed to be in the 1860’s. Ute Indians and earlier Trappers referred to the area as River Bend or Bend in the River, relating to the contour of the Yampa River as it flows into town.
1. How did the Gondola earn the nickname the silver bullet?
Back in the 80’s previous Steamboat ski area President, Hans Geier commissioned a first of its kind 8 person gondola. After it had been constructed a series of load tests to ensure everything was working correctly needed to be carried out. The obvious choice for a Colorado ski resort was cases of Coors Silver Bullet beer of course. The cars were filled with beer, the tests successfully completed, and the gondola earned a new nickname.
Okay readers if you can find your singing voice and sing this little ditty…….
On the twelfth day of Christmas Condos in Steamboat gave to me,
A countdown to Santa in stories.
For the next twelve days look at Facebook and the blog,
They’ll be fables to discuss over eggnog.
We’ve put together little snippets about town over the years,
Which you can share après ski over your beers.
Starting on Friday take a peek on Facebook for our first question.
Sitting by the window with this morning’s first cup of coffee, I’m struck by Steamboat’s beauty following last night’s heavy snowfall. The sky is still grey, filled and heavy with more snow that continues to fall lightly. The branches in a small grove of Aspen trees are moving like an infant on a trampoline, feeling the weight of their newly adorned winter coat.
This week we will start welcoming visitors back to town, following the bi-annual monthly lull between seasons. We’ll be caught up once again playing a small part in someone’s vacation, hoping that person leaves with the feeling they’ve spent their time in a very special place.
Today is a reminder of how fortunate we are to call Steamboat home, and how thankful we are to our visitors for making it possible for us to live here. This weekend we talked to the locals who we work with, raise our children alongside, hike, bike or ski with and asked them to share their “thanks” with you, our friends at Condos in Steamboat.
I’m thankful for our wonderfully generous community members. We have a very giving spirit.
Lynna Broyles, Director of Marketing and Development, Steamboat Boys and Girls Club
I’m thankful for all the loyal visitors that come to Steamboat every year to be a part of our town. You provide me with the best job on the mountain!
Leigh Ann McLaughlin, Ski School Instructor.
I’m thankful to live in a community full of wonderful volunteers and organizations that work hard to support one another and meet the needs of the less fortunate. I also am grateful every day for the natural beauty that surrounds us. It is truly awe inspiring.
Lisa Schlichtman, Editor, Steamboat Pilot & Today
I’m thankful for the people in our community for supporting our local businesses.
Savannah Bongiourno, Owner, The Comb Goddess.
I’m thankful for the opening day we are going to have this season, so much snow!
Kelly Bohmer, Owner, All Fixed Steamboat
I’m totally thankful for all our wonderful customers and this community.
Wendy Lyons, Owner, Lyons Drugstore and Soda Fountain
The Big Agnes Team is thankful this winter to share fleece blankets and apparel from BAP at the little red house on Oak Street, Honey Stinger waffles to help get you thru the day, and new puffy coats just in from Big Agnes.
Len Zanni, Big Agnes (who promises he isn’t biased!).
I’m so thankful for all this snow.
Colin Dunlap, Ski Technician, Ski Haus
It’s all about the base, and the Condos in Steamboat crew are talking layers here. Mother Nature has begun laying the white carpet for this year’s ski season, which means it’s out with Birkenstocks and shorts, and in with long underwear and sorrels.
Every year we speak to guests asking advice about what to wear for a Steamboat ski trip. We tell them one thing; think layers. Weather changes in the Valley as frequently as a person dressing on a cruise ship. You need to be prepared for anything, and the same applies to little skiers.
We follow the rule of three.
We may be biased but locally based SmartWool offers the ultimate solution to preparing for a day of Steamboat winter fun. Taken straight from the horse’s mouth, here’s what they have to say about their two piece solution to layering.
“Like Fibers More wool is more comfortable. Two wool pieces work together as one to manage moisture, improve breathability, regulate temperature and, happily, control odor.
The System Instead of looking at layers individually, we took a “system” approach — designing pieces that not only work independently, but together as well. Fitting together. Made for each other. Smart layers that are more efficient, with less bulk. The result?
Layered together, they don’t bunch or restrict movement, so you can focus on the trail ahead and not your clothing.”
While we’ve got most of the body covered here, don’t forget to remain mindful of your extremities. Longtime local Doctor Steven Ross suggests always putting gloves and hats on inside before walking outdoors. Good fitting quality socks and boots will give the best chance of avoiding chilly toes. Don’t rely on a helmet to keep the cold out. A face and neck guard will keep you smiling on that cold chair ride up Storm Peak.
Last of all, but by no means least; cover your eyes. Protecting yourself from the intense glare of the sun at this altitude is a must. When it comes to younger skiers rebelling against the goggles, this is one of those times the fight is worth the fight.
Off the hill or trails, we are a pretty casual bunch, so dress down, kick back and pack that suitcase with layers in mind; you won’t go wrong. Best case, wait to you get here and we’ll set you on the right path in Steamboat’s thoughtfully stocked stores.
Going for a hike over the Halloween weekend in Routt County? If the answer is yes, you and Fido better wear some orange, and we’re not talking about local costumes here. It’s hunting season, which means take precautions to make you visible when heading off the beaten track.
Condos in Steamboat has been welcoming hunters for years, and we want to make sure even the experts remember to come to town prepared this weekend ,and all season long.
Consider fitness: Invest time preparing your body for exercising at high elevations. A balance between aerobic and strength training is recommended. Carrying loads you are unaccustomed to over steep terrain are good reasons to spend time lifting weights, before picking up the pace on a treadmill or stair master.
Dress Appropriately: Contrary to typical packing lists, this one is all about the shoes. We recommend 3 pairs; comfortable camp shoes, waterproof hiking boots plus pack boots in case of snowy weather. Wool socks make a great option to keep feet warm. Account for mixed body temperatures by layering up and avoiding cotton that stays damp. Rain and windproof outer gear, plus rain pants or gators will keep you dry when trampling through wet grasses. A stocking cap or neck and head combo will help regulate temperature, especially on cold nights. Keep hand covered with ski gloves, or to retain dexterity, wool gloves with half fingers. Consider packing a spare pair of tough leather gloves for emergencies such as changing a tire in freezing conditions.
Safety Kit Essentials: Number one has to be a water bottle; it never ceases to amaze us how many people head into the back country without one. A whistle, hopefully not needed, but the noise carries further than a voice in times of trouble. Duct tape, helps everything from blisters to keeping a firearm from slipping in your hand. A compass and orange engineer’s tape are the perfect duo for navigating your path, or the latter could provide clues to where you have been. A fire starter kit including waterproof matches or lighter and dry paper goods. Keep skin comfortable in Colorado’s dry climate with our four essentials; Chap stick, hand lotion, sunscreen and baby powder.
High Country Extras: Adjustable hiking or trekking poles will help stabilize you on rough terrain, especially when packing out an animal. Road conditions can change at any time throughout Colorado. Most out-of-state hunters do not carry chains or have wide winter tires on their vehicles. Packing chains is certainly worth consideration.
Communicate: Let someone know the rough plan of where to intend to hunt. Hopefully it won’t be needed but it’s easier to find someone if we know where to even begin looking.
1. Getting here is easy; Direct Flights daily from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul, with select days coming in and out from Houston, Ft Worth, Los Angeles, Newark and Seattle.
2. Steamboat’s mountain is a huge playground for all. Ski, snowboard, telemark, freestyle, ski bike, adaptive ski with Steamboat Stars, snowshoe, whatever your preference Steamboat Ski Area awaits everyone from the novice to the expert.
3. Your epic ski day doesn’t need to end when the sun goes down, try out Steamboat’s Night Skiing. Little ones in tow? No worries, the mountain based Kids Vacation Center (KVC) opens late so you are free to carve your way all evening, knowing junior is in great hands.
4. Try something new with Wednesday jump nights at Howelsen Hill. Open to all from the novice to the Olympian, it’s a local tradition complete with free pizza and cookies served in the old time ski lodge for participants. www.sswsc.org
5. Miles upon miles of varied terrain awaits the backcountry enthusiast. Enjoy gliding through the forest or make your own lines careering down tree lined slopes on Rabbit Ears or Buffalo Passes.
6. Spend a day in your own snowcat exploring untouched terrain with Steamboat Powdercats. Let knowledgeable guides navigate fresh powder stashes all day long, warming up with a home cooked lunch served in a private cabin in the woods.
7. Take to Steamboat’s national parks, and explore vast snow covered lands on a snowmobile. Rev up your engines and zip all over North Routt or the east side of Rabbit Ears, just two of the Condos in Steamboat team’s personal favorites.
Condo’s own Jake Filler taking his tube for a spin.
8. Whizz down hillsides at either of the Valley’s two tubing hills. Howelsen Hill or Saddleback Ranch both make for an afternoon or evening of hoop hollering happiness.
9. Feel your inner cowboy and take to the saddle at Vista Verde Ranch or Del’s Triangle. Cross sparkling snow covered fields on horseback, listening to tales of days gone from your ranch guide. Prefer to stay out of the saddle? Step into a horse drawn sled for an afternoon or evening sleigh ride then warm up for hot chocolate or a full homesteader dinner at Saddleback Ranch or Hahns Peak Roadhouse.
10. Kick back after a day on the snow and submerge aching limbs into a pool of warm mineral water. Downtown’s Hot Springs complete with climbing wall or Strawberry Park’s secluded natural pools never fail to leave one rejuvenated ready to take on another day of snow fun, Steamboat style.
Typically it’s the time of year in Steamboat Springs, when locals take to betting. Hedge your best guess on the first snowfall of the coming ski season? Well, snooze you lose, it’s already been. By the morning of September 30, Steamboat Ski Area had been given its’ first dusting. Discontent to admire from a far, several die hard skiers and boarders unearthed their gear and headed for the highest elevations on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo pass to bump or glide over what they could find.
The rest of us prefer to wait for that Champagne Powder, and it won’t be long. November 26, the mountain officially opens but will Mother Nature go on to bless us with early snowfall? It’s hard to predict, especially as this year is a La Nina year.
Taking a glance at seasons gone by, 2007 started with a whopping 17 inches in October, laying the foundation for a record of 489 inches. The second snowiest season to date was 1996/97 with 26.5 inches in October.
Keeping a watchful eye on the weather channel, it looks like September’s little dusting was merely a false alarm for a freezing Fall. White flakes are not set to return until the end of the month. In Steamboat speak that means one thing; choose a warm Halloween costume. We’ve been lucky the last few years to enjoy balmy temps for the downtown stroll, looks like our luck has run out. Trick or treaters, you’ve been warned.
Skiers, the wait is almost over. So hurry up and snag this year’s ski trip deal with Condos in Steamboat.
“Yodel ay he ho” is the call of the day here in Steamboat Springs this weekend. Returning for its’ 6th year, Oktoberwest is the Yampa Valley’s take on this aged German tradition. Colorado beers may be newbies on the world stage of beer production, but the 29 breweries attending this weekends’ festival have plenty to shout about.
Locally owned and operated, Butcherknife Brewing Co., will be making its 5th appearance with four beer varieties. Each brewery is bringing at least two beers, with all but three companies hailing from Colorado. Alaska, Oregon and Utah are home to out of state entrants.
On the fence about making up to Steamboat Springs for this quintessentially fall weekend? Stephany Traylor, from the Young Professionals Network, the partner organization helping out with the event, has this to say, “It’s a great way to highlight all of the seasonal beers and local breweries. It’s a fantastic event to rally behind,”
Having sampled a few already, here is Condos in Steamboat’s take on some of this year’s Rocky Mountain based entrants.
Home grown favorite Butcherknife Brewing Co. brings to the table the dauntingly named “Amputator”, a big American IPA with a strong malt backbone. Pours with a creamy head that sticks around until the last drop.
Established in 1994 Denver based Great Divide Brewing Company is offering a prevailing favorite– award winning Denver Pale Ale. Classic pale ale with a malty middle and an equally hearty complement of hop aroma, flavor and bitterness.
Off the beaten path Buena Vista’s Eddyline Brewing is coming to Steamboat with its’ seasonally appropriate Pumpkin Patch. This spiced ale comes in the perfect backpacking can offering flavors of real pumpkin, spices and honey.
Famed on the Front Range with its Dales Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Brewery out of Lyons, CO is offering Mama’s Little Yella Pils. A Bohemian-style brew that breaks the mold on pilsner, this Silver Medal Winner at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival is one to try.
Coming into town from our closest neighbor on this list, Breckenridge Brewing Company is bringing their Lucky U IPA, a spun gold, hoppy number with a hint of caramel. In our opinion, it’s lucky us!
CHEERS and here’s to a fun bike riding, beer tasting Steamboat weekend.
