Steamboat shines in September. Mountains draped in gold, make even a simple drive, a worthy reason to visit. This month Steamboat has a host of wonderful events to tempt you here and at Condos in Steamboat we thought we’d give you a flavor of what’s in store.

Yampa Valley Crane Festival
Friday Sept. 12 – Sept. 15
Four days of free events including daily crane viewings, nature and bird walks, workshops, expert speakers, films, a bird art show, children’s and family activities. Festival headquarters will be at the Bud Werner Memorial Library.
www.coloradocranes.org
Friday Night Comedy at the Chief Theatre with Nathan Lund.
Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
“Nathan Lund is a Denver comedian who has performed all over the country and is a regular at the Denver Comedy Works. Nathan was a part of Funny or Die’s Oddball Comedy Fest, Crom Comedy Festival, the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival, and the High Plains Comedy Festival. He has opened for many talented people, including Dave Chappelle, Doug Stanhope, and Kyle Kinane, and his weekly showcase Too Much Fun! is a favorite of the Westword and Denver Post. His comedy gang the Fine Gentleman’s Club has a live album available on Hot Congress Records.”
Tickets $17 (18 and over only). www.chieftheatre.org
Run Rabbit Run
Sept. 12 and Sept 13
Calling all mega runners for a 50 and 100 mile ultramarathons with a big purse to chase after. Starting at 6 a.m. each day.
www.steamboat-chamber.com

Steamboat OktoberWest
Sept. 19 – Sept. 20
Back again for its 6th Year, Steamboat’s take on Octoberfest, is a tasty smorgasbord of Rocky Mountain beer and local food specialties served during a weekend of festivities.
www.steamboat-chamber.com

Plein Air Festival
Sept. 20 – Sept. 27
Artists have one week to paint around Routt County, submissions to be made by Friday, September 26 at the Steamboat Art Museum. A reception to showcase the artist’s work will be held at the Museum on Sept. 26 from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. The festivities conclude with a Quick Draw event at Wolf Ranch on Saturday, September 27. It is a timed two-hour long painting event followed by a silent auction, and BBQ.

www.steamboatartmuseum.org

America’s Got Talent Magicians
Sept. 27, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Join 2014 current finalists on America’s Got Talent, David and Leeman for “Magic and Other Dangerous Things.” Performing at the Chief Theatre the duo will be performing two shows over one night.
For tickets www.chieftheatre.org

A Labor Day weekend in Steamboat Springs of course!

All week long Mother Nature has given Steamboat Springs the feeling summer is over for another year. A peek at this weekend’s forecast has brought a sigh of relief, as once again the sun will shine. Thank goodness, as Steamboat has an action packed schedule of events planned to celebrate Labor Day.
The Condos in Steamboat team and guests have plenty of fantastic events to keep us busy all weekend long. We thought we’d share a few highlights of what to expect from Labor Day weekend in Steamboat.
• Wild West Air Fest celebrating its 10th year, the Air Fest fills the skies with a selection of aircraft and high-flying acrobatic maneuvers. Events incorporate; A Tribute to the Troops, kids zones and presentations including ‘Flying a Single Engine Plane over 11,000 miles of ocean; you’ve got to be nuts!
• Rocky Mountain PBR Bull Bash 40 of the top professional bull riders in the world can be found at the Brent Romick Arena on Sunday afternoon from 3.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Competing for $15,000 prize money, watch these cowboys hang on with all they’ve got!
• Farmers Market A summer staple on 7th and Yampa Street, this impromptu tented village houses artisans, producers and chefs providing visitors with an array of local made goodies. Live music accompanies the eclectic shopping experience.
• Side Walk Sales A pre and post seasonal favorite among locals. Wander through the historic downtown shopping district and snag a bargain from many of Steamboat’s best loved stores. Mountain chic meets contemporary home, there’s something for everyone.
• Chili Challenge On Sunday head downtown to 7th and Yampa Streets for another annual staple. Live music, refreshments and the chance to taste and vote for your favorite chili recipe. Help local competitors enter to win for honors in the red, green, other, cornbread and salsa categories. Children’s activities are available.
• Steamboat Stage Race Bike Town USA hosts the 6th annual Steamboat Stage Race presented by Moots. Racers from across the State compete in three days of road racing.
If you haven’t made plans to celebrate Labor Day, call Condos in Steamboat , then come and join us for a spectacular end to summer.

Summer may still be in full swing here in Steamboat, but this week the ski area had us all talking about winter. An announcement was made detailing major capital improvements for the coming season. We thought we’d share the news with our friends at Condos in Steamboat.
Snowmaking abilities will be leading the way in this season’s biggest changes. The current system will be extended by two miles incorporating See Me, Upper See Ta, Sitz, the upper part of Vogue to Jess’s Cutoff and from Sitz to Boulevard. If this all sounds like double dutch, then you’ll just have to come and see for yourself. Just don’t hang about as the resort will have an opportunity to make a lot more snow early season.
Said to be the first of its kind in Colorado a new Bison Sherpa winch will be added to their fleet of grooming machinery. The ski area operates 21 machines to groom over 600 acres of terrain a night. The Sherpa will be used on the steepest slopes and Terrain Park.
For the undecided on a powder morning, up to six new cameras are being installed on the mountain allowing skiers to get a sneak peak on conditions.
Night skiing has increased to Thursdays through Monday with an extended spring schedule.
After a day on the hill après ski mountainside just got a little cozier. Bear River BBQ at the base will be getting a new outdoor heating and lighting system allowing extended hours of al fresco dining options. Thunderhead’s Red Bar is also in for an expansion.

While we aren’t ready to swap our bikes for skis yet, it’s certainly looking like we’ll be getting off to a snowy start when the time comes.

Photo Steamboat Pilot

We often get asked for quick and easy hiking options from our guests. At Condos in Steamboat we came up with a view in and around town favorites. If you find others you loved, let us know about them.
Spring Creek – located close the Steamboat Springs High School this relatively flat track is a local favorite for walkers and runners. Sheltered by tree covered hillsides the path starts out easily opening up to a picturesque pond area with covered picnic spot. If you are pushed for time or walking with little ones this makes the perfect stop for a snack before turning around to head back.
Emerald – The options are endless on Emerald but be prepared for a lot of uphill and steep downhill walking. Trails run in many directions but making it to the top known as the quarry loop is well worth the hike, the views of the Valley are spectacular.
The Sanctuary Trail – A small and easy trail running through the Sanctuary subdivision. The trail doubles as a cross country track during winter. Fish Creek runs through this area with vegetation ranging from aspen groves to wildflowers making it a haven for wildlife.
Fish Creek Falls – a well-known Steamboat landmark, walking at the Falls offers a number of choices. For the easiest option with great views stay up high and head for the overlook. A couple of benches double as a rest and picnic spot, especially popular with little people. Either head down a steep trail towards the base of the falls for an alternative viewing point, or carry on approximately 6 miles to Dumont Lake.
Nature Trail on Gondola – Perhaps the greatest view of all can be seen from the top of the Gondola. Hiking options on Mount Werner are plentiful but the majority are very strenuous. The one mile nature trail is a gentle option with plenty stunning scenery, vegetation and birdlife to be seen. Several strategically placed benches allow opportunities for resting and of course picnicking!
While it is unlikely to come across bear, moose or mountain lion it is still a possibility. Read up on safety tips before going and pack a whistle, it is a cheap and effective deterrent. Remember to pack plenty water and wear sunscreen.

Hiking in the Colorado wilderness and forgotten or run out of something to nibble on? No worries at this time of year with wildflowers in abundance and many of them edible. After checking in with a few local experts here are a list of our favorite impromptu Steamboat hiking edibles.

Western Blue Flax – the seeds are used in many on the shelf products as they are a great source of fiber. Oils from the seeds are work wonders for skin problems, but watch out as eating too many can cause a toxic reaction.

Sunflowers – another familiar snacking staple, the whole flower is edible but it’s the seeds that are more common.

Yellow Salsify or Goats Beard – the young shoots and leaves can be eaten as a vegetable.

Bergamot – known for making great cup of tea, this member of the mint family is citrus in taste and smells like oregano.

Indian Paint Brush – look for a white tip above the red flowers, it can be removed revealing sweet nectar that is similar in taste to honey.

Gooseberry – A multi-purpose plant, the flowers can be yellow, white, pink and red. Berries often picked and made into jams and jellies. Currants are plentiful during summer months.

Prickly rose or Dog rose – great source of Vitamin C and growing in abundance here. Rosehips can be eaten raw but wonderful when made into tea and even wine!

Yarrow – used to fight colds and wonderful for improving circulation. At one time it was used to help stop bleeding. The Colorado Yarrow has a white flower and can also be used as an insect repellant.

Photo from Steamboat Corporation

It flits between ski hill and a hiking/ biking paradise but Steamboat’s Mount Werner is creating an after-hours persona worth hanging around for. Imagine happy hour over 9,000ft above sea level watching the sun going down listening to an eclectic mix of live music. Throughout the summer guests can hop on the gondola between 5pm and 8pm for $12 per adult including your transport and $5 off any food and beverages. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. For more information call 8715150

July 10 Rural Wreckage

July 13 Yer State Birds

July 17 Caliente

July 24 Acutonic

July 31 Highland View

August 3 Worried Men

August 10 Caliente

August 14 Rural Wreckage

August 21 Off the Chain

August 28 Wise 100 Doors

September 4 Worried Men

Get your groove on Friday nights with the Steamboat Mountain Music Series. Free live music will be played outdoors in Gondola square starting at 7pm.

July 11 The Groovetrotters

July 25 Regrooveanation

August 1 Wish You were Pink

August 15 Paper Bird

Thanks to Coca Cola, Saturday nights have become movie night. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and kick back once the sun sets to a weekly showing of some old time favorites. You may well have seen ET or The Goonies a million times, but can you say you’ve watched them beneath an intensely starry Colorado sky? Movie on the Mountain is free but food and beverages are available to buy.

July 12 UP

July 19 Despicable Me 2

July 26 ET

August 2 The Goonies

August 16 The Hunger Games

August 23 Special IMBA Movie

Photo by Kevin Dietrich

Moose may have been increasingly roaming this countryside for some time now, but until recently they’ve been keeping their distance. A recent spate of hostile encounters between the sizable beasts and us mere humans have certainly got us on our toes. While Moose are generally fine to observe from a safe distance, it is crucial to remain mindful when in their company. Condos in Steamboat would like to share a few cautionary tips to keep up your sleeve on the off chance you get a front row seat at the next Moose showing.
What can you do to remain safe?
• Do not approach.
• Give them plenty of space.
• Moose often will not move out of the trail so you may need to turn around or go off trail to get around them.
• Quickly get something between you and the moose, such as a tree.
• Keep your dog close to avoid having her irritate the moose, and to prevent the moose from kicking her.
• If you find yourself on the ground get up and run as quickly as possible.
Warning Signs the Moose may attack.
• Moving toward you
• Laying back its ears
• Making strange grunting noises
• Stomping or clawing the ground
• Swinging its head back and forth.
As tempting as it may be to head home from your Steamboat vacation with a memorable snapshot of you and that Moose encountered, don’t even think about it. They are recognized for their aggression over anything else around here. Like famous saying goes “Look but don’t touch”.

First week of Steamboat school’s summer vacation and our very own Condos in Steamboat Jake Filler is all smiles. Happy summer, come and join us “in the Boat” for endless summer fun.

Photo byJoel Reichenberger

Ok, so if you are a Dad there is only one place to be this weekend…..Steamboat Springs. Imagine something that goes a little like this:
• Wake up to a beautiful blue Colorado sky breathing the freshest air you could hope to fill your lungs with.
• Fuel up on Winona’s award winning super-size cinnamon rolls washed down with a strong cup of Steamboat Roasters coffee.
• Step onto Lincoln Avenue for the annual Mustang Show ‘n’ Shine – this can only be described as a car lover’s dream.
• Head for the mountain and take in Savor Steamboat. Sample your way through local fare, look out for homemade jerky and Chef Dean Martin BBQ sauce – we can’t get enough of it!! Purchase a ticket for Shake and Stir where bar tenders put talents to the test using Colorado distilled 303 Vodka and Whisky.
• Cool off in your Condos in Steamboat pool or opt for a late afternoon massage at any great Salon options in town and on the mountain.
• Spruce up, sip a locally made beer and sample townsfolk favorites on the outdoor patio at Mahogany Ridge Brewery.
• Meander down to the Romick Rodeo ground, hold on to your hat while cowboys take to the arena lassoing, riding and steering their way to the roar of the crowd.
• Stop for a nightcap at Harwigs, best scotch selection in town.
• Sleep soundly in your Steamboat accommodation of choice.

• Wake up to another blue sky morning and chilled mountain air.
• Give yoga for cyclists a go – taking place on the mountain.
• Hop on the gondola for a spectacular ride up to Father’s Day Brunch.
• Switch sandals for sneakers and make your way down the mountain – you’ll need to after the incredible spread you have just devoured.
• Head for a soak at the Old Town Hot Springs.
• Enjoy an evening nine holes at Haymaker Golf Course, or pick up a bike from Ski and Bike Kare to ride one of Bike Town USA’s many trails.
• Opt for a late dinner by the Yampa River, or call for takeout and relax back at your Steamboat condo.
If this doesn’t sound like a true Dad pleaser then we’re not sure what is! Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Condos in Steamboat.

It’s Steamboat Time, and we’re not referring to a certain hour on the clock. Steamboat time is another way of saying “sorry I’m late but I was mountain biking, skiing, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, golfing, enjoying my Steamboat summer, or running after my kids who were playing ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, Nordic combined….whatever but we believe it’s an acceptable excuse”. It’s such a well-known fact that we are even calling this year’s Cabaret comedy show Steamboat Time.
Now in its 25th year Cabaret has earned a reputation as the ultimate opportunity to poke fun at us townsfolk (and dare I say our well-loved tourists). Taking place in the recently renovated Chief Theatre on Main Street, you could be forgiven for believing you are actually part of a big city Comedy show, not small town Steamboat Springs.
Condos in Steamboat will be heading over to get our fill of all things relating to spandex, Subaru, over-achieving parents with Olympic visions, City Council spats and no doubt anything you can possibly do with marijuana.
If you are needing a last minute vacation with laughter guaranteed then book your Steamboat accommodation right now and come join us! Don’t worry if you are late, It’s Steamboat Time!