Spring has sprung in Steamboat and with that comes Mother Nature’s seasonal whims. One minute we are basking in sunshine, the next we’re diving for cover as darkened skies dump rain, hail, or snow. For those who are happy to snag off season prices and accept a little unpredictability with the weather conditions, Steamboat Springs has plenty to offer. Hike and bike when the sun shines and savor a taste of town when the heavens open. Here are some of our favorite things to do during springtime in the “Boat.

1. Bud Werner Memorial Library. Find a comfy chair or snuggle up on a window seat with a book or a magazine. Public-access computers are available for use and kids have access to a play area, which is perfect for stretching out.
2. Take a class at the Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat. Guests have the option of everything from Pilates to the hot pools.
3. Drop into the Yoga Center of Steamboat on Yampa Street and stretch tired muscles to the sound of runoff in the river.
4. Step back in time with a tour inside a Queen Anne-style Victorian home built in 1901 at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak Street. Discover how the Ute Indians and early pioneers came to settle in the Yampa Valley and how Steamboat became Ski Town USA.
5. Steamboat is home to thirteen art galleries including the Steamboat Art Museum. Entry is free to all and visitors. Find a list of venues and special events at steamboatcreates.org
6. Tickle the taste buds on a beer tasting tour of town. Start with the longest running brewery in the ‘Boat at Mahogany Ridge Brewery, then stop by The Barley, Mountain Tap and Storm Peak. Sample local made brews and find your favorite stout or hoppy pale ales.
7. Shop until you drop in downtown Steamboat, where local offerings range from Stetsons and boots at F.M. Light to home furnishings at the recently opened Rumor Design + ReDesign. Shoppers will find high street favorites including Lululemon, Marmot and the North Face, along with a whole host of locally owned boutiques and outfitters.
8. If you want to mingle with locals, drink coffee. Pick a customized brew, pair with a freshly made pastry and pull up at chair at Beard and Braid on 9^th Street, Big Iron Coffee on Lincoln Avenue, Dusky Grouse Coffee Shop on the west of town and Off the Beaten Path on 9^th Street (Be Warned- an incredible selection of books awaits within this family-owned bookstore, so you are forgiven for feeling antisocial).
9. Read the local paper The Steamboat Pilot and Today for daily deals on mud season specials at restaurants, shops and spas around town. 

Next month Cupid will be swooping in and Steamboat with its sun, snow and springs, makes the perfect backdrop for a little romancing. For ideas on happy hour with your hunk, to a mountain top proposal, we got you covered. There’s something for everyone to make smoochy memory makers.

For the athletic pair – skin up Mount Werner late in the day with a backpack of your favorite sun downers and a head lamp. Sip and savor the view as the sun starts to set, before adorning the headlamps and skiing down.

For the spa lovers – soak beneath the stars at the Strawberry Park hot springs. Take the plunge in the cold creek before hopping back into one of the warm pools to cozy up.

For the foodies – start the evening off with a legendary cocktail at The Laundry, their homemade infusions are legendary. Saunter down to Yampa Street and wander along the river to Sauvage. Opt for the six-course tasting menu where flavors are foraged from the fields and forests to the sea. 

For the photographers –pre-order a charcuterie platter from Laura the Butcher and pick up a mini-bottle of bubbles. Stock up on handmade chocolates by Daniela at The Homesteader and pack a basket complete with warm blanket. Head up to Fish Creek Falls and snag a picnic table (you might need to clear off the snow), then set up your picnic by the frozen backdrop of an iconic setting.

For the adrenaline seekers – zip through snowy meadows and wind through aspen groves on a sunset snowmobile ride on Rabbit Ears Pass. Head back into town for a bite to eat at Salt n’ Lime before dancing the night away at Schmiggitys on the main street.

Photo by Gear Crazy

Old Man Winter may be taking his time to make an appearance this year, but it hasn’t stopped Mother Nature from dusting the backcountry around Steamboat Springs in snow. While some anxiously await to make powdery turns at the Steamboat Ski Area, others are headed into the wilderness. The team at Condos in Steamboat cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for a backcountry adventure.

• Make yourself familiar with the area, use a map or app to track where you intend to go. Be aware of places to park and any restrictions. Some areas are designated only for foot traffic and others for snowmobiles.
• Never go alone and make sure others know your plans.
• Check the weather and know who to call if you get into trouble or lose visibility.
• Dress in layers, it can be cold when you start up, but it doesn’t take long to get the heart pumping and body temperature rising.
• Equally do not allow yourself to become chilled. Avoid cotton layers, which absorb moisture and will leave you feeling cold and damp.
• Take plenty of energy boosting snacks such as trail mix and have plenty of water. Dehydration is a dangerous thing.
• Take first aid supplies and a survival kit, including a shovel and Personal Locator Beacon, PLB.
• If you are new to the backcountry, consider taking a guide.

If you are in the Yampa Valley right now, you’ll notice the smattering of reds and yellows dotting the trees and shrubs.  Fall is around the corner and we’ve put together our favorite hiking spots to experience the golden season in Routt County.

Fish Creek Falls

Immerse yourself in nature among quaking aspens and the sound of a cascading 283-foot waterfall that pours out of Mount Zirkel Wilderness from three trail options. The overlook is a half-mile, fully paved trail with rest stops and informational boards highlighting native plants and wildlife. A ¼-mile, steep dirt trail leads to the base of the falls with a pathway to the overlook trail if hikers want to make a loop. A 6-mile hike continues up from the falls following steep switchbacks through dense evergreen forest and golden aspen groves into a lush valley. The trail comes to a second falls, Long Lake and the Continental Divide Trail.

Hahns Peak Summit

Named after John and Joseph Hahn, gold prospectors from Germany, Hahns Peak’s bare, pointed pinnacle is one of the area’s most iconic sights. Gold and silver were mined out of the former volcano from the 1860s to the early 1900s. The trail is 1.7 miles each way and meanders up a forested hillside to the remains of an old mining cabin. The last stretch of the hike from there is steep and difficult, but the views of the autumn hued countryside from the fire tower at the top, are worth the climb.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness

Mount Zirkel Wilderness offers an overload for the senses at any time of year with high alpine lakes, meadows and dense aspen groves. Hike the Zirkel Circle, an 11-mile loop that starts from the Slavonia Trailhead. The trail passes Gilpin Creek to the clear waters of Gilpin Lake, over to Gold Creek Lake, down Gold Creek Trail and back to Slavonia.

After years of planning for a major overhaul of the base area at Steamboat Resort, the wait is over. Construction crews have moved in and demolition has begun. This first phase kicks off a three-year $135 million redevelopment plan that will see changes both on and off the mountain. 

The gondola and ski school buildings have been torn down and grading work is underway. Among the initial changes is the relocation of the Gondola base terminal which will be a standalone entity. This summer, escalators will be installed as part of a new Gold Walk, to connect the transit center to the base area. 

Grading work will be done in the Bashor area to make way for Greenhorn Ranch, a new learning center  scheduled to open for winter 2022/23. Among other plans is an apres ski plaza with an ice rink, 550 acres of new terrain and the Wild Blue Gondola. 

Redevelopment Timeline from Full Steam Ahead Steamboat

Where can you explore Steamboat Springs in depth with a guarantee you will barely see another living soul? The sky, of course!

For those who still feel trepidation about being around others, an above ground experience is probably the perfect way to sightsee. You can also be assured your adrenaline will be pumping for all the right reasons.

Helicopter Ride

Cover the greatest amount of territory in one-hour, with a helicopter ride over much of Routt County. Zephyr Helicopter Company takes up to five passengers (weight dependent on total group), over the historic downtown of Steamboat and up Fish Creek Canyon. The flight spans the Never Summers, the Gore Range and up to North Routt. Private charters are also available. www.zephyrhelicopter.com

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Wrap up warmly in the early hours of the morning and watch the sleepy valley below awaken for a new day. Wild West Balloon Adventures offers daily 45-minute tours over Steamboat and the surrounding area. Celebrate your 3,000 feet escapade with a continental breakfast and champagne. www.wildwestballooning.com

See the sky filled with a kaleidoscope of color at the annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo on July 10 & 11, 2021. This summer staple event is a feast for the eyes each morning, with an additional Balloon Glow on Saturday evening.

Ziplining

Get your heart racing as you cruise above the treetops at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, on a six-segment zip line course. Each two to three-hour tour includes an ATV ride along the original U.S. 40, complete with snippets of local history from the guide. Steamboat Zipline Adventures is located on Rabbit Ears Pass, ensuring spectacular views of downtown and the Flat Tops Mountain Range. www.steamboatziplineadventures.com

Yurts at Aurum

What does a gondola, a yurt and a mini Chalet have in common? They are Steamboat’s answer to quirky dining options since the onset of COVID-19. Three local restaurants are offering intimate alternatives to combat limited capacity restrictions. 

Aurum

Reserve one of three heated yurts situated in the grounds of Aurum on the banks of the Yampa River. Each yurt can hold up to eight people at a cost of $115 per adult and $45 for children, 12 and under. Bookings require a minimum of four adults. Guests can enjoy a six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. 

Sauvage

A relative newcomer to Steamboat’s array of eateries, Sauvage brings a taste of France to the Yampa Valley. Guests have the option to dine, in mini heated chalets set on the patio by the restaurant’s street facade. Three, five and eight-course menus blend French favorites such as vichyssoise, cabineros, caviar and mussels. 

Gondola at Mountain Tap

Mountain Tap 

This is the perfect gondola ride for anyone who is afraid of heights.  Each of the three retired cars has been decked out with a table, electric heaters and blue tooth speakers. They can accommodate up six adults with squeezing space for two children. Food is a family-friendly line up of small plates, snacks and wood-fired pizzas. Adults only get to sample the local brews including favorites like Cliffed Out, Chasing Sunset and Passionate Pedaler. A minimum spend of $100 is expected for weekdays, and $150 on weekends. 

Did you know at higher elevations the air is thinner and it filters less ultra violet light? For your eyes in particular, that is a big deal. We often get asked by clients “does it matter what color of lens you have on your goggles?” The answer is yes.

The combination of sunshine (or lack of), and snow hugely affects your vision. On a bluebird day, you will rarely catch a Steamboat local going about without their sunglasses. Snow-blindness is an actual thing.

Lighter lenses such as yellow, gold, amber, green and rose-color are excellent choices for cloudy days. They allow a higher amount of visible light transmission, which improves vision in flatter lights.

Darker lenses such as copper, browns, and grays have lower visible light transmission and will ward off the glare on a sunny day. Mirrored lenses reflect light, and a polarized lens will reduce the glare from the sun on snow.

If you’ve been prone to fogging, goggles with all around venting will help. However you’ll need to outweigh the risk of the air chill factor.  For those who can’t stand to throw out a pair of old favorites, consider applying an anti-fog coating.

Fit is everything. A snug connection with the helmet will eliminate the dreaded ‘gaper’ gap and avoid the ice cream headache on an extra cold day. A good fitting strap and comfortable padding will keep precious eye gear in place. Finally, avoid scratching the lens when you put your helmet down and purchase a lens cover.  It’s worth every cent of the $10-$15 you’ll spend.

Here’s Five of our Favorites

Are you coming to town and don’t feel like hauling extra luggage back and forward with Christmas gifts? We have the perfect solution – buy a memory.

Foodie Fanatic

MEATSKOOL Cooking Class. 

Ideal for someone who loves to be in the kitchen, and even better for those who would rather avoid the slopes at all costs. MEATSKOOL, run by Laura the Butcher is offering at home classes for food lovers.  Options include: The Art of Charcuterie Boards, Artisanal Sausage Making, Chicken Ballotine or Fried Chicken and Biscuits. Classes include a glass of fizz and plenty of chance to savor the flavors. www.meatskool.com

Family Fun

Dog Sled

Learn to drive your own dog sled across snow-covered pastures or sit back and let someone else do the mushing. Owned and operated by Iditarod musher, Kris Hoffman and his wife Sara, Grizzle-T Dog and Sled Works provide adventures suited to all ages. Sleds can take two people, (or three if you are with children under 80lbs), and a team of Alaskan Huskies will pull you along, beneath the breathtaking backdrop of the snow covered Flat Tops. www.steamboatdogsledding.com

Adrenaline Seeker

Snowmobiling

Pump up adrenaline levels by cruising through the backcountry on Rabbit Ears Pass at speed. Zip over meadows, wind through forest trails and climb to spectacular viewpoints without meeting a soul. Complementary shuttle and equipment provided. www.steamboatsnowmobile.com

Solitude for Skiers

Snowcat Skiing

Experience Steamboat’s legendary powder without the crowds. Spend a day leaving your own lines in untouched snow with Steamboat Powdercats. Climb back uphill in a comfortable heated snowcat with skilled backcountry guides who help you navigate the day’s terrain. Skiing is suited to strong intermediate and advanced levels. www.steamboatpowdercats.com

Taste of the Wild West

Horseback Ride and Sleigh Ride Dinner

Hop on the shuttle to Saddleback Ranch, a family owned and operated 100-year-old ranch located west of town. Step into a horse drawn sleigh and wrap up beneath a wool blanket for a 30-minute sleigh ride beneath the starry sky.  Savor a home-cooked meal at the Double Dollar Lodge, where cowboys will teach you a thing or two about roping. If time permits, you’ll be working off your meal with a Do-Si-Do and a little line dancing. Alternatively, arrive earlier to squeeze in a horseback ride and make it the ultimate taste of the west. www.saddlebackranch.net

Boatloads of fresh powder and a sunlit blue sky are enough to make most of us plan on spending a day outdoors. Setting yourself up for success on snow is paramount, so we made a checklist to ensure the memories made on a ski trip, are ones you’d want to keep. 

• Dress in layers and wear wool or polypropylene. Breathable fabrics like cotton store moisture and will not keep you warm. On a chilly day, hand and foot warmers work wonders, especially for younger fun seekers.
• Keep hydrated and store up on snacks. Locals love trail mix and Honey Stinger chews to maintain energy levels. If you feel tired, take a break.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen, and goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes. Snow blindness is a real thing.
• Start slowly and build up your activity level. Allow yourself to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Orientate yourself with the ski area and take a free tour from an ambassador, offered daily at the Steamboat Ski Area.
• Keep an eye on conditions and be cognizant of warning notices and closed trails.
• Never approach, or feed, wildlife. You are just as likely to spot a moose at the ski area as you are in the backcountry. Their behavior can change in a second and you can put yourself or them at risk by approaching.
• On the slopes, the downhill skier has the right of way. Always look uphill when you take off again from a stopped position, or when you are merging onto a trail.
• If you plan to explore the backcountry, get a permit from the Forrest Service. If you find yourself in a bad situation and require to be rescued, the permit covers the costs.
• Be careful not to overdo things at après ski. Over consumption of alcohol can cause your body to sweat and reduce your core body temperature. Remember, hot tubs and alcohol don’t mix.