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.

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

Last night in downtown Steamboat Springs there was a slew of mysterious behavior. The mad hatter danced down Lincoln Avenue followed by a family of sea gods. A crowd of Vikings strolled the sidewalks passing a monkey with a banana before stopping to greet the three pink ladies. A dragon towered over a crowd of people breathing fire as members of the emergency services looked on, while tossing candy to passing children.

It was Halloween, the most cherished community event of the year. Last night did not disappoint. For two hours Lincoln Avenue was closed to all traffic, except those on foot. Storeowners generously dished out volumes of candy, slices of pizza, pots of ice cream and toothbrushes – yes toothbrushes! There was a scream contest, live musicians and fire jugglers. Families, kids, couples, singles, empty nesters and canine friends strolled the street together absorbing the quintessential Steamboat vibe.

The snow held off despite the chill in the air – much to the amazement of long time locals, who expect the first big dump of year on that very night. The snow never came, but all the usual tradition remained with most adults feeling thankful they are not waking up to teach school in the morning. Thank you Steamboat for another spooktacularly fun night.

Brunch, it’s that meal that was once for people who got up too late. They missed breakfast and couldn’t wait until lunch. Now, it can be anything from a cheap family meal of the day out, to a mimosa-fueled affair that keeps diners seated all morning.

In Steamboat Springs, we have embraced brunch. It suits our style. We don’t sleep in, especially in winter, as that would be seen as a crime against powder. In summer there’s an early morning bike ride to get in, or a hike with the dog before the temp heats up. Most of our visitors feel the same way, so let’s skip breakfast and go to brunch. Here are our top five choices.

Creekside Café on 11^th Street. First of all, expect a line – you won’t mind once you start eating, it’s worth it. Sit outside among the pots of flowers and listen to Soda Creek rush past. Everything is home cooked on the spot and most of the ingredients are sourced in Colorado.

Must try: homemade chorizo washed down with a Mimosa.

Freshies is located midway between the mountain area and downtown. Conveniently situated just off the Yampa Core Trail, Freshies is a popular stop for bikers, walkers and river rats. Sit on the patio or stay indoors and admire the artwork adorning the walls by local painter Lance Whitner.

Must try: Southwestern benny.

Winona’s in the heart of downtown on Lincoln Avenue is a long-time locals favorite. Sit by the window and watch the world go by. Known for its homemade granola and incredible baked goods selection, it won’t pay off to feel guilty about calories when ordering.

Must try: the most enormous cinnamon roll you’ll ever see.

Paramount Café is a relatively new on mountain hot spot. Small in size with an outdoor dining option, the Paramount is a great spot to refuel before a hike or ski on Mount Werner.

Must try: bacon, egg and cheese sandwich – it’s fancier than it sounds.

Champagne Powder Room wins the prize as the most scenic option with its’ mountain top setting. Every Sunday through Labor Day, they offer brunch on the mountain. Views abound with a gondola ride, before you take your seat in the restaurant that boasts panoramic views of the valley below.

Must try: Hazie’s Caesar salad with cornbread croutons and a Bloody Mary.

After all that eating its time to work it off with a hike, bike or paddleboard. On second thoughts, maybe its naptime – it’s not as if we slept through breakfast.

10 Fun and Free Family Activities in Steamboat Springs 

Fun doesn’t need to cost a cent with a playground like Steamboat Springs. Spend a morning, an afternoon or a whole day entertaining the family without breaking the bank.

1. Take advantage of free casting classes at West Lincoln Park, sponsored by Steamboat Flyfisher, on Saturdays at 5 p.m.
2. Hike Emerald Mountain leaving from Blackmere Road all the way to the quarry for incredible views of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley. Climb Mount Werner later in the day to watch the sun setting over town.
3. Play volleyball, tennis and skateboard at Howelsen Park.
4. Paddle in the Yampa River and soak in the run off from the Hot Springs in natural pools just before Rabbit Ears Motel as you head into town.
5. Experience Steamboat’s heritage from ranching to skiing by watching the Fourth of July Parade. Head over to Howelsen Hill to witness ski jumpers including past and present Olympians compete in the Jumpin’ Jammin’ contest. Come back when night falls for an incredible firework extravaganza.
6. Check out: free talks, movie nights, seminars, and kids workshops at Bud Werner Memorial Library.
7. Learn from a local naturalist at Yampatika about flora, fauna, birds, wildlife and archaeology on a free weekly-guided hike. www.yampatika.org
8. Spend an evening strolling through downtown Steamboat visiting an eclectic mix of venues during first Friday Artwalk. Meet local artists; sip wine and snack on appetizers that are served at a variety of locations.
9. Enjoy live music every Thursday afternoon in the Yampa River Botanic Gardens. Music on the Green is run by Strings Music Festival. Programing changes weekly. Music starts at noon and typically runs for one hour. Spend time strolling through the gardens before and after.
10. Hike and bike to your hearts content on acres of trails from mellow pathways to adrenaline fueled climbs. www.biketownusa.com

What do three Steamboat Springs boys with a passion for skiing do in their final year of High School when the snow keeps falling? They graduate early, get in a van and chase the powder of course. That’s exactly what Jack Vanderbeek (JV), Nick Simon and Mathew White decided to do – and they’ve just rolled out of town.

The trio has been ski racing their whole lives, and over recent years, they’ve developed a passion for big mountain competitions. They’ve entered six competitions between now and the end of March, taking them from the Sangre de Christo Mountains in New Mexico to the Columbia Mountains in British Columbia.

In order to minimize costs, they are living out of a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon, owned by JV’s dad. The vehicle has been refitted with a 2.5 liter Subaru engine and insulated walls.

Armed with a video camera, they are planning to make a documentary of their travels shooting what they believe will be “some of the best skiing in the western half of North America.”

The trio will be carving turns on locally produced Harvest Skis using Grass Sticks poles – both companies agreed to sponsor the boys, or Van Clan, as they’ve been dubbed.

Keep up to date following the Van Clan on www.vanclanblog.blogspot.com

Steamboat Paddleboard Adventures

1. Yoga at 9,000 feet

It’s not everywhere you can downward dog and tree pose with your head almost touching the clouds. Every Sunday until September 6, stretch out at the base of Mount Werner from 9 – 10 a.m. with instruction from the experienced teachers at Yoga Center of Steamboat. Cost is free but suggested donation is $10 – best to reserve a mat in advance.

On August 30 make your way to the top of the gondola (opens at 9.30 a.m.) for a 10 – 11 a.m. class at 9,000 feet. Views, fresh air and an entire body stretch – Namaste.
www.yogacenterofsteamboat.com

2. Paddleboard Pearl Lake beneath the stars

Surrounded by a forest of pines, Pearl Lake is a secluded little haven just short of Steamboat Lake. Steamboat Paddleboard Adventures has introduced a very different way to experience the tranquility of this place. Starting at 8 p.m. a group of up to six people can enjoy a guided nighttime float. Boards are equipped with NOCQUA lights, which emit a soft glow to show the way. Tours end at 10 p.m. and must be reserved. Suitable for age ten and up. www.steamboatpaddleboardadventures.com

3. Unwind in soothing waters

Feel your stresses float away with a Watsu massage at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Nestled in the trees, seven miles north of town is one of Steamboat’s hidden gems. Natural waters gather in a series of pools ranging in temperature, with a cool stream to dip in and out of. ½ hour massage $65. www.strawberryhotsprings.com

4. Seek scenery from the saddle

Meander your way through aspen groves and catch a glimpse of rolling ranchland riding in North Routt. Family owned and run Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch offers one and two hour rides through some of the Yampa Valley’s most dramatic scenery. $55 for one hour, $85 for two hours. www.steamboathorses.com

5. Source or sample some of Steamboat’s edibles.

With only 59 growing days, we relish any fruits or veggies that can grow up here. Local non-profit, Yampatika runs a series of guided summer hikes and workshops throughout the summer, sharing knowledge of native flora and fauna. Join them later this month on their annual wild mushroom hike and learn the art of foraging. Or kick back on September 16 for their garden to table dinner served in the historic setting of the Legacy Ranch. Reservations for both are required. www.yampatika.org.

Reading on Ranches with BookTrails

Planning your summer vacation and wondering how to make your trip appeal to everyone in the family? We have a solution – summer camp. Steamboat has a whole host of exciting options for kids this summer and you don’t need to be local to take part.

We thought we’d share a couple weeklong favorites that never fail to please year after year. The best part of all, kids have fun, they do things they’d only be able to do here, and you are free to explore Steamboat without any resistance from the junior crew. You have your evenings together and everyone’s happy.

BookTrails
Steamboat’s first ever literacy learning camp was founded in 2012 by environmental educator and self professed bookworm, Emily Krall. Reading on Ranches is a collection of weeklong adventures that allow kids up to 6th grade to literally bring stories and characters alive. Students have the opportunity for multisensory learning by mixing reading with hands on activities all taking place outdoors. Each camp is themed and activities correlate to the chosen title or series. Campers could be reliving the days of homesteading, exploring the waterways of the Yampa Valley, learning wilderness survival types, writing in hieroglyphics or playing quidditch in a field. Student to teacher ratio is 3:1 and readers of every level are encouraged to join the fun. This summer camps include: Little House on the Prairie, Hatchet Camp, Wolves Mini Camp, Harry Potter Camp, American Girl Doll, Camp Half Blood, Spirit Animals, Spy Camp, Magic Tree House, Native American Legends, Tomb Raiders, Camp Splash I and II.
For more information or to register go to www.steamboatbooktrails.org

Yampatika
There is no better way to explore the natural world around us than through the guiding eyes of Yampatika. Four themed camps are offered to kids ages 5 -14, with an overnight camp out option for older participants. The Blue Planet is all about water and weather. Explore forests and plants on the Evergreen Scene camp. Delve into history on Wild, Wild, West camp learning about mammals, birds, livestock, mining and pioneers. Or cover geology, mountains and soil ecology on Landform to Landfill camps. Great adult day guided hiking options too. For more information or to register go to www.yampatika.org

Packing List

BookTrails is all about empowering kids to be themselves.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, good shoes for hiking, backpack and lunch bag, water bottle, rain jacket and a big smile. Pre-made lunches can be ordered and picked up around town from Backcountry Provisions and Cruisers. Our own local favorite snack for happy campers is Honey Stingers mini waffles and chews available in most food stores and from BAP at the little red house on Oak Street.