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

Do I need to make a reservation to use my pass at Steamboat?

Reservations are notrequired for Ikon, Ikon Base, Ikon Session 4-Day, Steamboat season, Steamboat Merchant, 7 Heavenly Daze, Weekday Hall Pass, Early & Late season 3-Day Passes and Snowy Range pass holders at Steamboat, at this time. Guests who pre-book packages approved travel partners, prior to November 2, 2020 will have access for the dates of their pre-booked package.Condos in Steamboat is an approved travel partner.

Can I buy a day lift ticket when I am in Steamboat?

No, at this time single and multi-day lift tickets, not associated with a package are not available. Tickets will not be sold in person at the ticket office this year.

Do I have to wear a face covering?

It is the law in Routt County to wear a face covering to enter a building. Guests and employees at the Steamboat Ski Area will have to wear a face covering while riding in the gondola.

Will there be physical distancing at the Steamboat Ski Area?

The gondola and chairlifts will be running at reduced capacity. Mazes will be expanded to accommodate physical distancing while in line.

Is my ticket refundable?

Guests are urged to take insurance in case of cancelation.

On-mountain capacity will be limited, in particular during holiday and peak periods, and stand-alone lift tickets are currently not being offered. The only way to access the mountain is through advanced purchase packages and season pass products. 

Only guests who pre-book packages by November 2 through approved travel partners – of which Condos in Steamboat is one, will have mountain access for their reserved dates. 

“In Steamboat, we know that taking vacations isn’t as simple as it used to be,” said Rob Pearlman, President & COO, Steamboat Ski Resort and Corporation. “We want to welcome you back this winter, knowing that we are prioritizing your safety and making operational changes so you can enjoy your time on the slopes worry-free.”

The resort outlined the following guidelines for on-mountain services.

• For pass holders and pre-booked packages, additional lift-line management (specific queue times) may be necessary during holiday and peak periods. If this is the case, guests will receive further instructions closer to, or during, the season.   
• Ragnar’s and Four Points night dining will not operate due to capacity limitations on transportation to these venues. Hazie’s and Haymaker will be open with modified night dining. 
• Lodges and restaurants will be reconfigured to allow more space between tables. 
• Expanded outdoor dining options will be available at Rendezvous Lodge. 
• Advanced reservations will be required for all night dining, as well as day dining at Ragnar’s, Hazie’s, Stoker and Timber & Torch.
• Advanced reservations for Snowsports School lessons are required. Private lesson class sizes will be limited to 5 students. Group lessons will be half-day sessions with a target of 5 students per instructor. Children ages 2.5 to 4 years old may participate in private lessons with a maximum of 2 students. Childcare and group lessons will not be available for children under 5.
• Common COVID practices: We have all become accustomed to wearing facial coverings, socially distancing, practicing healthy hand washing/sanitizing, increased cleaning efforts at all high-touch points, etc. These practices will remain a priority for Steamboat Ski Resort staff and guests.

As summer air temps hang around the 80’s and 90’s this month, snow is not the first thing on our mind. For the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation it’s exactly what they are thinking about with less than 100 days until the 20/21 ski season begins. Today they released this winters flight schedule with Southwest flying into Steamboat for the first time. 

“Southwest flying into Steamboat is a game changer. Their passengers are used to a certain level of customer service that we know will be met by the genuine friendly community of Steamboat,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Steamboat now offers the best variety of airlines to a mountain destination with options that fit every skier and snowboarder’s needs.”

Alaska, American, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines provide nonstop access from 14 airports across the U.S. as well as convenient connections from more than 300 airports worldwide. 

Information as of August 2020 and subject to change without notice.  *Daily United ORD will operate Saturdays/Sundays only from 1/11 through 2/14. ** EWR operates Saturdays only from Jan.9-Feb6.

As we celebrate the month of Saint Valentines, we urge you to find your inner romantic. Whether you are looking for love, or some inspiration to reignite the flame, Steamboat Springs is the place to make it happen.  Here’s just a smattering of ideas to get you smooching.

❤️Watch the sun go down over the Yampa Valley from the best viewpoint in town. Ride the gondola to Thunderhead Lodge on most Thursday evenings for Sunset Happy Hour. Snag a table by the window, savor a cocktail and listen to the live music before cozying up on the gondola ride down. $15 for the gondola pass and get $5 off food and drinks.

❤️There’s nothing like trying something new together to break up old habits. Sign up for a class at the Steamboat Snowsports School, or a guided trip to experience ice fishing, dog sledding or horseback riding. Reward yourselves with dinner for two at Café Diva, a favorite among past guests and our team at Condos in Steamboat.

❤️Stash schnapps or a flask of hot chocolate in a backpack, along with goodies from the bakery counter at Winona’s and head for Fish Creek Falls. Strap on snowshoes and follow the trail to the iconic 283-foot waterfall. Stop at the base of the frozen falls then hike up the winding pathway through miles snow-packed forest.

❤️Get your motor running with a two-hour guided snowmobile ride in picturesque North Routt, and cozy up in a cabin at Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse over a three-course dinner.

❤️Relax in style with a massage and a soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Clothing is optional after dark.

❤️The first ever chairlift speed-dating event happens on Saturday, March 7. Starting at noon, the Denver-based speed dating company Lovebug is staging Love Laps: an afternoon packed with introduction opportunities, live music and après ski festivities. Register @steamboatprings.net/lovelaps

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.

Book Before October 10, 2019 For The Biggest Savings On Lift Tickets for the 2019/20 season.

The countdown to make the greatest savings on this winter’s ski trip has begun. Make the most of the lowest prices available on lift tickets and book your accommodation before ticket prices go up on October 10, 2019.

On the fence about what makes sense for you, your family and friends? We’ve put together a few scenarios to help make a decision.

Ski or ride during a regular season bracket between January 20 and February 14, 2020 and pay $101.25 per day, (window price will be $189), that’s an $87 saving per person per day. Or, for four adults skiing/ riding five days in the same time frame, that works out to be a $1755 saving.

If you visit in one of the peak seasons between February 15 and March 29, 2020 you can pay $116.25 for a daily ticket today, or $219 at the window.

Kids Ski Free (ages 6-12) with the purchase of five day or more adult pass.

Restrictions apply all on lift tickets, including a minimum purchase of three days or more, prices alter based on dates, and tickets must accompany an accommodation booking with Condos in Steamboat.

For those who plan to ski or ride at multiple resorts, the best deal is still the IKON pass. The IKON Pass offers unlimited skiing with no restrictions; the IKON base pass offers restricted skiing with blackout dates. Both passes offer access to 41 destinations. Current pricing for an IKON Pass is $1,049 per person (+23 years old); an IKON Base Pass is $749 per person (+23 years old). Both prices go up on October 17.

For more information, to make a booking or chat to us about what makes sense for you, call 1800 820 1886 or visit www.condosinsteamboat.com

Steamboat is gearing up for another ski season, and the recent press release from Alterra Mountain Company shared what is in store for visitors this year. We, at Condos in Steamboat wanted to pass along the latest updates with all our valued guests and friends. 

Steamboat Ski Resort prepares for the 2019/20 winter season with a load of new programs and improvements creating a better guest experience across the resort. At the top of the list for this year’s biggest news is the hiring of a Sustainability & Community Engagement Director, the $15 million new gondola and an earlier Opening Day.

“Steamboat continues to invest in its guests and the destination experience that can only be found at Ski Town, U.S.A.^®,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We continue to work with Alterra to ensure the future of Steamboat Ski Resort is strong, and the improvements at the resort for the upcoming winter are major steps towards big master plans. A new focus on sustainability programming lead by our Director and the new gondola may be behind the scenes efforts, but the impacts of these improvements will certainly change the experience for skiers and riders at Steamboat.”

Sustainability Programming

stainability Director: Steamboat Ski Resort has hired Sarah Jones to oversee the resorts sustainability programming and community engagement efforts. Jones brings nearly two decades of professional experience in sustainability and environmental programming to Steamboat Ski Resort.  Most recently, Jones served as the Executive Director of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) since 2012 planning, executing and budgeting all programs for the organization. She worked closely with local government on climate mitigation, energy and waste diversion issues; supported the advancement of community sustainability and resilience efforts; and advocated for rural waste diversion and energy issues at the state level. Prior to her role at YVSC, Jones worked as an environmental consultant and helped schools develop sustainable practices in the Denver area.

In her new role, Jones will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing all the resort’s sustainability programming and practices as well as improving Steamboat’s operational environmental performance and further resort policy goals on climate and energy. Jones will champion the development and execution of guiding principles and an environmental management plan specific to operational performance, energy efficiency and clean energy, waste management, water conservation, education & outreach, and more. Jones will also be responsible for community outreach making sure locals, guests and the industry understand and support Steamboat’s sustainability initiatives.

Yampa River Fund: Steamboat Ski Resort is a proud to announce a $500,000 founding donor contribution to the newly launched Yampa River Fund, the largest single cash donation in the resort’s history. The Yampa River Fund is a water fund in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy and local partners that improves river flow in Northwest Colorado to sustain both people and nature. The Yampa River Fund is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect water supply, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities provided by the Yampa River. SSRC’s cornerstone contribution of $500,000 unlocked a 1:1 match ultimately allowing the resort to provide access to $1 million for the health and prosperity of the community’s main water resource.  For more information on the Yampa River Fund visit: www.yampariverfund.org

Opening Day

Earlier Opening Day: Steamboat will open four days earlier this winter season with Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, November 23. Historically the resort has opened on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, and will now shift to opening the Saturday before the holiday- allowing friends and family to gather on the slopes for more days. As in the past, Opening Day will include special festivities, a champagne toast, Olympians and more.

Lifts
New Gondola: With the installation of a brand-new Doppelmayr gondola, replacing the resorts previous 30+ year old lift, guests will be moved out of the base area and up the mountain nearly 38 percent faster than in the past, significantly reducing base area wait times. Multiple factors play into the increased capacity including the addition of 12 cabins to the line, a more advanced machine running at 6m per second versus the previous 5m per second and better tower setup, and level, walk-in cabins. The elimination of the nearly 9-inch step into gondola cabins will allow customers to load the gondola in a seamless action preventing stumbling which previously led to gondola slowdowns. The entryway and que for the gondola will also improve with an expanded enclosed area, RFID gates moved to the entrance of the building (versus closer to the gondola loading), a new guest resolution center at the entrance and new loading/unloading mats to create a smooth transition to the walk-in cabins. The top terminal at Thunderhead Lodge will feature a new exit with easier to navigate and more guest friendly stairs. Previously the stairs to the snow were steep and narrow, now they will be wider platforms with shorter rise. Additionally, the exit terminal will receive a facelift by adding a timber gabled roof to match the main entrance to the building.   The new gondola follows the same line as the previous gondola departing from Gondola Square and arriving at Thunderhead Lodge at mid-mountain. The new gondola is expected to start whisking skiers and riders up the mountain on November 23, 209, Steamboat’s winter opening day.

Ikon Pass

Night Skiing:  Ikon passholders can now access the trails after the sun goes down with access to night skiing Thursday- Monday from December through March. New this year, Full Ikon passholders receive unlimited access to night skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Ikon Base passholders can either ski the same night as they used one of their days, or use one of their days to ski or ride at night. This additional perk is best for guests arriving late in the day- there is no longer a need to wait until the next morning to get your on-mountain vacation started!

 Ski Your Pass Off: Bragging rights are part of the skiing and snowboarding experience and Steamboat continues to reward its most loyal powderhounds with the Ski Your Pass Off loyalty program. Adult Ikon passholders (ages 13 and up) are rewarded for the number of days they hit the mountain. When passholders log 10 days before the end of December 2019 they’ll earn a complimentary First Tracks ticket. From there, guests receive rewards at 10 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 days with an initial $10 dining voucher for the first 10 days and $20 dining vouchers at each remaining benchmark. Dining vouchers can be used at any Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation restaurant. Guest who ski all 144 days of the season receive additional recognition and rewards at an end of season celebration.
Retail

Steamboat Mercantile  Located in the heart of Gondola Square across from Gondola Joe’s, the resort’s newest retail outlet features Steamboat logo wear including apparel from resort partners such as Marmot and The North Face and gift items. Open daily during the winter season starting at 8 am.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton: The resort’s flagship rental and retail outlet received a complete overhaul during summer 2019 resulting in an additional 2000 square feet of commercial space, an improved rental process and more retail offerings. Located Slopeside from Christie Peak Express Lift, Steamboat Sports will be the place to go for equipment rentals of all ranges, and the latest apparel, logo wear, souvenirs and equipment for purchase.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton is one of seven Steamboat Sports^TM locations, renamed for the 2019/20 winter season including Thunderhead Peak, Gondola Square, Ski Time Square, Steamboat Grand, Delivery and Gondola Square Demo Center.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Thunderhead Peak: In its new location on the snow, trading in skis at the top of the gondola will be a much-improved experience as the resort opens a brand new building offering top of the line skis for demo and sale at the intersection of Spur Run and Tower trails.  Previously housed in the Yurt at the bottom of the exit stairs from Thunderhead Lodge, the new location for demo rentals and sales provides 360 square feet dedicated to Rossignol, Nordica, Volkl and Head ski as well as better mountain ambiance.

New Montana tuning machine: For the first time in more than a decade, Steamboat Ski Resort bringing ski tuning in-house with the latest technology and machinery from industry leader Montana. Steamboat’s rental fleet will be top of the line with more frequent tunes and the waxing/tuning specifically designed for current conditions. Guests may also drop off their own equipment for tuning and waxing at Steamboat Sports^TM– Gondola Square.

Seasonal Equipment Storage: Below Timber & Torch in Gondola Square, Steamboat has redefined overnight ski storage with a permanent Ski Corral facility. Complete with state-of-the-art racking systems, guests will be able to leave their skis and poles, and snowboards at the convenient, heated base area location at the end of the day and collect them with ease before loading the Gondola in the morning. In addition to guest overnight storage, a limited number of seasonal storage slots, including heated boot storage, are now available for long-term storage at www.steamboat.com/storage

Flights

14 nonstop flight markets: Steamboat’s air program continues to be one of the most robust in the Rocky Mountains with 14 total nonstop markets flying to Ski Town, U.S.A.^® via the major air carriers of American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. Winter seasonal flights begin in December and run through March, making Steamboat accessible from anywhere in the world. www.steamboat.com/flights

Peakaboo by the Steamboat Pilot

Did you know Colorado is home to more than 960 species of wildlife? While that is an exciting prospect to animal and bird lovers who come to visit the state, it can be a challenge for the animals themselves. Knowing how to appreciate and view wildlife safely is paramount to the safety of both humans and animals.

In Steamboat, sightings of black bears, moose and elk have become a frequent occurrence in urban areas. We urge everyone to remember that the wildlife you see is indeed wild and should never be approached. At Condos in Steamboat, we reached out to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for safety tips to share with our guests who are on a mission to seek out the furry and feathered members of our community.

• Time your outing for morning or evening, when wildlife are most active.
• Wear earth-tone clothes, like gray, khaki and olive green. Animals will tolerate you better if you blend into the surroundings.
• Keep your distance, for the safety and comfort of both animals and people. If an animal changes its behavior, stops eating or seems nervous at your presence, it’s time to back away.
• Stay quiet and still. Noise and quick movements mean “danger” to wildlife. They may run or fly off, sometimes leaving their nests or young unprotected. Never chase or harass wildlife.
• Look to the edges of the landscape, (where the forest meets the meadow for example), because many wildlife species spend time along habitat edges.
• Look for movement, shapes, and color contrasts. Motion is the best giveaway. Also, look for parts of an animal such as its head, tail, ear, wing, or antler.
• Use binoculars, a spotting scope, or a telephoto lens for a close-up view.
• Use your car as a viewing blind. Pull safely off the road. Respect others who are viewing the same animals.
• Avoid animals that behave unexpectedly or aggressively. They may be ill, injured, or have young nearby.
• Leave your pets at home. Pets hinder wildlife watching. They can chase, injure or kill wildlife, or be injured or killed themselves.
• Do not feed wild animals. It can change their behavior in ways that can be harmful—both to them and to people. Reserve feeding for ‘backyard’ birds.

Miles of snow-covered terrain waits to be explored in and around the Yampa Valley. At Condos in Steamboat, we often get asked for tips on cross-country skiing, so we decided to call in a local expert.

Steamboat Springs native, teacher Jess Aldighieri, was raised on skis. She lives with her husband, Bobby, a former Olympian and freestyle program director for Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and their toddler son.

Skate or classic, what should someone who has never tried any kind of Nordic skiing consider? 

JA: Depends on interest and physical ability. Classic skiing is a good foundation for Nordic skiing and will help your skate skiing. Classic skiing is easier to learn, but difficult to become more efficient. Skate skiing is the opposite.

What should you wear Nordic skiing? 

JA: A lightweight long sleeve Smartwool top, tights or light long underwear bottoms, covered by lightweight Nordic ski pants and jacket. Well fitting gloves and boots will make the learning experience more enjoyable. A lightweight hat or neck buff will help trap body heat. 

Any tips to improve performance and speed for skate skiing? 

JA: Skiing in general is about balance, position and timing. If you can improve these basic skills, your efficiency will increase. As a result, you will gain ground on your performance and speed.  Skate skiing is all about the application of power to the snow. Strengthening your technical ability will help accelerate your ability to apply power. 

Best techniques to keep you upright on a downhill turn? 

JA: Keep your feet underneath your hips and constantly move your feet. The old classic – bend your knees!

If you want to try Nordic skiing as a family for a day what do you advise?

JA: Make an adventure out of it and carry a picnic or small snack in a backpack, because it’s quite physically demanding and you’ll need to refuel when you’re out there. A day of classic skiing can be great fun for everyone in the family.

Most memorable day you’ve ever had Nordic skiing in Steamboat? 

JA: Wow, there have been so many, but skate skiing the Hogan Park trail on spring crust after Mount Werner was closed. The snow was fast and the sunrise was beautiful. After an adventurous decent on our skinny skis, we finished with a run in the mud on B.C. Ski Way with our backpacks and skate gear.