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 Steamboat Ski Resort.

Warm summer nights and eye-popping sunsets make the perfect pairing for outdoor dining in Steamboat Springs. An extensive range of restaurants mean there is always something on the menu for everyone. If views are the order of the day, there is plenty to satisfy the eyes, and we’ve handpicked our favorites.

Haymaker Patio Grill

Located a couple miles on the outskirts of town, the family-friendly grill offers wrap around views of the rolling south valley. Eagles and herons frequently soar the skies above the 18-hole links-style course, adding to the ambience of this golf lovers’ paradise. Patio games occupy younger diners while grown ups can sip cocktails and feast on local fare. The restaurant is open all day and welcomes visitors, whether they come for the golf, or not.

E3

Set on the banks of the Yampa River in the heart of downtown Steamboat, the garden setting at E3 Chophouse is a magnate for outdoor diners. Although one of the pricier options around, their Happy Hour offers tremendous value for money. As the name suggests, steak weighs heavily on the menu, along with rich sides and a lobster mac n’ cheese that keeps locals coming back for more.

Aurum

Further downstream on Yampa Street is Aurum, a laid back bar and eatery with uninterrupted views of the iconic Howelsen Hill. A massive deck with a fire pit keeps folks enjoying the outdoors, even after the sun goes down. Families love the adjacent grassy space, which offers an enclosed space to run around and dance in, when a live band plays. An additional second level deck is popular with groups and gives diners a birds’ eye view of all the action on the river.

 Slopeside Grill

Bike, hike or stroll by the locals’ favorite hang out spot at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area. Kick back by Burgess Creek and let the kids run free while you sip locally brewed suds and feast on traditional American fare. Slopeside is an ideal spot to refuel during a day spent exploring Mount Werner, or grab a bite, before one of the free Movie on Mountain shows. Nothing beats the backdrop.

 Hazie’s at the Steamboat Ski Area

Your chariot awaits, to take you to brunch, literally – in the form of a gondola. Every Sunday until September 2, diners can ride in style to the top of Mount Werner for the ultimate room with a view. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. until 1p.m. at Hazie’s Restaurant, which offers guests the option of inside dining behind panoramic windows, or on the outside deck. Diners over 21 years are served Mimosas or Bloody Marys, and everyone can feast on a smorgasbord of delectable offerings. Reservations are recommended.