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. 

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.

This season’s Steamboat’s Rock The Boat Free Concert Series is underway with The Main Squeeze set to play this Saturday. All concerts are free to the public and take place on the Steamboat Stage in Gondola Square beginning around 3:30pm (with some exceptions).

“This year’s lineup provides a little of something for everyone, with a wide span of musical options,” said Katie Brown, vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “To be able to bring together our guests and staff in the base area with a musical celebration each weekend is one of the highlights of a visit to Steamboat.”  We have some old favorites returning and fresh new additions to keep everyone on their feet dancing.

The following outlines the full schedule of concerts as part of the Rock the Boat free concert series:

SCHEDULE & BAND LISTING

The Main Squeeze                                             Saturday, March 16                                

A powerful combination of hip-hop, funk, and rock, the Main Squeeze has vastly evolved from their humble beginning as a party band at Indiana University. Their unique sound and soulful energy have propelled them to the stage at Red Rocks as well as performances alongside The Roots and Aloe Blacc. The soulful sound of front man Corey Frye’s vocals mixed with creative instrumentals bring an emotional and funky stage presence that invites the audience to experience and enjoy life. The Main Squeeze debuts their new album, “Without a Sound”, this April which continues to build on their classic yet innovative music with the goal of appealing to the senses of their listeners.

Freddy Jones Band                                            Saturday, March 23                                

Building on their previous roots-rock hits, Freddy Jones Band most recently released “Never Change”, an album described as “euphoric” by the band’s lead singer/songwriter Marty Lloyd. Lloyd is a founding member of the band that was formed in the early ‘90s and is accompanied by Rich Ross on bass, Stu Miller on guitar, and drummer Goose LaPoint. This long-running act brings a mix of Southern rock and blues producing number-one singles such as “In a Daydream”, “Take the Time”, and “Those Diamonds” from their newly debuted album.

Southern Avenue                                               Saturday, March 30                               

Named for a street in their home town of Memphis, Southern Avenue puts a twist on gospel with a unique blend of R&B and soul. Founded by guitarist Ori Naftaly, who grew up in Israel with a passion for blues and funk, the band was formed when Naftaly met Memphis natives Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra who provide soulful vocals and powerful drumming along with bassist Daniel McKee, and Jeremy Powell on the keyboard.

The Commonheart                                              Saturday, April 6         

Debuting their new album, “Grown”, The Commonheart brings an energetic tone and energy infusing crisp sound with powerful instrumentals. The nine-piece band, formed in Pittsburgh, is made up of vocals from front man Clinton Clegg along with trumpet, saxophone, keys, and guitar bring a powerhouse performance with blues, soul, and gospel influence. The Commonheart’s sound is a true testament to the past while completely holding its own as one of today’s most promising acts.

To Be Announced                                               Saturday, April 13       

The Wailers                                                         Sunday, April 14           

Throughout the ‘70s, Bob Marley & The Wailers helped bring the genre of reggae music to the world. Today they continue this quest in memory of their original front man after his untimely passing in 1981. Several original members, including Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett on bass guitar and lead guitarist Donald Kinsey are among the eight-piece band delivering a bright and innovative sound. The group continues its mission of sharing Bob Marley’s message of unity and the spirit of their leader alive through music.

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.

The Irish are not the only ones who get to feel lucky. Spending a springtime vacation in Steamboat Springs will make you feel blessed, and here 10 reasons why.

1. Skiing or boarding on the fresh groomers in the morning and soft snow in the afternoon sun. (Although an impending storm is going to add a fresh layer of powder to the mix next week).

2. Rockin’ out at to a free concert at the base area with Bud Light Rocks the ‘Boat series.

3. Slopeside’s Ice Bar – après ski just got cooler.

4. Soaking in thermal waters at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs – one of 19 mineral springs on the Historic Hot Springs Tour through Colorado.

5. Cross-country skiing in a t-shirt and refueling with a picnic on Rabbit Ears Pass. (Pick up a to go from Backcountry Provisions but be warned, you might need a nap, it’s so good).

6. Gear sales have started in town and on the mountain so there’s plenty of bargains to snag.

7. Snowshoeing and hiking at Fish Creek Falls where the ice is beginning to melt. When it does, you can’t hear yourself think for the roar.

8. Sipping suds at the four local breweries dotted around town.

9. Road biking past miles of rolling ranch lands.

10. Taking an early morning hot air balloon ride as the valley below awakens.

Who knew that something used as a method of survival 6,000 years ago would evolve into a recreational pastime? Snowshoeing’s long and storied past has been eclipsed by technology making it a winter-sport favorite for many.

In December Condos in Steamboat guest Lesley Philip left her native Scotland, and came to Steamboat Springs to spend Christmas with the family. She didn’t ski or snowboard and according to her, she “has never felt part of the winter scene.” All that changed after a day spent tramping around the Steamboat Ski Area on snowshoes.

“It was absolutely wonderful and for the first time, I could join in with the rest of the family and share time on the mountain,” she says. For the remainder of her trip, Lesley spent multiple days clipped into snowshoes crunching over snowy terrain all over Steamboat.

Steamboat Ski Area has created several snowshoe loops that follow well-marked cat tracks and gentle terrain to Four Points and Rendezvous lodges. For those who’d prefer not to navigate the routes alone, there are multiple guided options available. Free tours are offered daily at 1 p.m., leaving from the information center at the base of the mountain. An on-foot lift ticket is requirement. Make a day of it and book a gourmet lunch at Hazie’s Restaurant, which is served prior to the tour. Make a night of it instead, and take the Moonlight Tour with dinner at Hazie’s afterwards.

Explore the nooks and crannies in hillsides and forests all around Steamboat by snowshoeing on designated hiking trails. Popular local favorites include; the Quarry Trail on Emerald Mountain, favored for the unsurpassed views of Mount Werner and the entire Yampa Valley; Uranium Mine Trail which overlooks Fish Creek Falls; and Walton Peak Trail on Rabbit Ears Pass for incredible panoramas of the south valley. Learn about local wildlife on naturalist lead snowshoe tours offered weekly by Yampatika. (www.yampatika.org)

Spend a day at any of the Nordic centers, where trails for snowshoe use are clearly marked. Haymaker Nordic Center and Catamount Ranch and Club both allow dogs during weekdays. Both offer equipment rental and full-service dining. Steamboat Touring Center is the most centrally located of the three and also offers equipment rental and a cafe.

Know Before You Go

• Dress in layers, as you would to go skiing. Avoid cotton, as there is no way for the moisture to escape, which can make you feel cold.
• Wear snow boots, or hiking boots and use gators to keep the snow out.
• Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Take snacks to keep energy levels up, especially young children.
• Take poles to maintain good balance on steeper terrain.
• Stretch legs and hips prior to snowshoeing as it is a workout and you’ll be thankful you warmed up first.
• Pack a camera – the scenery will be beautiful, wherever your shoes take you.