How well do you know Steamboat Springs? Test your knowledge and see. 

1. The town was given its name by French trappers who were confused by the engine-like chugging noise from a spring located across from the current library on 13^thStreet. It was reminiscent of an old Steamboat, hence the name.
2. The width of Lincoln Avenue – the main street that runs through downtown Steamboat, is wide enough to accommodate a cattle drive. The stockyards were on the west of town and ranchers had to move their cattle through town to the load onto cattle cars. The Yampa Valley is home to eight Centennial ranches, (they are still owned and operated by the same family after 100 years).
3. In the early 1900s, Steamboat was known for its strawberries. Around 9,000 crates of strawberries were shipped out of an area three miles from downtown, known to this day as Strawberry Park.
4. Howelsen Hill is the oldest, continuously running ski area in North America.
5. Sherman Poppen invented the modern snowboard in 1965. Back then it was called the Snurfer. Poppen, who was a skier, never actually learned to snowboard until he moved to Steamboat Springs in 1995.
6. Steamboat Springs is home to more U.S. Olympians than any other town in the nation.  Over 89 Olympians have come through the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
7. The Yampa River is named after a flowering root, which grows along the river. The Ute Indians used to ground it into flour and use it as a staple food in their diet.
8. The Yampa Valley has more than 150 natural hot springs. Since the 1800s, the Ute Indians together with the Shoshone, Arapahoe, Sioux, Crow and Cheyenne came to the area to soak in the medicinal springs.
9. F.M. Light & Sons is one of the oldest family-run businesses in the country. Last year the store, which is now in the hands of the 5^thgeneration, celebrated 115 years. Drive into Steamboat from any direction within a 150-mile radius, and you will see one of 100 yellow and black signs, advertising their wares. 
10. Founded in 1913, the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp is the longest continuously operating camp of its kind in the United States. Students from ages eight through college come to learn about dance, theatre, art and equestrian all summer long. Dustin Hoffman and Julie Harris are among the famous alumni.

The Olympic flame flies at Howelsen Hill.

Did you know Steamboat Springs has produced more Olympians than any other town in America? Luckily for us all, many of them continue to call Steamboat home and are often on hand to share a tip or two on the slopes. Next time you are in the ‘Boat seek them out – here’s where to find them.

1. Howelsen Hill – home of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and ongoing training ground for current and future Olympians. On most Sundays expect to find head Nordic coach, Todd Wilson at the base of the jump hill tempting you give ski jumping a try. It’s not as daunting as it sounds – everyone starts on the bump jump. It’s fun, free and strangely addictive.
2. Steamboat Ski Area – ski down Heavenly Daze with Billy Kidd on any given day. Look for the notice at top of the gondola to see if he is skiing that day and meet him at 1 p.m. by the start of Why Not. On Sundays at 1 p.m. improve your mogul skiing on Nelson’s Run with expert tips from Nelson Carmichael. Both activities as free to lift ticket holders. Ladies can sign up for the three-day women’s clinic, which has been offered at Steamboat for 25 years. Ann Battelle and Deb Armstrong lead the line up of instructors. Spaces are still available for March 6-8.
3. Tread of Pioneers Museum – check out the ongoing Ski Town USA exhibit at the museum on the corner of 8^th and Oak Streets. Find out how skiing and boarding has evolved over the last century and check out Olympic memorabilia.