Happy St Paddy’s Day from us all at Condos in Steamboat. Here’s our take on spending the quintessential March 17 in the ‘Boat.

1. Festoon your being in green and avoid a pinch from the visiting leprechauns. Beads or bandanas are the preferred choice for skiers.

2. Have fellow gondola riders in stitches sharing your vast array of jokes, preferably those ones hailing from the Emerald Isle.

3. Ski St Patrick’s bowl

4. Grab a bowl of Irish stew washed down with hearty pint of guinness listening to live music at McKnight’s Irish Pub in Wildhorse Plaza

5. Don an itsy bitsy teeny weeny green polka dot bikini and soak away the hours at the hot springs.

6. Push yourself through a free work out at Anytime Fitness in Central Park Plaza and reward your efforts with a green power ice.

7. Experience the Yampa Valley’s Celtic heritage with a dancing and costume display at Casey’s Pond (4pm)

8. Join locals for dinner at Holy Name Catholic Church for their annual corn beef and cabbage feast.

9. Watch the skies turn green at the Torchlight parade and fireworks.

10. Finish the day with an Irish coffee by the fireside.

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club annual Winter Carnival is upon us which means a great many things. For spectators it is a weekend long photo opportunity. Snapping perfect pictures in snowy conditions brings endless challenges so we thought we’d share some tips from local pros with our readers.

• Snag a good viewing spot to watch the events. The end of the race line is usually a great place to catch action shots, but try to shoot from different angles.
• Use a faster shutter speed to capture action shots if you have a camera with manual settings.
• People often avoid a flash when out on the snow but it’s a must among some of the town’s most celebrated photographers.
• Try shooting with the sun behind your subject zooming in on their face, to lessen shadows and avoid them squinting.
• For the ultimate night shot at the Carnival fireworks opt for a tripod and long exposures.
• Capture quintessential Steamboat images at the Steamboat Barn (From Pine Grove turn east on Angel’s View Way). Best taken late afternoon or early evening. For the ultimate ski snap, find your way into the Aspens, shooting toward the sun, to capture sunlight filtering through the trees. Perfect on powdery mornings. Feeling energetic? Snow shoe or cross country up Summit Loop 1A on Rabbit Ears Pass where the views go as far as the eye can see, and you’ll travel through your very own snow globe setting to get to the peak.   

1. How did the Gondola earn the nickname the silver bullet?

Back in the 80’s previous Steamboat ski area President, Hans Geier commissioned a first of its kind 8 person gondola. After it had been constructed a series of load tests to ensure everything was working correctly needed to be carried out. The obvious choice for a Colorado ski resort was cases of Coors Silver Bullet beer of course. The cars were filled with beer, the tests successfully completed, and the gondola earned a new nickname.

Sitting by the window with this morning’s first cup of coffee, I’m struck by Steamboat’s beauty following last night’s heavy snowfall. The sky is still grey, filled and heavy with more snow that continues to fall lightly. The branches in a small grove of Aspen trees are moving like an infant on a trampoline, feeling the weight of their newly adorned winter coat.

This week we will start welcoming visitors back to town, following the bi-annual monthly lull between seasons.  We’ll be caught up once again playing a small part in someone’s vacation, hoping that person leaves with the feeling they’ve spent their time in a very special place.

Today is a reminder of how fortunate we are to call Steamboat home, and how thankful we are to our visitors for making it possible for us to live here. This weekend we talked to the locals who we work with, raise our children alongside, hike, bike or ski with and asked them to share their “thanks” with you, our friends at Condos in Steamboat.

I’m thankful for our wonderfully generous community members. We have a very giving spirit.

Lynna Broyles, Director of Marketing and Development, Steamboat Boys and Girls Club

I’m thankful for all the loyal visitors that come to Steamboat every year to be a part of our town. You provide me with the best job on the mountain!

Leigh Ann McLaughlin, Ski School Instructor.

I’m thankful to live in a community full of wonderful volunteers and organizations that work hard to support one another and meet the needs of the less fortunate. I also am grateful every day for the natural beauty that surrounds us. It is truly awe inspiring.

Lisa Schlichtman, Editor, Steamboat Pilot & Today

I’m thankful for the people in our community for supporting our local businesses.

Savannah Bongiourno, Owner, The Comb Goddess.

I’m thankful for the opening day we are going to have this season, so much snow!

Kelly Bohmer, Owner, All Fixed Steamboat

I’m totally thankful for all our wonderful customers and this community.

Wendy Lyons, Owner, Lyons Drugstore and Soda Fountain

The Big Agnes Team is thankful this winter to share fleece blankets and apparel from BAP at the little red house on Oak Street, Honey Stinger waffles to help get you thru the day, and new puffy coats just in from Big Agnes.

Len Zanni, Big Agnes (who promises he isn’t biased!).

I’m so thankful for all this snow.

Colin Dunlap, Ski Technician, Ski Haus

It’s all about the base, and the Condos in Steamboat crew are talking layers here. Mother Nature has begun laying the white carpet for this year’s ski season, which means it’s out with Birkenstocks and shorts, and in with long underwear and sorrels.

Every year we speak to guests asking advice about what to wear for a Steamboat ski trip. We tell them one thing; think layers. Weather changes in the Valley as frequently as a person dressing on a cruise ship. You need to be prepared for anything, and the same applies to little skiers.

We follow the rule of three.

1. The base layer – avoid cotton. You want moisture to be drawn away from the skin to avoid dampness which inevitably will make you feel miserable.
2. The mid layer – think of this as your insulating layer. Wool or polar Tec fleece make great options.
3. The outer layer – number one stipulation, it needs to be waterproof and windproof. It’s all down to personal preference but pit zips, powder skirts and hoods are also things to consider.

We may be biased but locally based SmartWool offers the ultimate solution to preparing for a day of Steamboat winter fun. Taken straight from the horse’s mouth, here’s what they have to say about their two piece solution to layering.

“Like Fibers More wool is more comfortable. Two wool pieces work together as one to manage moisture, improve breathability, regulate temperature and, happily, control odor.

The System Instead of looking at layers individually, we took a “system” approach — designing pieces that not only work independently, but together as well. Fitting together. Made for each other. Smart layers that are more efficient, with less bulk. The result?

Layered together, they don’t bunch or restrict movement, so you can focus on the trail ahead and not your clothing.”

While we’ve got most of the body covered here, don’t forget to remain mindful of your extremities.  Longtime local Doctor Steven Ross suggests always putting gloves and hats on inside before walking outdoors. Good fitting quality socks and boots will give the best chance of avoiding chilly toes. Don’t rely on a helmet to keep the cold out. A face and neck guard will keep you smiling on that cold chair ride up Storm Peak.

Last of all, but by no means least; cover your eyes. Protecting yourself from the intense glare of the sun at this altitude is a must. When it comes to younger skiers rebelling against the goggles, this is one of those times the fight is worth the fight.

Off the hill or trails, we are a pretty casual bunch, so dress down, kick back and pack that suitcase with layers in mind; you won’t go wrong.  Best case, wait to you get here and we’ll set you on the right path in Steamboat’s thoughtfully stocked stores.

1. Getting here is easy; Direct Flights daily from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul, with select days coming in and out from Houston, Ft Worth, Los Angeles, Newark and Seattle.

2. Steamboat’s mountain is a huge playground for all. Ski, snowboard, telemark, freestyle, ski bike, adaptive ski with Steamboat Stars, snowshoe, whatever your preference Steamboat Ski Area awaits everyone from the novice to the expert.

• Permitted Acres: 2,965 acres/1,200 hectares
• Trails: 165 named trails
• Trail Classification: 14% Beginner 42% Intermediate 44% Advanced
• Freeriders have Mavericks Superpipe and Terrain Park plus smaller version Mini-mav to play in all day long.

3. Your epic ski day doesn’t need to end when the sun goes down, try out Steamboat’s Night Skiing. Little ones in tow? No worries, the mountain based Kids Vacation Center (KVC) opens late so you are free to carve your way all evening, knowing junior is in great hands.

4. Try something new with Wednesday jump nights at Howelsen Hill. Open to all from the novice to the Olympian, it’s a local tradition complete with free pizza and cookies served in the old time ski lodge for participants. www.sswsc.org

5.  Miles upon miles of varied terrain awaits the backcountry enthusiast. Enjoy gliding through the forest or make your own lines careering down tree lined slopes on Rabbit Ears or Buffalo Passes.

6. Spend a day in your own snowcat exploring untouched terrain with Steamboat Powdercats. Let knowledgeable guides navigate fresh powder stashes all day long, warming up with a home cooked lunch served in a private cabin in the woods.

7. Take to Steamboat’s national parks, and explore vast snow covered lands on a snowmobile. Rev up your engines and zip all over North Routt or the east side of Rabbit Ears, just two of the Condos in Steamboat team’s personal favorites.

Condo’s own Jake Filler taking his tube for a spin.

8. Whizz down hillsides at either of the Valley’s two tubing hills. Howelsen Hill or Saddleback Ranch both make for an afternoon or evening of hoop hollering happiness.

9. Feel your inner cowboy and take to the saddle at Vista Verde Ranch or Del’s Triangle.  Cross sparkling snow covered fields on horseback, listening to tales of days gone from your ranch guide. Prefer to stay out of the saddle? Step into a horse drawn sled for an afternoon or evening sleigh ride then warm up for hot chocolate or a full homesteader dinner at Saddleback Ranch or Hahns Peak Roadhouse.

10. Kick back after a day on the snow and submerge aching limbs into a pool of warm mineral water. Downtown’s Hot Springs complete with climbing wall or Strawberry Park’s secluded natural pools never fail to leave one rejuvenated ready to take on another day of snow fun, Steamboat style.

Typically it’s the time of year in Steamboat Springs, when locals take to betting. Hedge your best guess on the first snowfall of the coming ski season?  Well, snooze you lose, it’s already been. By the morning of September 30, Steamboat Ski Area had been given its’ first dusting.  Discontent to admire from a far, several die hard skiers and boarders unearthed their gear and headed for the highest elevations on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo pass to bump or glide over what they could find.

The rest of us prefer to wait for that Champagne Powder, and it won’t be long. November 26, the mountain officially opens but will Mother Nature go on to bless us with early snowfall? It’s hard to predict, especially as this year is a La Nina year.

Taking a glance at seasons gone by, 2007 started with a whopping 17 inches in October, laying the foundation for a record of 489 inches. The second snowiest season to date was 1996/97 with 26.5 inches in October.

Keeping a watchful eye on the weather channel, it looks like September’s little dusting was merely a false alarm for a freezing Fall. White flakes are not set to return until the end of the month. In Steamboat speak that means one thing; choose a warm Halloween costume. We’ve been lucky the last few years to enjoy balmy temps for the downtown stroll, looks like our luck has run out.  Trick or treaters, you’ve been warned.

Skiers, the wait is almost over. So hurry up and snag this year’s ski trip deal with Condos in Steamboat.

For a small mountain town, Steamboat Springs sure knows how to put on a heck of a parade. This year’s July 4th certainly did not disappointment. From a fire breathing dragon to ranchers in saddles, every facet of the town’s culture was covered.

Kicking off the procession fire trucks and police cars had little ones cheering with excitement, flag bearing military got the nod from thankful countrymen, after a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

From then on it was anything goes. There was dancing in the street from Perry Mansfield and Elevation Studio, balls tossed through the air with Steamboat Rugby, a rubber ring clad swim team, chainsaw wielding forest fire fighters, giraffe on a bike, a live camel and that was just the quirky. Old time ranchers lassoed down Lincoln, tractors tooted, a longhorn mooed its way, and a Thunderbird revved up behind a Morris Minor.

Perhaps the most talked about entrant was Steamboat’s very own fire breathing dragon. Built entirely of recycled material, Charlie and Gail Holthausen’s art car is becoming something of an icon in the valley. So much so this July 4th centerpiece is heading west in the fall destined for Burning Man and the Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

Sticking with the anything’s possible theme, it seemed only right a ski town would have snow on their parade. Halfway through the procession a little flurry of the white stuff blew around Ski Corp’s gondola on wheels, thanks to the wonder of electronics.

Flag waving spectators cheered on the morning’s kid’s races, plus Nordic skiers (on roller blade like devices). Kids dived off the sidewalk for candy and Power Ice bars being dished throughout. The sun shone brightly on happy faces enjoying a tradition that each year brings out the best Steamboat has to offer.

The 2012/13 season is a year of milestones for Steamboat. Gazing out the window as the snow falls on November 10th, maybe it will be a year of records too?

We certainly will have lots to celebrate. Fifty years ago on January 12, the Mt Werner ski area officially opened taking in just over $13 on the first day with a temperature of –25 degrees F. Fast forward half a century, winter sports fans have 2,965 acres of terrain to explore and an uphill lift capacity of 41,465 folks per hour. Not bad for an old time ranching town! To commemorate how far we’ve come, a spectacular ice castle will be dominating the base area providing a magical backdrop to this years’ party atmosphere. During the month of January a smorgasbord of events awaits, from fireworks and free concerts to the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill grand finale. With its turquoise glow, turrets and throne, the ice castle will remain until April (weather permitting), making the perfect backdrop for a souvenir snap or two.

The mountain is not the only local star with a birthday. Director of skiing and Olympic Silver Medallist Billy Kidd will be 70 on April 13. A legend in the Valley, it is sure to be a day of additional fun on the hill. Steamboat’s unique winter sports club boasts 79 Olympians to date. With so many top class athletes in town, it is not hard to source some expert tips on the mountain. Keep an eye out for clinics and classes run by some of the nations champions through www.steamboat.com

Across town, one hundred years ago in February the first winter carnival was held. Created to alleviate cabin fever during the long Colorado winter, Steamboat’s much loved tradition was voted in National Geographic’s top 10 winter carnivals in the world. Not bad for a population of 12,356 folk. From February 6 –10 2013, Howelson Hill will come alive with fireworks, competitions and a lighted man led torchlight parade. Main street, Lincoln Avenue will play host to contests and parades from crazy to the ridiculous including Soda Pop Slaloms and the High School Band on skis.

It’s not just skiers who are celebrating this winter. Our incredible Strings in the Mountains Music festival is 25 years old. From contemporary to classic, over 70 concerts take place a year in the newly built strings “tent”. If you’re joining us for Christmas, then take a peek on www.stringsmusicfestival.com and pick up tickets for Michael Kaeshammer or Peter and the Wolf Puppet production.

As 2013 continues we will have even more to celebrate, but for now keep an eye on that snowfall and make sure to pack your party hat for this years Steamboat vacation.