During warm summer days the cool water of the Yampa River is a magnet for tourists and locals. Paddle boarders, tubers, kayakers, anglers and rafters all diverge beyond its beautiful banks, which led the City of Steamboat Springs to form a strict guideline for users.

• Avoid standing or walking on the river bed (except fisherman)
• Dogs allowed per leash laws
• Life jackets, flotation devices and proper footwear recommended
• No alcohol
• No bathing or diapers in the river
• No glass
• No littering
• No Styrofoam coolers
• Respect other river users
• Respect private property

Tubers can use their own tubes or rent them. Backdoor Sports at 841 Yampa Street has been running watersports on the Yampa River for years. Their published ‘frequently asked questions’ answers all you need to know about renting a tube for a float on the Yampa.

Guest: Where do we start tubing and where do we finish?

Backdoor Sports: Tubing starts from our shop location at 841 Yampa Street. Tubers will float approximately 2 miles down river to just past the James Brown Soul Center Of The Universe bridge, where there is a large sign directing tubers to exit the river and a takeout. Tubers are then shuttled back to the shop.

Guest: How long does this take?

Backdoor Sports: The time of the tube ride depends on the flow pace of the river. Generally in peak tubing season, the trip is just over an hour.

Guest: How do we get back?

Backdoor Sports: We continuously run shuttles between the takeout and the shop.

Guest: How far do we tube?

Backdoor Sports: The tube ride is approximately two miles down the Yampa River.

Guest: Can I wear flip-flops?

Backdoor Sports: Sorry, no flip-flops allowed, shoes/sandals with a heel strap or closed heel are required. We rent river shoes for $3, should you need them.

Guest: What didn’t I think of?

Backdoor Sports: If you wear sunglasses or prescription eyewear, a safety strap is highly recommended to prevent them from falling and getting lost in the river. We sell Croakies safety straps, which are available at the tubing desk. Sunscreen is highly recommended.

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.

Snow making at Steamboat Ski Area. Photo: Larry Pierce.

As darkness lifted in the early hours this morning, little plumes of moisture could be seen clouding in clusters over the Steamboat Ski Area. The snow guns were out and Mount Werner was getting primed for her winter coat.

On November 21, Alterra Mountain Company will pop the cork on bottles of Korbel and open their gondola doors for the first riders and boarders of the 2018/ 19 season.

“The countdown to Opening Day is on with the start of snowmaking,” shared Dave Hunter, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We are just about 20 days away, the excitement is building, and our crews are hard at work assisting Mother Nature to create a great early season base for our guests to enjoy.”

New resort owners Alterra, have already started to make a mark on their master development plan for the ski area. The Bear River Bar and Grill at the base of the mountain underwent a mammoth transformation this summer and will reopen as the Timber and Torch. Expanded indoor seating, an oversized deck with outdoor fireplace and barbecue grill area are just some of the changes guests will be able to enjoy.

On the snow, diners can look out for the Taco Beast, a snowcat-come-food truck for some Mexican themed fast food and new signage marking trails and lifts. Although the resort’s 2,965 acres remains untouched, plans are afoot for future developments.

As the new season starts, one thing is certain, the annual line up of winter festivities stays unchanged. The Yampa Valley’s long list of winter traditions will be celebrated on and off the mountain, in true Steamboat style. Cheers to the next winter season.

Camera

Routt County’s scenery explodes into a backdrop of spectacular reds and golds during fall. Take to the roads and leave plenty time to pull over and take photos. Favorite drives include: The Flat Tops Wilderness Area Scenic Byway from Yampa over Dunkley Pass and Ripple Creek Pass; Elk River Road to Hahns Peak and Steamboat Lake; or Rabbit Ears Pass to Muddy Pass.

Binoculars

Spot an array of wildlife on the hillsides or roaming in the valley floor. It’s a busy time for our resident moose, elk, deer and bears. Keep a safe distance and use binoculars or telephoto lenses to watch them. Never approach a wild animal and make sure dogs remain on a leash.

Keep track of local bird sightings and document your own by using the popular app, ebird.org. For instant identification from a database of 650 North American birds, try merlin.allaboutbirds.org

 Warm Layers

Plan for cooler air temps in the mornings and evenings. Dress like a local and opt for layers. Several of the nations biggest players in outdoor recreation clothing and gear started out right here in Steamboat. Check out sidewalk sales throughout fall where last season’s gear can be a steal. You’ll have to race to the rack to grab anything from Smartwool or Big Agnes.

Taste Buds

It’s not just beer and brats on the menu this season, although you can find both in abundance at Steamboat’s OktoberWest festival on September 14 and 15. Sip local brews and pedal from pub to pub, while raising money for a great cause in the annual Mustache Ride on October 6.

Dine for less during ‘mud season’ when some of the town’s best eateries will be offering specials. Hunting season brings elk to the table in tasty stews and steaks. Homegrown apples, plums and the last harvest of peaches bubble inside cobblers and pies. Get a taste of local flavors at the first ever Yampavore dinner on October 11 at Harwigs Restaurant. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the Community Agriculture Alliance.

A Costume

We’re serious here – if you come on Halloween, you will need one. The downtown stroll is one of the community’s most cherished events. For two hours, Lincoln Avenue is closed to traffic and open to ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Join the throng of locals wandering from store to store on a trick or treat quest. Dress up and take part, or kick back with a cocktail and watch from the sidelines. October 31, 5-7 p.m.

Savor a taste of Steamboat Springs every Saturday morning this summer at the downtown Farmers Market. Now in its 14^th year, the homegrown bazaar has become a platform for local farmers and artisan producers to showcase the flavors of the ‘Boat.

From June 9 to September 15, shoppers can pick up weekly groceries in the vibrant open-air setting on Yampa Street. Fresh Palisade peaches; grass-fed beef and bison, homemade cheeses and artisan breads are only some of the vast array of goodies on offer.

Saunter from stall to stall to find handmade goats milk soaps, custom jewelry and artwork, accessories, clothing and furnishings. Refuel at several food trucks, which serve up everything from crepes to curry.

Keep small shoppers happy at activity stations with hula-hoops, corn hole and crafts. Teens love the temporary henna tattoo stall. The wait is typically long, but you can give your name and reduce the time for standing in line.

Live music kicks off at 11 a.m. followed by entertainment from a collection of local performers. Expect anything from an impromptu display of belly dancing to off Broadway musical renditions.

The market runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Saturday on Yampa Street. Parking is limited downtown, so expect to walk or consider riding the free City bus and get off near 5^th Street. Vendors do not tend to offer shopping bags, so plan to come prepared.

Look out for weekly happenings at www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

Spring in the mountains is a tempestuous affair when it comes to the weather. Powder days have past for another season and summer pursuits are on hold until the snow melts and temperatures rise. Bikers and hikers are out and about but on rainy afternoons the great indoors comes calling.

Catch up on reading, peruse new book titles and unearth local folklore at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. Sit by the window with a freshly brewed coffee from the café and watch the Yampa River rush by. Kids are easily entertained in the children’s section where oversized beanbags and weekly activities lure mini bookworms.

Test your competitive spirit with a game of bowling at the Snow Bowl. Look out for disco bowling hours when the lights will be twirling and the music is pumping. If you are feeling creative unearth any artistic skills and paint a masterpiece at Splatz, located within the Snow Bowl.

Delve into local history and learn about the people and places that made Steamboat Springs what it is today. The Tread of Pioneers Museum on Eighth and Oak streets is a treasure trove of artifacts and information. Keep small visitors occupied on a scavenger hunt and make time to peruse the gift shop.

Who says ice cream can only be eaten in summer? Rain or shine, a trip to Lyons Soda Fountain for a hot fudge sundae always warms the soul. Put a tune on the jukebox and absorb the old-time atmosphere that keeps Lyons bustling all year round.

Shop until you drop on Lincoln Avenue. Family-owned and operated boutique stores offer an array of locally made creations from clothing to coffee. Step inside art galleries along the way including the Steamboat Art Museum which houses exhibitions by nationally re-known painters.

So our last activity is not indoors, but a little drizzle makes no difference when you are soaking in the hot springs. Relax in thermally warmed waters at Strawberry Park Hot Springs or the Old Town Hot Springs. Look for seasonal offers on massages and take relaxation to an elevated level.

Cloudy skies doesn’t mean the fun stops in Steamboat, it’s simply a case of changing the pace.

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

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.

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.

Yampa Valley Farms’ Josh Kilbane is feeling a little last minute pressure. Today he will deliver 600lbs of his pasture raised pork shoulder to Steamboat’s base area, the main ingredient for the town’s first ever Savor Steamboat chefs’ cook off.

A new venture, Yampa Valley Farms is the partnership between a land owner and a visionary with a passion for sustainable farming. Raised on a ranch in Montrose Kilbane spent his 20’s back packing around the US, Canada and Mexico working on farms in exchange for lodging and knowledge.

In 2010 Josh, English born wife Kristy and daughter Esme found themselves in Steamboat and decided to stay. Fast forward to December 2012 and Yampa Valley Farms began, on a diversely vegetated ranch at the foot of Sleeping Giant.

Timing is everything for any business, and for the Kilbane’s theirs’ is perfect. Around the country consumers are far more conscious about the source of the food they buy. Steamboat is no exception, with a surge of local producers popping up all over the valley. Farming at altitude with a growing season of 59 days is no easy task.

Luckily there are a handful of hardy souls on a mission to fill our fridges with locally grown delights. If you are here visiting sourcing such delectable bounty is relatively simple. Every Saturday through summer, the courthouse lawn (off Lincoln Ave), houses the Farmers Market where you can find everything from fresh bread to jerky and homemade BBQ sauce. Sweet Pea on Yampa carries a great selection of local meats and veggies open 7 days a week. Bamboo Market and Natural Grocers, both downtown boast a wide selection of Colorado products. Visit Bamboo Market on certain Monday mornings (every alternate), and you may be lucky enough to pick up fresh eggs and raw milk brought in from Fort Collins.

If you’d rather skip cooking, head to Creekside Café for breakfast and order the Local Yokel – everything from the bread to the sausage came to the plate within 15 miles. At the end of the day spend an evening by the river sampling local fare at Sweet Pea, where everything you eat comes with an address, (literally).

This weekend has a little something extra. Kicking off the summer for the first time on the culinary calendar is Savor Steamboat. Nine local chefs will work their magic using Josh’s pork in a cook off. Kids have the chance to pet everything from a Llama to a lamb, grown-ups get a vodka bar, and everyone can boogie to the live music. Saturday June 15, 3-6pm. Free to visit, $20 for BBQ pork tasting and $40 for vodka and BBQ.