Photo by Gear Crazy

Old Man Winter may be taking his time to make an appearance this year, but it hasn’t stopped Mother Nature from dusting the backcountry around Steamboat Springs in snow. While some anxiously await to make powdery turns at the Steamboat Ski Area, others are headed into the wilderness. The team at Condos in Steamboat cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for a backcountry adventure.

• Make yourself familiar with the area, use a map or app to track where you intend to go. Be aware of places to park and any restrictions. Some areas are designated only for foot traffic and others for snowmobiles.
• Never go alone and make sure others know your plans.
• Check the weather and know who to call if you get into trouble or lose visibility.
• Dress in layers, it can be cold when you start up, but it doesn’t take long to get the heart pumping and body temperature rising.
• Equally do not allow yourself to become chilled. Avoid cotton layers, which absorb moisture and will leave you feeling cold and damp.
• Take plenty of energy boosting snacks such as trail mix and have plenty of water. Dehydration is a dangerous thing.
• Take first aid supplies and a survival kit, including a shovel and Personal Locator Beacon, PLB.
• If you are new to the backcountry, consider taking a guide.

Okay, so it’s not what you think – the green movement in Steamboat Springs is more than just legalized pot. The edibles we are talking about are the wild and wonderful plants, flowers and shrubs growing all over Routt County.

Never are they more celebrated that at the annual Wild Edible Feast, now in it’s 21^styear. The annual fundraiser for Yampatika, Steamboats’ environmental education nonprofit is a favorite with every foodie in town.

The event, which suffered a one-year hiatus, due to COVID-19, is always a sellout. Diners sit down to a mystery smorgasbord of flavors, conjured up by the best chefs in town.

On Thursday, May 27 guests are invited to join one of two sittings at Aurum Restaurant in downtown Steamboat. This year’s feast will include moose, elk, antelope and duck eggs, with seasonal staples such as wild onions, ferns and dandelion leaves. Chefs will be kept in the dark to the week’s harvest, until unusual pickings such as cattail root are delivered to the kitchen.  

 “Every year the produce is always a little different based on the weather,” said Joe Haines, Yampatika’s Executive Director. Tickets are on sale for two sittings, 5.00 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Local naturalist, Mary O’ Brien and Yampatika founder, Karen Vail will give a “Behind the Scenes’ mini master class in wild edibles between sittings for an additional fee.

Out of town guests, who won’t make the event can dabble in their own kitchen by signing up for Yampatika’s virtual master class; ‘Dig In, Cooking with Wild Edibles.’

www.yampatika.org

Here’s Five of our Favorites

Are you coming to town and don’t feel like hauling extra luggage back and forward with Christmas gifts? We have the perfect solution – buy a memory.

Foodie Fanatic

MEATSKOOL Cooking Class. 

Ideal for someone who loves to be in the kitchen, and even better for those who would rather avoid the slopes at all costs. MEATSKOOL, run by Laura the Butcher is offering at home classes for food lovers.  Options include: The Art of Charcuterie Boards, Artisanal Sausage Making, Chicken Ballotine or Fried Chicken and Biscuits. Classes include a glass of fizz and plenty of chance to savor the flavors. www.meatskool.com

Family Fun

Dog Sled

Learn to drive your own dog sled across snow-covered pastures or sit back and let someone else do the mushing. Owned and operated by Iditarod musher, Kris Hoffman and his wife Sara, Grizzle-T Dog and Sled Works provide adventures suited to all ages. Sleds can take two people, (or three if you are with children under 80lbs), and a team of Alaskan Huskies will pull you along, beneath the breathtaking backdrop of the snow covered Flat Tops. www.steamboatdogsledding.com

Adrenaline Seeker

Snowmobiling

Pump up adrenaline levels by cruising through the backcountry on Rabbit Ears Pass at speed. Zip over meadows, wind through forest trails and climb to spectacular viewpoints without meeting a soul. Complementary shuttle and equipment provided. www.steamboatsnowmobile.com

Solitude for Skiers

Snowcat Skiing

Experience Steamboat’s legendary powder without the crowds. Spend a day leaving your own lines in untouched snow with Steamboat Powdercats. Climb back uphill in a comfortable heated snowcat with skilled backcountry guides who help you navigate the day’s terrain. Skiing is suited to strong intermediate and advanced levels. www.steamboatpowdercats.com

Taste of the Wild West

Horseback Ride and Sleigh Ride Dinner

Hop on the shuttle to Saddleback Ranch, a family owned and operated 100-year-old ranch located west of town. Step into a horse drawn sleigh and wrap up beneath a wool blanket for a 30-minute sleigh ride beneath the starry sky.  Savor a home-cooked meal at the Double Dollar Lodge, where cowboys will teach you a thing or two about roping. If time permits, you’ll be working off your meal with a Do-Si-Do and a little line dancing. Alternatively, arrive earlier to squeeze in a horseback ride and make it the ultimate taste of the west. www.saddlebackranch.net

Do I need to make a reservation to use my pass at Steamboat?

Reservations are notrequired for Ikon, Ikon Base, Ikon Session 4-Day, Steamboat season, Steamboat Merchant, 7 Heavenly Daze, Weekday Hall Pass, Early & Late season 3-Day Passes and Snowy Range pass holders at Steamboat, at this time. Guests who pre-book packages approved travel partners, prior to November 2, 2020 will have access for the dates of their pre-booked package.Condos in Steamboat is an approved travel partner.

Can I buy a day lift ticket when I am in Steamboat?

No, at this time single and multi-day lift tickets, not associated with a package are not available. Tickets will not be sold in person at the ticket office this year.

Do I have to wear a face covering?

It is the law in Routt County to wear a face covering to enter a building. Guests and employees at the Steamboat Ski Area will have to wear a face covering while riding in the gondola.

Will there be physical distancing at the Steamboat Ski Area?

The gondola and chairlifts will be running at reduced capacity. Mazes will be expanded to accommodate physical distancing while in line.

Is my ticket refundable?

Guests are urged to take insurance in case of cancelation.

On-mountain capacity will be limited, in particular during holiday and peak periods, and stand-alone lift tickets are currently not being offered. The only way to access the mountain is through advanced purchase packages and season pass products. 

Only guests who pre-book packages by November 2 through approved travel partners – of which Condos in Steamboat is one, will have mountain access for their reserved dates. 

“In Steamboat, we know that taking vacations isn’t as simple as it used to be,” said Rob Pearlman, President & COO, Steamboat Ski Resort and Corporation. “We want to welcome you back this winter, knowing that we are prioritizing your safety and making operational changes so you can enjoy your time on the slopes worry-free.”

The resort outlined the following guidelines for on-mountain services.

• For pass holders and pre-booked packages, additional lift-line management (specific queue times) may be necessary during holiday and peak periods. If this is the case, guests will receive further instructions closer to, or during, the season.   
• Ragnar’s and Four Points night dining will not operate due to capacity limitations on transportation to these venues. Hazie’s and Haymaker will be open with modified night dining. 
• Lodges and restaurants will be reconfigured to allow more space between tables. 
• Expanded outdoor dining options will be available at Rendezvous Lodge. 
• Advanced reservations will be required for all night dining, as well as day dining at Ragnar’s, Hazie’s, Stoker and Timber & Torch.
• Advanced reservations for Snowsports School lessons are required. Private lesson class sizes will be limited to 5 students. Group lessons will be half-day sessions with a target of 5 students per instructor. Children ages 2.5 to 4 years old may participate in private lessons with a maximum of 2 students. Childcare and group lessons will not be available for children under 5.
• Common COVID practices: We have all become accustomed to wearing facial coverings, socially distancing, practicing healthy hand washing/sanitizing, increased cleaning efforts at all high-touch points, etc. These practices will remain a priority for Steamboat Ski Resort staff and guests.

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.

Downtown Steamboat Springs/ Steamboat Ski Resort

On June 1, the lodging ban that was implemented as a safety measure in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, will be lifted. For our team at Condos in Steamboat, it brings a huge sigh of relief. After months of uncertainty, Routt County is now open to visitors.

This summer will be a summer like no other. Like everyone, we’ve had to adapt to a new ‘norm.’ For most of us in Steamboat Springs, we’ve been separated from our neighbors, friends and families. Our activities amounted to walks around the block, or occasionally, a hike in the backcountry as the weather warmed. The pace of life slowed and allowed us to take stock of what is important.

Mindsets vary on how we move forward, but there is one common thread that binds us all. We don’t want to go back to the hustle and bustle of life’s crazy pace.  This summer we won’t have the regular festivals and laundry list of events that keep our wonderful visitors coming in droves. Instead we will have our trails, rivers, lakes, mountains and meadows to play in. Restaurants, shops and galleries will be open in accordance to state laws. 

This is the summer that will be devoid of distractions that keep us from enjoying the simple things. The bare bones of this little ski town are the reason most of us chose to call Steamboat home. It’s the people and the place that keep the curse of this former cow town alive, “Those who leave the Yampa Valley, will always return.”

We hope you will return to us soon.

If you are planning to visit this summer, please pack a mask. Routt County has made it a legal requirement to wear a facemask in public, even though it is not mandated by the state.

Steamboat is gearing up for another ski season, and the recent press release from Alterra Mountain Company shared what is in store for visitors this year. We, at Condos in Steamboat wanted to pass along the latest updates with all our valued guests and friends. 

Steamboat Ski Resort prepares for the 2019/20 winter season with a load of new programs and improvements creating a better guest experience across the resort. At the top of the list for this year’s biggest news is the hiring of a Sustainability & Community Engagement Director, the $15 million new gondola and an earlier Opening Day.

“Steamboat continues to invest in its guests and the destination experience that can only be found at Ski Town, U.S.A.^®,” said Rob Perlman, president and COO of Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “We continue to work with Alterra to ensure the future of Steamboat Ski Resort is strong, and the improvements at the resort for the upcoming winter are major steps towards big master plans. A new focus on sustainability programming lead by our Director and the new gondola may be behind the scenes efforts, but the impacts of these improvements will certainly change the experience for skiers and riders at Steamboat.”

Sustainability Programming

stainability Director: Steamboat Ski Resort has hired Sarah Jones to oversee the resorts sustainability programming and community engagement efforts. Jones brings nearly two decades of professional experience in sustainability and environmental programming to Steamboat Ski Resort.  Most recently, Jones served as the Executive Director of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) since 2012 planning, executing and budgeting all programs for the organization. She worked closely with local government on climate mitigation, energy and waste diversion issues; supported the advancement of community sustainability and resilience efforts; and advocated for rural waste diversion and energy issues at the state level. Prior to her role at YVSC, Jones worked as an environmental consultant and helped schools develop sustainable practices in the Denver area.

In her new role, Jones will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing all the resort’s sustainability programming and practices as well as improving Steamboat’s operational environmental performance and further resort policy goals on climate and energy. Jones will champion the development and execution of guiding principles and an environmental management plan specific to operational performance, energy efficiency and clean energy, waste management, water conservation, education & outreach, and more. Jones will also be responsible for community outreach making sure locals, guests and the industry understand and support Steamboat’s sustainability initiatives.

Yampa River Fund: Steamboat Ski Resort is a proud to announce a $500,000 founding donor contribution to the newly launched Yampa River Fund, the largest single cash donation in the resort’s history. The Yampa River Fund is a water fund in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy and local partners that improves river flow in Northwest Colorado to sustain both people and nature. The Yampa River Fund is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect water supply, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities provided by the Yampa River. SSRC’s cornerstone contribution of $500,000 unlocked a 1:1 match ultimately allowing the resort to provide access to $1 million for the health and prosperity of the community’s main water resource.  For more information on the Yampa River Fund visit: www.yampariverfund.org

Opening Day

Earlier Opening Day: Steamboat will open four days earlier this winter season with Opening Day scheduled for Saturday, November 23. Historically the resort has opened on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, and will now shift to opening the Saturday before the holiday- allowing friends and family to gather on the slopes for more days. As in the past, Opening Day will include special festivities, a champagne toast, Olympians and more.

Lifts
New Gondola: With the installation of a brand-new Doppelmayr gondola, replacing the resorts previous 30+ year old lift, guests will be moved out of the base area and up the mountain nearly 38 percent faster than in the past, significantly reducing base area wait times. Multiple factors play into the increased capacity including the addition of 12 cabins to the line, a more advanced machine running at 6m per second versus the previous 5m per second and better tower setup, and level, walk-in cabins. The elimination of the nearly 9-inch step into gondola cabins will allow customers to load the gondola in a seamless action preventing stumbling which previously led to gondola slowdowns. The entryway and que for the gondola will also improve with an expanded enclosed area, RFID gates moved to the entrance of the building (versus closer to the gondola loading), a new guest resolution center at the entrance and new loading/unloading mats to create a smooth transition to the walk-in cabins. The top terminal at Thunderhead Lodge will feature a new exit with easier to navigate and more guest friendly stairs. Previously the stairs to the snow were steep and narrow, now they will be wider platforms with shorter rise. Additionally, the exit terminal will receive a facelift by adding a timber gabled roof to match the main entrance to the building.   The new gondola follows the same line as the previous gondola departing from Gondola Square and arriving at Thunderhead Lodge at mid-mountain. The new gondola is expected to start whisking skiers and riders up the mountain on November 23, 209, Steamboat’s winter opening day.

Ikon Pass

Night Skiing:  Ikon passholders can now access the trails after the sun goes down with access to night skiing Thursday- Monday from December through March. New this year, Full Ikon passholders receive unlimited access to night skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Ikon Base passholders can either ski the same night as they used one of their days, or use one of their days to ski or ride at night. This additional perk is best for guests arriving late in the day- there is no longer a need to wait until the next morning to get your on-mountain vacation started!

 Ski Your Pass Off: Bragging rights are part of the skiing and snowboarding experience and Steamboat continues to reward its most loyal powderhounds with the Ski Your Pass Off loyalty program. Adult Ikon passholders (ages 13 and up) are rewarded for the number of days they hit the mountain. When passholders log 10 days before the end of December 2019 they’ll earn a complimentary First Tracks ticket. From there, guests receive rewards at 10 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 days with an initial $10 dining voucher for the first 10 days and $20 dining vouchers at each remaining benchmark. Dining vouchers can be used at any Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation restaurant. Guest who ski all 144 days of the season receive additional recognition and rewards at an end of season celebration.
Retail

Steamboat Mercantile  Located in the heart of Gondola Square across from Gondola Joe’s, the resort’s newest retail outlet features Steamboat logo wear including apparel from resort partners such as Marmot and The North Face and gift items. Open daily during the winter season starting at 8 am.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton: The resort’s flagship rental and retail outlet received a complete overhaul during summer 2019 resulting in an additional 2000 square feet of commercial space, an improved rental process and more retail offerings. Located Slopeside from Christie Peak Express Lift, Steamboat Sports will be the place to go for equipment rentals of all ranges, and the latest apparel, logo wear, souvenirs and equipment for purchase.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Sheraton is one of seven Steamboat Sports^TM locations, renamed for the 2019/20 winter season including Thunderhead Peak, Gondola Square, Ski Time Square, Steamboat Grand, Delivery and Gondola Square Demo Center.

Steamboat Sports^TM– Thunderhead Peak: In its new location on the snow, trading in skis at the top of the gondola will be a much-improved experience as the resort opens a brand new building offering top of the line skis for demo and sale at the intersection of Spur Run and Tower trails.  Previously housed in the Yurt at the bottom of the exit stairs from Thunderhead Lodge, the new location for demo rentals and sales provides 360 square feet dedicated to Rossignol, Nordica, Volkl and Head ski as well as better mountain ambiance.

New Montana tuning machine: For the first time in more than a decade, Steamboat Ski Resort bringing ski tuning in-house with the latest technology and machinery from industry leader Montana. Steamboat’s rental fleet will be top of the line with more frequent tunes and the waxing/tuning specifically designed for current conditions. Guests may also drop off their own equipment for tuning and waxing at Steamboat Sports^TM– Gondola Square.

Seasonal Equipment Storage: Below Timber & Torch in Gondola Square, Steamboat has redefined overnight ski storage with a permanent Ski Corral facility. Complete with state-of-the-art racking systems, guests will be able to leave their skis and poles, and snowboards at the convenient, heated base area location at the end of the day and collect them with ease before loading the Gondola in the morning. In addition to guest overnight storage, a limited number of seasonal storage slots, including heated boot storage, are now available for long-term storage at www.steamboat.com/storage

Flights

14 nonstop flight markets: Steamboat’s air program continues to be one of the most robust in the Rocky Mountains with 14 total nonstop markets flying to Ski Town, U.S.A.^® via the major air carriers of American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. Winter seasonal flights begin in December and run through March, making Steamboat accessible from anywhere in the world. www.steamboat.com/flights

There’s nothing like being on the water on a warm summers day in and around Steamboat. One of our favorite things to do is jump on a paddleboard and cruise down the Yampa River or paddle across the lakes in North Routt. We sat down with local experts at the Paddleboard Adventure Company to get their top tips for beginners.

If you’ve never tried paddle boarding, what do you advise to get started? 

Start on a small body of flat water.  Start on your knees and always be looking out, never down.  There are so many kinds of boards out there so you want make sure you get the right board for your size and for what kind of paddleboarding you want to do.  

What should you wear? 

It all depends on the air and water temps.  It is Colorado, so you want to be prepared.  Even if it starts out sunny and clear when you launch onto the lake, things can change. Have warmer layers and proper safety gear such as a personal flotation device and a whistle. On the river, always wear a helmet and PFD.

We’ve heard about paddleboard yoga, how does it differ from regular forms of yoga? 

You always hear those who have practiced yoga on dry land say, paddleboard yoga requires more concentration, core strength, and balance since you have the dynamic of floating on water.  The boards we use for paddleboard yoga are super stable.  You really only go in when you are pushing yourself to try something new.  Otherwise, most things you do on dry land can at least be attempted on the board.  What’s the worst that can happen?  You’ll get wet.

Where are your favorite paddleboard spots in and around Steamboat? 

Depending on the time of year, the Yampa River town stretch is always good.  Early season it is a fun challenge cause it’s big water and late season it’s more technical.  I love Pearl Lake and that’s why we do our tours there.  The water can be really glassy and the views are outrageous.

Is there anything you should be cautious of paddleboarding here?

Do not wear an ankle leash on the river but one that has a quick release system attached to your PFD.  Also, there is no shame in kneeling when you feel uncomfortable in whitewater.  It is better to fall from a kneeling position then a standing one. Make sure you know and have practiced getting back onto your board once you fall off.

Be respectful of other users.  Always steer clear of fisherman and their lines.  With kids and animals, please make sure they can swim and always have them wear a PFD. The river isn’t a good place to start for anyone unless you are taking a lesson with certified and capable instructors. Also, don’t leave any trash behind.

How fit do you need to be to paddleboard?

If you’re not fit when you start, you will be after a few weeks of regular paddling.  Paddleboarding in a river requires you to be a good swimmer and fit enough to be able to get back on your board in moving water, rather quickly at times.  On bigger lakes, some people get wind blown to the other side and do not have the strength to paddle upwind to get back to the dock.  You definitely want to be in decent shape, being prepared is always better than being surprised.

To find out more about renting a board, or taking a lesson check out www.paddleboardadventurecompany.com

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.