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Steamboat
Springs is the ideal winter destination for skiers
and non-skiers alike.
Steamboat Springs enjoys more than 334 inches of what
local experts call “pure champagne powder,”
flakes so crisp they’re 77 percent drier than
in other ski towns. The resort boasts 141 trails with
70 percent devoted to intermediate or learning trails
and the rest to gloriously open-gladed tree runs,
deep, twisting moguls, and long, fast shoots.
A longtime Steamboat resident observes, “Steamboat
is a family town. Other ski areas like Aspen and Vail
tout their ‘drop off’ children’s programs—but
here at Steamboat we pride ourselves on programs that
allow families to experience the fun together.”
Don’t be intimidated by the fact that these mountains
have spawned 43 Winter Olympians or that children
here learn to ski almost before they can walk. As
the area ski instructors are fond of saying, “There’s
a trail here for everyone and every ability.”
Steamboat Springs is the home of local ski legend
Billy Kidd. The Olympic medalist, former world champion,
and director of Steamboat Skiing since 1970 leads
a lunchtime public run almost every afternoon. With
trademark Stetson and fringed suit, Billy embodies
the best of what Steamboat is all about—superb
world-class skiing, laid-back western style, and focus
on fun!
Steamboat’s Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School
is recognized as one of the world’s finest ski
schools—and it comes with a guarantee. Give Perfect
Turn three days and they promise you’ll be able
to ski or ride with confidence.
Steamboat Springs offers a variety of activities and
diversion for those looking for a little something
different off the slopes. Hot Air Balloons can take
you high above the mountaintops for unforgettable
views of the slopes, forests, and Yampa Valley. At
Soaring Adventures, passengers fly silently above
the valley in state-of-the-art motor gliders for an
unbelievable “engines-off” experience.
Steamboat Springs is home to more than 150 natural
hot springs, the highest concentration of mineral
springs in the country. The Yampatika Ute Indians
were the first to discover the healing and restorative
qualities of the area’s mineral-rich pools. James
Crawford, Steamboat’s first settler, regularly
bathed in the pools and built the first log bathhouse
over Heart Spring in 1884.
Today Heart Spring is part of Steamboat Springs Health
and Recreation Complex in downtown Steamboat. This
complex offers lap pools, water slides, massage therapy,
weight rooms, and tennis courts.
Steamboat Springs has more than 70 bars and restaurants—from
Italian and Russian to American comfort food, and
local specialties such as elk, buffalo, Rocky Mountain
oysters, or exceptionally large portions of grilled-to-perfection,
locally produced beef.
For dining with a view, don’t miss a trip up
the Silver Bullet Gondola for award-winning continental
cuisine such as oak-smoked salmon or chateaubriand
béarnaise at Hazie’s and Ragnar’s,
enhanced by spectacular views of the lights in the
valley below.
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