I fell in love with Steamboat Springs during the first ski trip I made there. It just made the top 25 list of American towns to visit and that comes as no surprise to me.
Of course, if you're a skiier the best time to visit Steamboat Springs is during the winter. But remember, tourists flock to Steamboat Springs between December and March, so hotel rates will generally be higher during these months, especially around the holidays. You'll want to secure your airfare and accommodations well in advance to ensure availability.
But it you're not a skiier the best time to visit Steamboat, especially if you're sticking to a tight budget is late March or early April, right before the end of the ski season.
You may also find a few hotel deals in January after holiday travelers have left. April and May – the city's shoulder months (or mud season) – are typically too wet for hiking, but hotel prices are significantly cheaper and attractions are not overrun with tourists. September, October and November also offer more elbow room, plus picturesque fall foliage. Room rates will increase, though, as the winter season nears.
Money $aving Tip For Skiiers: Buy lift tickets online Take advantage of online booking discounts for lift tickets. You'll find reduced rates offered by Steamboat Ski Resort, as well as on third-party websites like Liftopia.com and GetSkiTickets.com.
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Having the right set of wheels is a must
You'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires or one with tire chains to access Strawberry Park Hot Springs and other mountain destinations in the winter. -
Some activities may require permits
If you plan on hunting or fishing in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, make sure you buy a license ahead of time on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. -
Restaurant availability may be limited in April and May
Some eateries close during the mud season, so call ahead to confirm a dining venue is open. -
This handy pre arrival guide will tell you everything you need to know before you arrive in Steamboat.
For Skiiers:
Depending on your personal itinerary and length of stay you may want to invest in the IKON Pass Friends & Family tickets. Ikon Pass holders get 12 discounted tickets, and Ikon Base Pass holders get 8 discounted tickets to share with their friends and family. Plus you get other discounted perks. Through 10/30/25 you can purchase this pass for 50% off the normal price. See the link above for more details.
You will need to create an account on ikonpass.com
THE Steamboat MOBILE APP: LEARN THE MOUNTAIN LIKE A LOCAL
You may also want to download this app. Access real-time information and navigate like a local. A digital trail map displaying your location, live webcams, event calendars, and more will keep you prepared no matter what the mountain throws your way.
During my first trip to Steamboat there were 8 of us in our group so rather than individually booking our accommodations we found it was cheaper to divide the cost of a 4 bedroom, 4 bath condo between us at the Steamboat Grand right at the base of the ski slopes.
Photos credit: The Steamboat Grand
Money $aving Tips on Accommodations:
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Book in advance. Secure your accommodations early to lock in the best prices, especially during peak season.
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Use budget friendly options. Look for vacation rentals with full or partial kitchens to reduce meal expenses! Dining out is very expensive in Steamboat Springs! We made nearly all of our own meals while in Steamboat to cut down on costs.
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If you're there to ski, stay close to the slopes. Choose accommodations within walking distance of the ski lifts and/or a bus stop for convenience and cost savings. Skipping the costs of a rental car, as well as the cost of parking, will help shave hundreds of dollars off your vacation costs.
If you want to stay at the base village...
People who are on a budget often rule out the possibility of staying in the base village due to the additional cost it typically presents. Thankfully, Steamboat has a range of lodging price points right in the base village.
Check out Kutuk condominiums. Kutuk condominiums are located right on the edge of the base village and just a 2 minute walk from the ski lift. They have condos ranging from 2 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms. They aren't glamorous but they provide an affordable option for those on a budget and they put you right in the heart of the action.
Photos credit: Kutuk Condominiums
Other Accommodations
Another type of accommodation to consider...
Book through accommodations companies that are an Official Lift Ticket Partner of the Steamboat Resort.
We booked through Mountain Resorts. As an official partner booked Mountain Resort guests have access to advanced purchase discount lift tickets for the 2026 winter season. In addition to lift tickets our guests also have access to deals on equipment rentals, group SnowSports lessons, night skiing and Steamboat's renowned Kids Ski Free program.
Buy an adult lift ticket (13 years old+) for 5 or more days, or rent an adult ski or snowboard package (13 years old+) for 5 or more days, get a kids lift ticket or equipment package (12 years old or under) for free for the same amount of days. We bought lift tickets for more than 5 days so Ashley skied free.
The price of lift tickets at Steamboat Springs Ski Resort varies based on the type of ticket and when you purchase them. Here are some key points:
Single-day tickets start at around $49 when purchased in advance.
Adult day passes can range from $49 to $299, depending on the date and advance booking.
Night skiing tickets are available for $69 for adults, with discounts for early purchase.
We booked a newly remodeled Club B 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with a full kitchen (stocked), ski in and ski out for a moderate price. Due to the number of nights we booked, we got 25% off. With a prime up-slope location, the Storm Meadows Club Condominiums are just a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the ski area base and offer a quieter, lower-key ambiance - which is what we wanted. This more secluded setting features access trails that directly connect your convenient vacation rental with the nearby slopes. After a day of relishing Steamboat’s legendary powder, the Right-O-Way lower-mountain run connects directly to access trails that lead right to your accommodations.
In addition, their complimentary winter-season shuttle service to the gondola, grocery store and downtown Steamboat Springs was super convenient. The Club also features a complete fitness facility with heated outdoor pool, two outdoor hot tubs, sauna, weight room and exercise equipment.
The SST bus system around Steamboat is also FREE and runs between the ski area, downtown and most hotel, condominium, restaurant, grocery and entertainment locations. The SST runs daily (schedules change seasonally) stopping at each location approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day so we could use the bus to get around for the most part.
Visit the City of Steamboat Springs website for the seasonal schedule.
The condo ticked every one of our boxes and the cost was reasonable - moderately priced.
Ski resort food is notoriously overpriced. You can easily drop $100 for a family on just your lunch. For this reason, I recommend accommodations that provide a continental breakfast and/or come with a full kitchen.
There's a tradition here in Wisconsin - tailgating. Adding some ski tailgating in the parking lot not only will save you a bundle on those overpriced ski resort foods but it's a way to add some fun and variety to your ski day. Just ask any Wisconsin Cheesehead as we've elevated tailgating to an art form!
Jessica of Skiing Kids is a Utah ski instructor and mom of 5. She's come up with some great tailgating and easy-to-make lunches as an alternative to that overpriced ski resort food. Check them out here
I'll still give you the best Steamboat Springs restaurant and dining options we found but consider tailgating lunches as a way to slash your dining costs and save your bucks for those upscale fine dining, squiggles on your plate joints as a dining out treat.
Day 1
Morning: Get settled in your accommodations. Most accommodations at the base of the slopes are pretty sizeable so you might want to do a bit of exploring so you know where everything is, wherever you're staying.
You also want to explore town and get familiar with the bus routes to save yourself time, money and parking headaches. Steamboat Springs isn't a big town by urban standards but it does get PACKED during ski season. Steamboat has several FREE buses that run every 10 minutes.
If you’re driving downtown, look for one of the long-term parking lots off of Yampa Street so you don’t have to worry about moving your car between activities!
What I love about Steamboat Springs is that it's kept its Western heritage in spite of turning into one of America's premier ski resorts. They even went so far as to make their main street (Lincoln Avenue) wide enough to run a cattle drive right down the main street! How many towns can make that claim?!
Even if you're not a skiier, Steamboat has plenty to see and do. Steamboat has a little something for everyone. If you’re looking to pick up some authentic western souvenirs check out F.M. Light & Sons, a historic Steamboat establishment since 1905. Outfit yourself to look like a local mountain resident with gear from Bap! (Big Agnes), Allens, or Straightline Sports. Find your next funky, fun accessory at Chrysalis. Discover your new favorite book at Off The Beaten Path or get some locally created swag at Ohana.
There's some really cool shops in downtown Steamboat.
If your accommodations are within walking distance of the Core Trail you can enjoy a leisurely walk into downtown Steamboat along the Yampa River. This is a really pretty walk especially in the winter and you can hear the Yampa River water gurgling under the ice as you walk along.
Afternoon: Get in the margarita zone, head over to Salt & Lime on Lincoln Ave for a twist on classic Mexican food! Browse a menu of beverage options and cozy up with some a la carte tacos. Check out their burrito bar, their street corn (one of my favorites) or Enchilada & Taco lunch special: one chicken tinga enchenchilada, one al pastor street taco, served with verde rice and black beans for $17.
Is there anything better than walking around downtown and shopping with a tummy full of margaritas and tacos? Not in our book anyway!
Evening: Head on over to Laundry for dinner: 127 11th Street, Steamboat Springs. (Yes, the name of the restaurant is really Laundry)
Laundry is located in the historic Soda Creek building that was home of the Steamboat Laundry.
This restaurant is right off the main street in downtown Steamboat.
Specializing in smoking and curing natural foods, diners enjoy Laundry's shared plate concept with a refreshingly creative menu that utilizes seasonally and locally grown products. Laundry is located in the historic Soda Creek building that was home of the Steamboat Laundry from 1910- 1977. The contemporary urban atmosphere is comfortable and inviting and the comprehensive wine selection is complimented with whiskeys, tequilas, and many tantalizing house-infused spirits. Laundry is open daily at 4.30pm. Reservations are suggested.
Everything here was over-the-top exceptional from the food and drinks to the service. It's listed as $$-$$$ but I'd rate it at more a $$$. It is a bit pricey but what you'd expect to pay in a nice restaurant in a world renowned ski resort town. We certainly felt we'd gotten our money's worth and then some.
After dinner if you aren’t quite spent yet, check the Steamboat Events Calendar for one of a kind community events! All winter long Steamboat is host to music and art events suitable for the whole family.
Steamboat Springs has a hoppin' night life.
Day 2
Morning: Have breakfast at your accommodations. If you don't get complimentary breakfast where you're staying then check out Winona's: 617 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs,
You HAVE to try one of their cinnamon rolls with sunflowers seeds and cream cheese frosting! Best cinnamon roll I've ever had and they're MONSTROUS in size.
(That's a full sized dinner plate the cinnamon roll is sitting on!) Current price: $9.36 but it's a meal in itself!
That puppy and a Bloody Mary and I was ready to tear up the slopes!
Winona's has the best breakfast in Steamboat so you can expect to have at least a 30 minute wait for a table unless you get there right when they open. It's worth the wait.
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 3 pm.
$$-$$$
Let's hit the slopes!
the latest Steamboat piste map
Steamboat best ski pistes
Steamboat, in Colorado’s Rockies, has 12% beginner, 43% intermediate, 40% advanced, and 5% expert terrain, famous for its Champagne Powder® and glade skiing.
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One O’Clock/Two O’Clock (Intermediate - Blue): Twin slopes perfect for mid-day carving with a natural flow and soft groomed snow.
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Tomahawk (Intermediate - Blue): A cruisy, wide-open trail popular with families and groups.
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Buddy’s Run (Intermediate - Blue): Named after Olympian Buddy Werner, long, steady, and iconic.
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Longhorn (Expert - Black): A steep and fast trail with few crowds and long vertical drop.
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Vagabond (Intermediate - Blue): One of the resort’s longest runs, winding its way down through mixed terrain.
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Flintlock (Expert - Black): Tree-lined and challenging with narrow fall-line sections, best for powder days.
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Sunshine Lift Line (Intermediate - Red): Fast and consistent terrain, great for early tracks.
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Quickdraw (Beginner - Green): One of the easier runs, often sunny and less busy, perfect for warming up.
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High Noon (Intermediate - Blue): One of the Sunshine Peak classics, wide, relaxed, and visually stunning.
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Chute 1 (Expert - Double Black): Tight, steep, and technical, ideal for expert skiers in search of adrenaline.
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Cyclone (Expert - Black): Short, sharp, and intense, a favourite with locals.
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Triangle 3 (Expert - Black): Off-the-map feel with excellent tree lines and powder pockets.
Would you like to see how I learned to ski? We rode on the gondola up the mountain for about 30 minutes. I'm standing at the top of this run looking at a trail that looks like it's damn near vertical. Mind you, I have not had a single ski lesson...although thankfully, I was well plied with wine. I did not know how to stop, used the edges of my skis, NOTHING. My 'friends' Bill and Bob shoved me in the back, pushing me down the slope. And this is what that slope looked like...
I'm sure I elevated the term "tree hugger" to new heights that afternoon. It was learn to ski real quick or DIE on that slope. I cannot tell you how I made it to the bottom except to say I was likely having an out-of-body experience the entire way down.
I do not advise anyone learn to ski this way!
Steamboat excels as a beginner-friendly resort, offering a range of gentle slopes and meticulously designed beginner zones. The ski school is known for its personalized instruction, helping newcomers quickly improve their skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Choose from a variety of ski and snowboard lessons at Steamboat, whether you prefer group settings or private instruction. The ski school is renowned for its comprehensive programs, from basic techniques to advanced instruction in freestyle and off-piste skiing.
Recognised as one of North America’s top family ski destinations, Steamboat caters excellently to families. Children can enjoy the Kids' Vacation Center and dedicated ski zones, while the whole family can participate in activities like tubing and sleigh rides. Childcare services are robust, offering high-quality, nature-focused programs for children aged 8 weeks to 7 years.
Afternoon: On-Mountain Dining: The resort features several restaurants and cafes that cater to skiers and snowboarders. Options include quick bites and sit-down meals, allowing guests to refuel without leaving the slopes.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Ragnar's with a Scandinavian flair in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Norwegian culture that helped establish skiing in Steamboat Springs in the early 1900s.
Now at one time Ragnar's offered sleigh rides up to a multi-course dinner at the top of the mountain. I don't know if they still do this however. When you made your trip reservation you had to make a reservation for that as well. The busier the mountain, the tighter the reservations are. You're loaded into a Snow Cat (very COLD, dress warmly in ski clothes!) and they take you up to mountain to another restaurant.
For the sleigh ride dinner you wait for the gondola. (TIP: listen carefully as to which line they want you in - it is important!) and then get in the line to get lifted up to the snow cat. You also get a blanket - you'll need it. You ride up, and then they brief you on the ride, and you get into one or two sleighs to go up the mountain.
The multi course dinner consisted of some excellent flatbreads followed by a meat and cheese plate and soup, then dinner. It was all excellent on every count, especially the attentiveness of the servers.
Like I said, I don't know if they still have this sleigh ride dinner but it's worth inquiring about if you're interested in it.
Spend the rest of the afternoon skiing.
Evening: If you're up for something a little different and some Latin cuisine, go to Besame: 818 Lincoln Avenue, in downtown Steamboat Springs. $$-$$$
South American/Spanish tapas. Amazing unique food and cocktails. Food from Peru with Paella and small tapas plates to share from Spain. A bit of Asian and other exotic tastes.
I don't know about you but I get tired of the same old steakhouse fare! Finally something UNIQUE!
Besame is a breath of fresh air!
Their tapas are marvelous. So is the presentation of their food - beautifully done!
Besame is open 7 days a week from 4 pm until 10pm.
Day 3
Morning: Grab breakfast at Freshies: 145 Trafalgar Dr. Steamboat Springs. $$-$$$
Excellent menu, great food, and superb service. At least that was our experience...
Sunday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Spend the morning on the slopes.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at one of the ski up quick serve restaurants at the ski resort.
Head back to downtown Steamboat and over to the Old Town Soaking Pools. (Preferably in the early afternoon due to frequent thunderstorms in the area.) The hot pools are mere steps away from the free town bus stop at Lincoln and 3rd Street.
These natural hot pools were first enjoyed by the Ute Indians in the area and later by the pioneers for over 100 years now. There are several different pools to relax, soak and rejuvenate in - the Heart Spring (18 years or older to use this pool), the Big Hot Pool (The shape of the pool provides lots of little corners and areas to find some privacy. There are multiple fountains in this pool and you can swim under two bridges.), Spa One, Spa Three and there's even a Baby Hot Pool for the little ones.
There's also a Splash Pool and a cold water The Icebox. Tucked away in one corner of the main hot activity pool is an aquatics climbing wall. Featured over a deep end of the pool, try your skills at climbing this wall as water flows down beside you.
The Hot Springs is an all-natural mineral hot spring that pumps approximately 250 gallons of 102-103 degree water out of the ground per minute and eventually feeds all of the pools at the facility. The water turns over completely every 15 minutes in the pools.
You will be required to sign a waiver but can do so online before your visit, as well as see admission rates here.
The only problem I had with the pools is that once you get into them you don't want to get out of them!
Evening: Dining out in Steamboat gets very expensive very quickly so most of the time we made our own meals in the condo. If that's not an option for you then give Table 79 on the main street a try. $$$
345 Lincoln Ave. Steamboat Springs.
Fish Tacos
Table 79 Food Bar offers craft cocktails + elevated comfort food that focuses on seasonality and local ingredients sourced from the Yampa Valley and Rocky Mountain Region. The ambiance is modern and sophisticated.
50% OFF ENTREES & $99 DINNER FOR TWO
50% OFF ENTREES Available Sunday through Thursday
$99 4 COURSE DINNER FOR TWO Available Friday & Saturday
They also have a Happy Hour with drink specials from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
You will need to make a reservation and can do so online at their website.
After dinner you can return to your accommodations or enjoy some of Steamboat's night life.
Day 4
Morning: If you feel like having breakfast out, then I recommend Creekside Cafe. $$
131 11th Street, Steamboat Springs.
Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining and has the best breakfast in Steamboat, using all farm fresh ingredients.
If visiting during the summer you want to sit out on the patio to eat as it is next to a creek and has a beautiful garden.
Very extensive menu and all of us agreed the food is PHENOMENAL! Everything was done to perfection.
Walk-in's are welcome but the place can get really busy so I'd recommend making reservations.
Even so, the food is worth the wait for a table.
Service can be a bit slow when Creekside is really busy but that's understandable.
We took a break from the slopes to snowshoe to Fish Creek Falls...but if you'd rather hit the slopes again by all means do so.
Fish Creek Falls is minutes from downtown Steamboat and a short 1/4-mile snowshoe down a gravel path will afford you a pristine view of the lower falls, while a moderate trek with picturesque views will take the more adventurous to Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake, deep in the Routt National Forest.
From the base, it's a 5 mile round trip to the Upper Falls.
In winter, ice climbers take to the face and hikers snowshoe the trail to the Falls.
Open year round. Daily hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
$5 vehicle day use fee - cash or check.
Fish Creek Falls is located at 34165 Fish Creek Falls Road.
From Lincoln Avenue (highway 40) go north on 3rd Street then a right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Four miles to the parking lot and trailhead.
Afternoon: Return to the slopes and if you want to try something different for lunch...
If you want to try something a little different for lunch give T Bar a shot. $$ T Bar is really a reflection of the ski life community. It's right at the base of the ski slopes so during the winter you ski right up to it.
This is an old ski patrol trailer that was converted into a counter service eatery.
Find a picnic table outside and order from one of the T Bar crew or order at the bar and get a number, then find a seat on the patio or inside.
I ordered a turkey and cranberry panini and a bowl of crawfish mac 'n cheese. Both were delicious.
Open daily 11 am to 5 pm.
2045 Ski Time Square Drive, Steamboat Springs
Ski-in-ski-out off of Right-O-Way/BC Ski-way as you come down from base of Thunderhead lift.
Money $aving Tip: Ikon Pass and Steamboat Season Pass holders receive up to 15% off food and beverage at Steamboat Resort outlets. Learn More
Spend the afternoon on the slopes.
Evening: Since we didn't feel like cooking we ordered a meal from Mazzola's Italian Diner and took it back to the condo to eat. However, you can eat in the restaurant as well.
Mazzola's opened in 1970 and has long been a Steamboat tradition. They offer a from-scratch kitchen, only the highest quality all-natural ingredients, an extensive wine list & full bar. The food and service are both great.
Mazzola's is open daily from 5 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up fast.
917 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
Day 5
Morning: Breakfast option - The Egg. 325 Anglers Dr, Steamboat Springs
Very extensive menu, good food. A favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Take a drive to Rabbit Ears Pass, about 30 minutes from downtown Steamboat, for stunning views and photo ops.
There is a slew of activities available within the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears Pass.
Once the snow settles, snowmobilers can be seen playing on the pass daily. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are common too so here's your opportunity all of you snowshoers and cross country skiers!
Photo credit: Adobe
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes for a bit, this is the place to do it. The only sound you're likely to hear apart from an occasional snowmobile is the sound of your own skis or snowshoes as you make your way down the trail. The scenery is breathtakingly gorgeous too.
The trail is easy enough for even novice Nordic skiers and snowshoers to tackle.
Highway 40 begins climbing to Rabbit Ears Pass shortly east of Steamboat. Parking for the pass is located on the highway at several points, including both a West Summit and an East Summit.
US-40, Steamboat Springs
Open year round, no admission fee.
Afternoon: Grab a quick lunch on the go somewhere and take the kids to the Olympic-sized Howelsen Ice Arena: 245 Howelsen Parkway, Steamboat Springs.
Howelsen Ice Arena is one of the only ice facility in Colorado to offer Bumper-Cars-On-Ice. And if you're like Ashley and I you're going to discover the biggest kid among you
is out there having the most fun crashing into other bumper cars!
The facility offers Public Skate, Stick & Puck, and Drop-In Hockey for all ages and ability levels.
This Olympic size rink also hosts a variety of adult and youth hockey and skating programs, as well as hockey and figure skating camps. Regardless of age, interest, or skill level, Howelsen Ice Arena can accommodate your needs. From figure skating to hockey leagues, broomball to bumper cars, birthday parties to hockey tournaments, private rentals to public skating sessions, there is something for everyone!
The biggest KID on the rink!
Bumper Cars and Public Skate
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Bumper Car sessions require a reservation. Reserve Bumper Cars on Ice.
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No reservations needed for Public Skate. Monthly public activity schedule.
Past visitors with little ones raved about the arena's bumper cars and ice skating. Many also appreciated having access to equipment like helmets and training aids. Additional highlights include the friendly staff, clean facilities and reasonable rates.
The Howelsen Ice Arena is open to the public for ice skating, ice hockey and ice bumper car rides from July to May. Each 15- to 20-minute ice bumper car ride costs $11, while ice skating is $8 per adult and $7 for each child between 6 and 17. Playing ice hockey at the rink costs $9 or $10 per person, depending on age. A combo package that includes ice skating and an ice bumper car ride is offered for $18; ice skates can also be rented on-site for $4 per person.
Located on Howelsen Parkway, the arena is accessible by the free bus on the yellow line and also offers complimentary on-site parking.
This arena is an absolute BLAST the kids won't want to leave so plan on spending the afternoon there.
Evening: After a hard day of bumper cars on ice give Primrose a try for dinner. Dry-aged USDA Prime beef and hand-cut Colorado black angus steaks, jet-fresh seafood and a curated wine list featuring over 300 wines from around the world. Your steak is cut right in front of you at your table. Their Fruit of the Sea (below) is incredible.
Open 7 days a week 4 pm to 10 pm. Reservations are recommended.
1110 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs
Day 6
Photo credit: Brewed Awakenings
Breakfast option: Starbucks has nothing on Brewed Awakenings. Their professional baristas have been brewing up their in-house craft-roasted beans for decades. And the moment you walk in the door the aroma of their freshly baked made-from-scratch pastries captures your attention. (They're every bit as tasty as they smell!)
Money $aving Tip: Check out their coupons!
Open Monday- Friday from 6AM-4PM, and open Saturdays from 8AM-2PM
It's your last day in Steamboat Springs so hit those slopes hard!
Evening: Dinner at 5th Street Kitchen 435 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs.
This is a relatively new restaurant that replaced the old (and very popular) Mahogany Ridge.
5th Street is now run by Chef Antonio, who has 2 other successful Steamboat restaurants. This one has a more sophisticated menu and a casual atmosphere.
Open:
Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Day 7
Return home.
Steamboat Springs is one of those rare towns that is as beautiful and has as much to offer during its non-snow off season as it does during the ski season.
If you're going to visit Steamboat in the off season, here are some suggestions:
One of Steamboat Springs' most popular summer events is its annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo held in the Yampa Valley.
The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo is a weekend staple of Steamboat Springs and truly one worth going to during the summertime. This event is perfect for anyone who just wants to chill and watch hot air balloons float over the beautiful town of Steamboat. The event is held in Bald Eagle Park.
If you're interested in taking a hot air balloon ride yourself, Wild West Balloon Adventures offers hot air balloon rides over Steamboat Springs.
Hot air balloon rides are pricey no matter where you go ($295 per person, must be 6 years old to ride) but if you've never been on a hot air balloon ride it's the experience of a lifetime! The Wild West Balloon Adventure flight lasts 45 minutes.
To get to Wild West Turn onto Dougherty Road from Highway 40.
Dougherty Road will turn into dirt and you will see a wooden Wild West Balloon Adventures sign.
Continue past the sign, over the bridge, and into our launch field where they will have coffee waiting for you.
(If coffee goes through you like it does me, skip the coffee. There are no restrooms on a hot air balloon!)
If you'd like to have lunch with a panoramic view, take the gondola to the Oasis Sundeck for stunning mountain vistas of the Yampa Valley and hearty American fare.
[Note: Open daily only during gondola operations in the summer season only.]
Fresh, Flavor-Forward Menu: Handcrafted sandwiches and crisp salads, shareable plates and mountain-inspired specials, local beer, craft cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. $$
Enjoy a leisurely lunch and just take in the views and mountain air.
2305 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs
There is a guided hike that includes Mt. Werner and lunch at the Oasis if you're interested.
Rent a bike and bike the Yampa River Core Trail.
The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved multi-use trail that runs through the heart of Steamboat Springs and along the Yampa River. The Core Trail ties all aspects of Steamboat together: it’s a straight shot from one side of town to the other.
The Yampa River Botanic Park is just one of the stops on the trail – a six-acre sanctuary of 40 gardens, ponds and sculptures. The pathways wind through the colorful flowers and native trees and offer a serene, meditative experience.
Photo credit: Tred of Pioneers Museum
Housed in a Victorian home with 20th-century furnishings, this museum features exhibits detailing the history of the region's early pioneers and Native Americans, as well as an overview about the city's skiing, agriculture and mining roots.
Families were especially impressed with the property's scavenger hunt and mystery geocache hidden on the grounds. Kids loved it.
There's also an interactive children's 1900's bedroom that includes try-on pioneer clothing and historic and replica toys from the turn of the 19th century. Items are ready for touching and experimentation and include books, blocks, china dolls, teddy bears, porcelain tea sets, stereoscope, and more.
Another room feature includes a drawer of odd Victorian tools no longer in use today. The “What is This?” game has historical objects for kids to hold, bend, and smell to figure out what it is. Some items are, glove stretchers, a button hook, garters, hand warmers, and a darning egg.
For even more history, travelers recommend joining the free behind-the-scenes tour, which is offered at noon and 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at noon on Thursdays and at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is located on Oak Street in downtown Steamboat Springs and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12; entrance fees are waived for children 5 and younger.
Money $aving Tip: Complimentary guided tours of the area are also offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; all visitors who join a guided tour receive discounted rates for the museum.
Visit the attraction's website for more information about current exhibits and programs.
You want to take the free bus to this museum to avoid parking hassles.
Have Yampa Sandwich Co. make you a boxed lunch.
Take a scenic drive to Stagecoach State Park for a picnic lunch followed by some hiking or fishing.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Beall
Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.
Swimming is allowed in the designated wakeless zones and swim beach near the marina. No lifeguard is on duty and hazards do exist below the water surface around the reservoir. Please take caution and swim at your own risk. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult 18 or older.
Picnic tables are located throughout the park's trails, campsites and day-use areas. Sites with both picnic tables and grills can be found at the Arrowhead, Keystone and Haybro picnic areas.
Approximately 8 miles of trails and adventures await. To complete the loop, or the Grand Traverse of Stagecoach Reservoir, link the Elk Run Trail with Routt County Road 18, to the Overlook Trail and then the Lakeview Trail.
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
The park is open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek , CO
Directions from downtown Steamboat Springs and the main street Lincoln Ave:
Follow Lincoln Ave/US-40 E
3.9 mi, about 6 min
Turn right onto Highway 131/CO-131
about 0.5 mi, less than 1 min
Bear left at Highway 131/CO-131
about 0.3 mi, less than 1 min
Follow Highway 131/CO-131
5.7 mi, about 6 min
Turn left onto County Road 14
0.6 mi, about 1 min
Turn left onto County Road 14
about 0.2 mi, less than 1 min
Follow County Road 14
4.5 mi, about 6 min
Turn left onto County Road 18/County Hwy-18
0.5 mi, about 2 min The park is on your left.
As you can see, there's plenty to see and do in Steamboat Springs if you don't want to brave the winter!
For all intents and purposes your ski trip is your ski party...because that's what you do during a ski party. You ski!
But if you can't get to the slopes and your little one still wants a ski party, here you go...
Decorations/Staging
Snow blanket
It's easiest if you start decorating as if for a Winter Wonderland party, then just add ski elements to bring out your ski theme.
Start with a simple photo backdrop and a roll or two of snow blanket to make faux snow by simply rolling it out on the floor in front of the photo backdrop. You can sprinkle some snow confetti on it if you don't plan on using the snow blanket again.
If you have artificial Christmas trees, you can use them as well.
Then begin bringing in your ski theme elements.
Refurbish an old yard bench into a chair lift seat. It's not that difficult to do! It's free standing so you don't have to hang it from anything and you can easily move it around.
I brought up my ski rack, boots and skis from downstairs and my mannequin, which I dressed in one of my ski outfits.
I added a white afghan I had and only bought the snowflake pillows.
Don't be afraid to add a touch of whimsy to your staging - as I did with the skier hanging from the chairlift!
And the great thing about this staging is that it can serve double duty as a photo op area of your party guests.
If you're not a skier and don't have ski equipment you can use to stage, skis are easy enough to cut from corrugated cardboard then paint.
Nor is it written anywhere you need to make a chairlift seat. Below is my living room wall as it looks every day of the year. (Minus the brick so you can see better) The skis are antique skis from Sweden that were in my garage. I turned them into shelves.
Perfect for a ski party...just change the knickknacks on them to more wintery/ski items.
Turn your couch into a chairlift!
For example, a good double headed snowflake projector costs under $30 from Amazon and it can be used indoors or outdoors. You just set it where you want it and plug it in and instant snowflakes flying around your venue.
My tip: Buy a double head projector for best visibility.
I'll often use LED floor spotlights as well, especially blue light to give my staging a cold look or underwater look.
The chairlift frame is corrugated painted glossy black. The chairlift sign is corrugated that I stenciled and painted. I made the ski boot lamp.
A word about lighting: Lighting is everything when it comes to staging. It can completely change the look of your staging.
Obviously you're not going to be doing theater full stage lighting...but this video will give you an idea of what you can do with lighting your staging and the effect different colors can create.
I do this with a couple of regular floor projectors that I can change the color of light with.
Blue is a cool color so brings that "chill factor" to your staging.
In ordinary daylight
Same staging under blue spotlights
Shall we heighten the Illusion of making it seem chillier yet?
Bring some "ice" into your staging.
This is just polystyrene foam sculpted with a hot knife.
After you've sculpted your ice form, lightly spray paint "dust it" in places with light blue spray paint to make your ice form more realistic looking.
Snowflake projectors are great too, especially for adding visual interest to large areas. Just be sure to buy a double headed projector to get optimum projection.
They usually run under $30 at Amazon.
Food/Menu
To properly refuel after a day of skiing, you’ll want a meal that’s not only flavorful but also balanced to help your body recover. A good mix of protein and carbs is key, especially if you’re hitting the slopes again the next day. Of course, the most important thing is that the food tastes great and you and your kids love it!
Convenience is king when it comes to apres-ski meals. Every recipe here is either quick to prepare or can be tossed into a slow cooker in the morning, so it’s ready to serve when you get home. I've also included festive ski themed party foods/snacks.
APPLE PEANUT BUTTER GRANOLA WRAPS
SLOW COOKER FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES
S'MORE SHOOTERS
Recipe below
CHOCOLATE MINT FONDUE
Recipe below
HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK
Recipe below
SKI SCENE CUPCAKES
Recipe below
SKI POLES
Recipe below
CRISPY POTATO WEDGES
S'MORE SHOOTERS
Knock back your chocolate in concentrate with these scrumptious-looking s’mores shooters. Hollow out some toasted ‘mallows, dip in dark chocolate, fill with hot chocolate (or chocolate shots!), and sprinkle with crumbled graham crackers.
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT FONDUE
Fondue makes the ideal party treat because it lets guests control their toppings and dippers *and* requires minimal work from the host during the party. Recipe here
MOCHA SALTED CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK: No hot chocolate bar is complete without a sweet indulgence. You just add these to hot milk and stir them around until everything melts.
SKI SCENE CUPCAKES
When you’re throwing a themed party, nothing is safe from the cute decor, not even the dessert! Miniatures complete the look and give you an excuse to reuse all those bottle brush trees from Christmas.
SKI POLES
Pretzels Dipped in White Chocolate with snowflake Sprinkles
Games/Activities
Skiers have a slang lingo all of their own. How many skier slang terms can your guests guess correctly?
ANSWER KEY
A = #8 Frozen Chicken Heads
B = #13 Sick
C = #2 Bombing
D = #5 Champagne Powder
E = #10 Goods
F = #14 Smear
G = #1 Apres-ski
H = #3 Camber
I = #9 Glades
J = #12 Lunch Tray
K = #4 Carving
L = #7 Death Cookies
M = #11 Huck
N = #6 Corn
O = #15 White Room
P = #16 Steeze
Q = #20 Switch
R = #17 Gaper
S = #19 Liftie
T = #18 Park Rat
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The one who gets the most answers correct is the winner and must be a Park Rat...so they win a can of cheese Pringles.
The one who gets the least amount of answers right must be a Snow Bunny so they get a carrot bag of Reese's Pieces since Bunnies like carrots.
SPIN IT TO WIN IT
I put my own spin (no pun intended) on this Christmas game by using different colored popsicle stick skies I made myself instead of Christmas bows.
For prizes I used: Mini candy bars, ski and/or snowboard keychains, lip balm, a skiing duck, Ski House Games deck of cards, skiing sticker pack, package of wintergreen or peppermint gum, ski goggles cookie cutter, gel pack hand warmers, lift ticket to an area ski resort, ski themed can cooler and money in some of the cups. You want to make some of the prize cups "duds" too like the skiing duck or 2 plastic bread bags. (An old skiers trick to keep one's feet dry and warm inside their boots)
SKI RELAY RACE
Divide your party guests up into teams of 2. You'll need to make a pair of cardboard skis for each team but don't put the soda bottles on them as shown in the video above.
Make sure your cardboard skis glide easily across your floor.
Each team starts at a staring line and must work together to race across the room to a second designated line, turn around and race back to the starting line.
If either team member steps off or falls off their skis, they must go back to the starting line and begin again.
The first team to make it back to the starting line is the winning team.
You can up the difficulty level for older kids by making them answer a ski related question correctly before
making the turn to race back to the starting line.
HIDDEN SNOWBALL
Supplies You’ll Need – Cotton Ball, Blue Solo Cups
How to Play – Place 20 solo cups on a table and hide a cotton ball (snowball) under one cup. Players have 1 minute to try and find the snowball. Write down the time each player finds the snowball, and the player with the quickest time wins.
I had a mini ski figurine from my model train layout that I used instead of the cotton ball for the snowball to give the game a skiing twist.
Rather than a gingerbread house, I made a ski chalet to putt the ball into and uaed a hockey stick as a putter.
Another take on this game...
