Steamboat Springs: Don't miss the 'Boat
Written: Jan 18 '00 (Updated Mar 23 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wide range of terrain for all skill levels, a family-oriented resort.
Cons: Snowboarders are not the most popular people on the mountain.
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| Lambira's Full Review: Steamboat |
Steamboat is a top-notch resort with some of the best snow in the U.S. (their self-proclaimed ‘champagne powder’ is everything they promise it will be). It’s easy to access from Denver; you can either fly into Hayden Airport or drive or take a shuttle from Stapleton. It takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic, average driving speed, and the number of wild animals that you have to swerve to avoid because they run in front of your car. We narrowly missed a deer, a rabbit, a wolf, and a fox. The overall resort experience is outstanding, here’s a thumbnail sketch of some recommended things to do while in town.
ACCOMMODATIONS
This year, I stayed at Snow Flower, a short, calf-muscle-jerking 5 minute walk to the main gondola. Any of the condo units in this area plus the Sheraton are convenient and all offer similar amenities. If you’re on a budget, check out the motels in Steamboat proper; or for a central location at cheap prices (albeit spartan décor) try the Best Western Ptarmigan. If price is not a concern, they’re building a huge new hotel, the Steamboat Grand, which will be a luxury resort ready for next season.
SKIING/RIDING
The mountain is huge and has a wide range of terrain. As a strong intermediate snowboarder, my favorite part of the mountain is the Sunshine Peak. The trails are long, wide, and a lot less crowded than the area served by the main gondola. Another terrific area is the Mt. Werner peak, which serves some of the bowls and the Pony Express lift area. There are also a few terrain parks to practice your tricks.
There are lots of single people and snowboarders, but the mountain hosts a lot of families, which tend to be a little more old school. I asked a pair of skiers if I could ride the 3-man lift up with them. They gave me a look you might give a pile of someone else’s used Kleenex before consenting, and vigorously ignored me the whole way up while muttering expletives about snowboarders under their breath.
NIGHTLIFE
You can eat back every single calorie you burned on the mountain at the great restaurants in town. Three that I recommend are Riggio’s (Italian), where we had a salmon dish that was a life-altering experience. It was THAT GOOD. Antares has eclectic American cuisine, and is comfortable and tasty although a bit on the pricier side. Finally, Harwig’s has lobster mashed potatoes that are to die for. If you feel like eating and drinking in your condo, there are grocery stores and the Bottleneck Wine Shop on Lincoln Avenue, which has a great selection (Frog’s Leap!!!) and a knowledgeable staff.
There are a couple of bars in town and the Gondola Village, notably the Tugboat which always has some reject band playing. The acts are usually entertaining, but probably not in the way they’d hoped.
MISC ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS
Strawberrie Springs, consisting of four or five natural hot spring pools carved out of the side of the mountain, is definitely a great place to visit. It’s about a half hour drive; drive yourself or take a shuttle. Go when it’s dark, or prepare for an eyeful of the unwashed masses bulging from their bathing suits. Bring a plastic bag for your clothes, along with plenty of towels and an extra blanket, or you’ll freeze your patoot off after you get out of the water.
If you happen to be in Steamboat over the Martin Luther King weekend, the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is a must-watch. On the one-day event, real bronc-ridin’ cowboys learn to ski in the morning and then race each other in the afternoon. It’s sheer lunacy. I asked one cowboy why he did it and he said, “Well, ma’am, I figure it’s safer than rodeo ridin’ because if you get bucked off the skis, they don’t try to trample you after.” Logic that I could not argue with. The cowboys crash gates and have spectacular, gear-flinging, chap-busting wipeouts. The whole competition is part ski race, part roller derby, and part boxing match.
Steamboat is great for couples and families; it’s a terrific overall experience. Stay as many days as you can, and you’re bound to catch a snowstorm that will knock your skis off.
Recommended:
Yes
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Lambira
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Location: bumble
Reviews written: 133
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About Me:
Finicky and allergy-ridden, I often display a holier-than-thou attitude to compensate for a boring life.
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