 |
Seven thousand feet up in the Colorado Rockies, nestled quietly below one of
the largest ski mountains in North America, sits a small ranching community
that serves as a constant reminder that the Old West is alive and well.
Never far from its ranching roots, Steamboat re mains
firmly linked to a Western tradition that sets it apart from every other ski
resort in the world.
Whether you’re stepping foot into a local pub, one of our charming boutiques
or stepping off the Gondola, the reception is the same - warm. But the down
home friendliness is only half the reason people choose to vacation here.
With 164 trails, 3,668 vertical feet, and nearly 3,000 skiable acres,
Steamboat's 6 peaks are filled with world-class groomed cruisers, bumps,
steeps, open meadows, legendary trees and Mavericks - North America’s
longest superpipe.
Steamboat is known around the globe simply as Ski Town, U.S.A.® and has
produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America, now a
record 69 and counting. Including the 20 Steamboat athletes competing at the
2006 Games, Steamboat’s Olympians have represented five different countries,
and made 120 Olympic appearances during 16 Winter Games.
And long before people
strapped on skis for fun, Steamboat residents in the late 1800’s were using
ski and snowshoes in their daily lives. In fact, Steamboat Springs recently
celebrated its 100-year anniversary. You’ll be hard pressed to find another
resort town that exudes this much history, heritage and character. Come see
for yourself why Steamboat continues to hold a special place in the hearts
of so many people. |
|
Overview
Also called Ski Town, USA® and known for its World Class skiing
facilities, Steamboat Springs was originally a summer resort. Travelers
in the early 1900s visited Steamboat Springs in the summer months for the
natural hot springs and vast hunting and fishing opportunities. Today,
summer activities span the spectrum, with three championship golf courses,
an indoor-outdoor tennis center, biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing,
and horseback riding right in town.
Location
Colorado's Yampa Valley is located just 160 miles northwest of Denver.
From Denver, take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to the
Silverthorne exit; go north on Colorado Highway 9 to Kremmling, then west
on U.S. Highway 40 to Steamboat Springs. From Salt Lake City (390 miles),
take I-80 east, merge into U.S. 40 east (exit 148) and take U.S. 40 into
Steamboat Springs.
 Elevations
Downtown: 6,695’
Steamboat Ski Area: Base: 6,900’ Summit/Mt. Werner: 10,568’
Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest: 5,500’ to 12,940’
Mt. Zirkel Wilderness: Fifteen peaks reach 12,000’ with Mt. Zirkel the
highest at 12,180’
Flat Tops Wilderness: Devil’s Causeway 11,600’
Hahn’s Peak Village: 8,128’ Hahn’s Peak Summit: 10,839’
Geographic Setting
Steamboat Springs lies against the western ridge of the Continental Divide
and is nearly surrounded by National Forest, and Wilderness areas. The
Yampa River, which begins in the Flat Tops Wilderness, flows through
downtown Steamboat Springs and eventually meets the Green River in
Dinosaur National Monument. Two ski areas, four Colorado State Parks, hot
springs, lakes, rivers, and trail systems cater to a plethora of outdoor
activities.
Climate
Steamboat Springs’ summers are mild, cool and dry. July is the hottest
month with an average high of 82 degrees and low of 41 degrees. Low
humidity and elevation combine to make the summer comfortable and
pleasing.
Population (2000 Census)
City of Steamboat Springs: 10,115
Routt County: 19,690
Area Attractions &
Points of Interest
Strawberry Park Hot Springs: 7 miles from town
Fish Creek Falls: 3 miles from town
Continental Divide Trail: Summit Lake trailhead 18 miles from town
Steamboat Lake State Park: 27 miles north of town
Stagecoach State Park: 17 miles south of town
Yampa River Core Trail: winds along the Yampa River through downtown
Steamboat Springs
Shopping & Retail
Steamboat Springs has nearly 250 shops and boutiques including art
galleries, western outfitters, outdoor retailers and gift shops for every
taste. Two primary pedestrian friendly shopping areas include Steamboat’s
Mountain Village located at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area, and
downtown Steamboat Springs. The two areas are three miles apart and
serviced by Steamboat Springs free city bus. Several other shopping
options in between the “town and mountain” are also located on the bus
route.
Restaurants & Bars
Steamboat Springs boasts more than 70 restaurants representing the full
spectrum of cuisine to satisfy every appetite. From fresh game to fresh
fish, flown in daily, every culinary delight set in a variety of
atmospheres is waiting to serve up a delicious meal with a healthy helping
of western hospitality.
|
