Steamboat Springs Has A Wealth Of Winter Activities

In northwest Colorado lies a small mountain town with big opportunities for outdoor adventure. Steamboat Springs was originally a ranching community, and it maintains that old-west feel. Locals are friendly and the snow is light and abundant. In the 07/08 ski season, almost 500 inches of snow fell on the mountains of Steamboat. Steamboat Ski Resort is known for its plentiful tree-skiing through its endless Aspen glades. There is 3,000 acres of terrain for skiers of all ability levels.

Steamboat has been appropriately nicknamed "Ski town U.S.A", but if you find yourself here for a week in the winter, don't stick to the slopes. Steamboat has many other outdoor adventure opportunities. Visitors can try a new sport and take advantage of this winter-wonderland. Activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, horseback riding, sleigh rides, tubing and snowcat skiing in the backcountry. After participating in one of these adventures, visitors can utilize another of Steamboat's delightful attributes...its secluded mountain hot springs.

Snowmobiling has become a favorite pastime in Steamboat Springs. Riders come from far and wide to play in this area. A handful of local outfitters offer guided snowmobile tours, some of them operate in Routt National Forest and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Thousands of acres are open to motorized sports, with incredibly diverse topography. The terrain varies from mellow groomed trails to steep, jagged pitches. This provides fun for everyone, no matter how much they have or have not ridden in the past.

Horseback Riding over the hills and through sunlit aspen glades is a peaceful endeavor. For those who seek to enjoy the mountain wilderness in a non-motorized fashion, a horseback ride is ideal. Other options for a quiet excursion in the backcountry include snowshoeing or nordic (cross-country) skiing. These activities combine post-card perfect scenery and a little bit of exercise. Also, because hikers and skiers make a limited amount of noise, there is a great chance of spotting wildlife! Break up the excursion by stopping at a secluded igloo for a snack and a hot drink.

For a wilder ride, skiers and snowboarders can take their skills to the next level on a snowcat ski trip. A snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to move on snow. They are also know as "trail groomers" because of their use for grooming on the slopes. Steamboat is one of the only towns that has a private backcountry skiing service that uses safe, heated snowcats to avoid long hikes that take time away from skiing. These machines can drive guests up to high elevations to find abundant untracked powder. Each group is separated by ability level and accompanied by a professional guide. Even intermediate or "blue run" skiers can experience powder skiing in the backcountry. Experts are taken to different areas with steeps, deeps, lots of trees and rocks to launch off. Only one outfitter is permitted to run tours in the Buffalo Pass area which boasts 10,000 acres of accessable terrain. Enthusiastic snowboarders and skiers are sure to find more powder than they can handle.

The increasingly popular tubing hill is an activity that scores big with the kids. This isn't your run-of-the-mill sledding hill. The rolling hills are fast enough to get adrenaline pumping, even for adults. The tubing hill is groomed and equipped with a state of the art tube-tow lift system that attaches itself to the tube to transport users back to the top with minimal effort. This saves the time spent on hiking up the hill and leaves more for flying down.

For evening entertainment, try a dinner sleigh ride. Families and couples love this outdoor experience and rave about the hearty home-cooked meal. The sleigh is comfortable with a large wool blanket to cuddle beneath as powerful draft horses with jingling harnesses pull you through the snow. Enjoy spectacular views from your cozy seat as the starry night swallows up the haze of the alpen-glow. Upon arriving to the warm lodge, the smell of delicious food is pleasing, as is the taste of hot chocolate or warm apple cider.

One of the best secrets about Steamboat is the natural hot springs for which the town was named. Early settlers stumbled upon a steaming and bubbling source that lies in the middle of the present-day town. To them, it sounded just like a Steamboat. Geo-thermal activity is present beneath much of the area. There are two different commercial locations for locals and travelers to take advantage of this gift from mother nature. The minerals in the water have been said to have a healing effect and there is no denying how immensely relaxing the pools are. Each of the springs that are open to the public have been strategically diverted in order to create a variety of pools, from ice cold to steaming hot. The Strawberry Park Hot Springs allows guests to soak away their aching muscle while taking in views of the surrounding wilderness. Its the perfect end to an active day spent outdoors in the mountains.

The mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado can certainly keep you busy. Next time you plan a ski vacation, be sure to incorporate more than just skiing or snowboarding. There is so much to gain from interacting with the outdoors and so many ways to do it. Steamboat is a unique town with unparalled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Come and be active in the mountains with your friends or loved ones, its sure to produce wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.