Steamboat Blogs

A River Runs Through It – Steamboat Springs fun down by the river

Posted on28. Jun, 2010 by Robin.

Summer on the Yampa, ski area in the background

Summer in a ski town is an experience that is hard to beat. If you only venture to the mountains in the winter to get your ski fix, you really should see how the other half lives, and plays. The only negative to summers in Steamboat Springs is trying to find the time to pack it all in, and that’s why we can only blog about it in pieces. Today’s piece is dedicated to one of my favorite amenities/geographic features: The Yampa River.

As I rode my bike along River Road, I snapped these photos with my phone to capture moments along the river. All summer long this area is bustling with activity. All along the Yampa River Core Trail there are parks, benches, picnic tables and even a few beaches leading to swimming holes.

Cool off in the Yampa!

I continued my ride on River Road , which then turns into Howelsen Parkway by the ice rink. By the way, if you are looking for a way to cool off, you could go ice skating at the Howelsen Ice Arena - no risk of sunburn in there! Or, the other great way to cool off is to get in the river. Tale a kayak lesson with the Mountain Sports Kayak School. Or float down the river in a tube.

Dine by the Yampa at Sweet Pea

Once downtown, Yampa Street offers a number of outfitters who can rent you tubes for a float. Or if you prefer not getting wet, you can find a number of restaurants along the river. You can also rent a bike and enjoy riding along the Core Trail which stretches 7 miles along the river and connects to other bike paths around town.

This is just a quick look at life along the Yampa River on any given summer day. Pictures do not do it justice, you should come and experience it for yourself!

By Riley the Steamboat blogging girl

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Top 5 Active Steamboat Events – for the Weekend Warrior

Posted on23. Jun, 2010 by Robin.

Steamboat's Running Series has 13 events

1. Steamboat Springs Running Series - Ongoing May-September

Have running shoes, will travel. Colorado’s largest running series hosts events on weekends from May through September.  A wide-variety of events and distances means there is something for virtually every runner type.

The shortest race? A 40 yard dash down the Main Street before the Fourth of July parade. The longest? A 50-miler, Run Rabbit Run. The first half of the series is primarily on the road, and then the remainder are all trail runs taking advantage of the area’s coveted trail systems and scenic bounty.

Visit their website, www.runningseries.com, for more information.

Tour de Steamboat features 3 beautiful routes

2. Tour de Steamboat - Saturday, July 17

This non-competitive road ride was revived in 2005 from a previous version, both presented by local bicycle manufacturer, Kent Eriksen.  There are three routes depending on your level of fitness or interest.

“The Classic Tour de Steamboat” ride is 110 (or so) miles that takes you over both Rabbit Ears Pass and Gore Pass. This ride is fully supported with 5 aid stations throughout the route. The “Stagecoach” route is a 40-mile out-and-back 40 ride to Stagecoach Reservoir with one aid station at the turnaround point. New this year is the “Sidney Peak Ranch” 25-ride. This is the shortest, most level route taking you south on quiet, pristine county roads through the private Sidney Peak Ranch. All rides start and end in downtown Steamboat Springs at 12th and Yampa Streets. Event proceeds benefit The Sunshine Kids.

Visit their website, www.tourdesteamboat.com, for more information.

LiveSTRONG Ride is August 8

3. LIVESTRONG STEAMBOAT Ride 4 Yellow - Sunday, August 8

New this year, The Livestrong ride is a mountain bike event raising money and awareness for cancer. Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG Foundation sponsors events around the country, this event marks the first event  in Colorado and is a benefit ride for both the Lance Armstrong Foundation and locally.

Choose one of two courses: The signature Divide Ride, still open for registration, is an epic 26 mile ride on pristine singletrack across the Continental Divide. The second ride option spins across the cross country trails within the Steamboat ski area.

A complete list of participation costs, donation requirements, sponsor levels, courses as well as event registration is provided through their website, www.ride4yellow.com.

4. Steamboat Triathlon - Sunday, August 29th

The Steamboat Triathlon starts and ends at picturesque Lake Catamount. This event attracts both local athletes and weekend warriors from around the state for whom one activity a day is not enough. Those who do not “tri” can still try the Steamboat Triathlon. Sign up as a team and choose your pleasure: The 3/4-mile swim in Lake Catamount. A 22.4-mile bike ride on paved roads from Lake Catamount to downtown Steamboat Springs and back. Or a 4-mile run on the dirt roads around Lake Catamount.  Don’t sweat the elevation, Lake Catamount is 6500 and the course peaks at the bike course turnaround at 6,969. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful course!

Visit their website, www.steamboattriathlon.com, for more information.

Stage racing is back in Colorado!

5. Steamboat Springs Stage Race - Labor Day Weekend, September 3-6

Last year this event made its debut and blew both participants and spectators away. It has been a long time since Colorado has seen a stage race, and many agreed, the Steamboat Springs Stage Race beckoned memories of the Coors Classic.

The four stages include a Friday time-trial, Saturday Circuit race, Sunday Road Race and Monday Criterium. This is an American Cycling Association sanctioned event and have a total of 9 fields racing. Even if you are not ready for competition, experience the spectacle curbside!

Visit their website, www.bikesteamboat.com, for more information.

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Fourth of July Fireworks and Skiing in Steamboat Springs

Posted on11. Jun, 2010 by Robin.

Fireworks, cowboys and a good ol' time

I love Steamboat on the Fourth of July. We have it all, pancake breakfast, children’s bicycle parade, a real cattle drive right through downtown and of course ski jumping.

Those of you have been here in winter Steamboat’s other name, Ski Town, USA and maybe you also know that the local Winter Sports Club has produced over 70 Olympians. Well there is a reason for that.

Celebrate your Independence with ski jumping!

In Steamboat, skiing is not just a winter sport. We practice year round and on the Fourth of July, Howelsen Hill Ski Area hosts a Nordic ski jumping competition. No snow needed, 80 degrees and sunny will do just fine!

Now I admit that I moved to Steamboat for the winters. I am a ski bum at heart and proud of it but as you will hear the locals say “I may have come to Steamboat for the winter but I stayed for the summers!” It’s true and one of my favorite things about summer is July 4th and Steamboat Springs is the best place on earth to be for it. I know! It’s my birthday and I consider myself an Independence Day celebration connoisseur. And in Steamboat, it’s not your average small town celebration. It is over the top!

Click photo for video footage!

I may be from Boston but I have always had a secret passion for all things cowboy. My first Fourth of July in Steamboat, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Officially it is called the Annual Cowboys Round Up Days and July 4th Celebration. Northwest Colorado is ranching country and Steamboat Springs is no exception. Lincoln Avenue, the street that runs through down town was actually constructed wider than usual so local ranchers could drive cattle down it. And every year on the 4th, Saddleback Ranch drives 100 pair of cattle right down Lincoln to commemorate our ranching history. And it is really something to see!

The cattle drive ends at the rodeo grounds (Did you know Steamboat has a rodeo arena downtown?) where the cattle take part in the Ranch Horse Competition and Rodeo where local cowboys compete against each other for bragging rights.

The calf scamble is highly entertaining

The rodeo fun doesn’t end there. The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo series takes place every weekend during the summer but on the Fourth of July is a special evening featuring the best cowboys and the baddest bulls and broncos. And for the kids there is the Calf Scramble where kids 12 and under chase a calf around the arena to grab a ribbon off its tail and win a prize. It is just the cutest thing you’ll ever see. I only wish they had this event for adults!

It’s not all skiing and cowboys; the weekend is filled with cool events.

There is the Pioneer Days block party, with free Routt Beer Floats;  the Yampa River on that weekend becomes one big tubing party, and the grand finale of course is the Fireworks Extravaganza. And it really is an unforgettable display, no idle boast!

Steamboat may be a small town but we can boast one of the biggest (and definitely the best) fireworks display in the state. We know our fireworks in this town.

A scene you will not soon forget!

Father and son duo, Tim and Scott Borden, are the local pyrotechnic experts. Their skill, sponsorship, and team of volunteers allow our little resort to put on a huge fireworks show that rivals any other around. When asked by the local newspaper, Why all the money and trouble? Tim Borden simply said, “I like this town.”

I know exactly what he means. I can’t think of any other place I would rather spend my birthday….really. You are just going to have to come see for yourself. We can help you find a Steamboat vacation home where you can rest and recover from all the events and activities! - Donna

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Top 10 Must Attend – Steamboat Summer Events

Posted on02. Jun, 2010 by Robin.

Steamboat in the summertime!

What goes on in Steamboat Springs in the summer?

We’ve been asked this question by many a guest who ski our champagne powder yet wonder what our summers are like. The truth is, this is not a question that can be easily answered… because there is so much going on ALL SUMMER LONG!

That is why we had to make this Top 10 List, and it wasn’t easy to narrow it down! Rest assured that whenever you decide to visit Steamboat Springs in the summer, there will be plenty of things going on!  Just check our calendar.

Top 10 Must Attend Steamboat Summer Events:

1. MainStreet Farmer’s Market - Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. June 12 - September 11. The Steamboat Springs MainStreet Farmer’s Market features locally and regionally grown meats, produce, baked goods, cheeses, sauces, plants, handcrafted arts and crafts, live music, hot food, and more.

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is a must!

2. Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series - Every Friday and Saturday night June 18 - August 21. Cheer on the cowboys at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo, voted one of the best small-town outdoor rodeos in the country. Gates open at 5:30, BBQ starts at 6 and the rodeo begins at 7:30.

3. Strings Music Festival - Tuesdays-Saturdays, June 26 - August 21. Strings Music Festival presents over 70 performances of chamber music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, world rhythms, and many other genres every summer. Artists include Grammy winners and nominees, major competition winners and principal players from the most renowned orchestras. There is even a youth and family series!

4. Free Summer Concert Series - June 26, July 23 & 30, August 13 & 20. The Steamboat Springs FREE Summer Concert Series is a Steamboat summer tradition with five free concerts throughout the summer. Concerts are at Howelsen Hill amphitheatre, in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs. Don’t forget your picnic blanket, chair and dancing shoes!

A must see! Cattle drive down Lincoln Ave!

5. Cowboys’ Roundup Days - July 2-4. You cannot go wrong with Steamboat Springs’ longest-running tradition - over 100 years of Cowboys’ Roundup Days, our Fourth of July celebration. Here Independence Day is always celebrated with a western flare: rodeos, ranch tours and a real cattle drive right through downtown Steamboat Springs!

The Balloon Rodeo is spectacular!

6. Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park - July 10-11. Steamboat’s  signature summer event is known as “Balloon Weekend” or “Rainbow Weekend.” For 30 years this weekend has delighted attendees as the skies above Steamboat fill with colorful hot air balloons. After the balloons, head downtown for Art in the Park where over 150 artists have their art and crafts for sale.

7. Steamboat Wine Festival - August 5-8. One of the most popular weekends in Steamboat Springs, the Wine Festival features tastings and seminars for serious wine buffs as well as those seeking to learn more about wine’s finer points.

8. All Arts Festival - August 19-22. This four day event highlights everything artistic in Steamboat Springs into one culminating cultural festival.

9. Wild West Air Fest Labor Day Celebration - September 4-5. The Air Fest is a popular family affair features vintage and warbird aircraft in a static display at Steamboat’s Bob Adams Field.  Classic cars and remote controlled aircraft shows offer additional entertainment.

Stage racing is back in Colorado!

10. Steamboat Springs Stage Race - September 3-6. Last year Steamboat Springs did something no one has been able to do for years: Bring a cycling stage race back to Colorado! This will be The Steamboat Springs Stage Race’s second year and will be an exciting spectator event.

And when you are ready to look at lodging options take a look at our summer lodging - the best that Steamboat has to offer.

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Moving Mountains Steamboat Hike of the Month – Mad Creek Trail

Posted on14. May, 2010 by Robin.

Trails abound all around Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a hiker’s paradise.  The valley is circled by the Routt National Forest and three wilderness areas: Mt. Zirkel, Sarvis Creek and Flattops Wilderness Areas. Mountains extend in every direction and the Continental Divide runs north just outside of town.

Hiking options in Steamboat Springs are endless. One great advantage to hiking in Steamboat is the trails are considerably less crowded compared to the rest of Colorado and the elevation is moderate making hiking an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Mad Creek trail leads into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness

For an early season hike, Mad Creek is one of best options. Mad Creek gets plenty of sun and is therefore one of the first local trails to dry. It is moderate in its elevation gain which is good for early season conditioning.

Length:
3 miles out & back to the Mad Creek Barn

Elevation gain:
About 500 feet to the Mad Creek Barn

Head out of town going west on Hwy 40 then turn north on Hwy 129 towards Clark. You will cross a bridge over Mad Creek about 5.5 miles from town. The parking lot is on your right.

The trail begins with a steep climb above Mad Creek canyon. Eventually it begins to even out and you will reach a Forest Service gate and beyond it a meadow.  You can take a side trail down to Mad Creek. Up in the Meadow you will find the preserved and historic Mad Creek Barn, built in 1906.

The historic Mad Creek Barn was built in 1906

If you are feeling good and would like a longer or more vigorous hike, there are options. The Mad Creek Trail turns into the Swamp Park Trail and eventually takes you into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. You can also connect to other loops and get back to County Road 129.

The shortest loop back to the trail head would be to take the old Forest Service Road (F.S. 128) which leads away from the bridge across Mad Creek. This will take you back down to County Road 129, take a right and it’s a short walk back to the parking lot.

Remember when hiking that weather can change quickly. Dress or bring layers and wear appropriate walking/hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors!

Stay tuned throughout the summer as we will post our favorite hikes.

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Featured Steamboat Lodging: See Me Lodge – Corporate Retreats Feel at Home

Posted on12. May, 2010 by Robin.

See Me Lodge is an inspiring getaway

With its commanding view of the Yampa Valley, See Me Lodge provides inspiration to all those who stay there. It is no wonder that this luxury vacation home has been the choice for many corporate retreats. The views and unique gathering spaces make it ideal for groups who desire to get down to business and build team dynamics while enjoying all the amenities of a mountain resort.

This Montana Log home offers 7,000 square feet of space including six bedrooms and five full bathrooms plus two half baths.  While staying at See Me Lodge, you can gather as a large group in the great room with vaulted ceilings and giant windows overlooking the valley. Or convene over a delicious meal in the dining room.

The "sunset room"

The home also accommodates small groups in separate breakout areas. On the ground level there’s “the lair,” which also serves as the home office and is adjacent to the second living area.   There is also an attached, covered walkway leading to a second building,  the “guest house”, with an additional living area and kitchen.

If you are looking for inspiration at the end of the day,  the “sunset room” is an outdoor, fully-enclosed gazebo furnished with comfortable leather chairs that allows you to soak in a  panoramic view of the valley and mountains while pondering your next strategic move.

After a productive day, assemble on the massive deck overlooking the valley for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Or gather upstairs at the wet bar for a few friendly games of pool.

Moving Mountains Chalets offers a variety of catering options, including  personal chef services, providing a one stop shop for everything needed for a successful executive session out of the office.  Our local knowledge and comprehensive services, including catering and private vehicle service, help create cost effective turn-key solutions for corporate groups.

Relax together at the end of a productive day

Just ask our staff how we can take care of your specific requests or make suggestions and reservations for any outings that your group desires. Leave the details to us - we specialize in personalized comprehensive pre-arrival services so that when you arrive you can focus on your agenda.

For more details about See Me Lodge, click here, or visit the online photo gallery.

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Father’s Day – Time to Play

Posted on07. May, 2010 by Robin.

Dad has always wanted to do this!

June is Dad’s turn to be spoiled.  We already figured out that mom wants to relax, get out of the kitchen and indulge in spa treatments.  So what does Dad want? How about the chance to spend a weekend playing in the dirt with Dig This, savor ribs cooked by our chef, enjoy a round of golf or hit the trails on your bike.  Our Moving Mountains team have created the perfect Father’s Day Package.

Dig This - A playground for adults!

Think childhood sand box for adults!  This is a one of a kind adventure.  You’ll spend a full or half day operating dozers, excavators and skid-loaders,  Excavate dams and ponds or move and remove sand, gravel and rock.  Don’t worry, no experience or prior training is necessary.  Safety and instructional training will be provided by the Dig This team.  Book before June 20th and you’ll receive a 20% discount on the full or half day package.

Play a Round of Golf

Haymaker Golf Course

Enjoy stunning mountain vistas from Haymaker or Rollingstone Ranch Golf Course. Haymaker was designed by Keith Foster and is an 18 hole, par 72  links style course. The Yampa River flows alongside the course and the open views will inspire your game.  The locally owned and operated clubhouse offers delicious food in a beautiful setting.   Rollingstone Ranch Golf Course is a true mountain course built into the natural landscape.  This 18 hole, par 72 course is a challenging course.  The championship yardage is 6920.

Munch on Homemade Wings, Ribs and Nachos

We'll do the cookin' just re-heat and eat!

After a day on the golf course or playing in the dirt, you’ll be hungry so let us do the work and cook for you.

Choose to have a personal chef cater in your home or opt to have food delivered to your door.  Take a look at sample menus or contact us for information on our special Father’s Day Menu.

Pack your golf clubs, dig out your bike and get ready to play.

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Steamboat Marathon Special Lodging Package

Posted on03. May, 2010 by Robin.

29th Annual Steamboat Marathon on June 6th

Kick off the summer with the run of a lifetime.  Sign up for the half or full marathon in Steamboat and let Moving Mountains take care of all your lodging and vacation needs with our special marathon package.

Relax in one of our luxury chalets, prepare yourself mentally and physically with a private in-chalet yoga class and then fuel your body with a carbo-loaded dinner.  Wake up early and let your feet carry you away!   Our massage therapists will work their magic on you after the race to relax and revitalize those sore muscles.

The 29th Annual Steamboat Marathon

Selected by Runner’s World as one of the most scenic marathons,  The Steamboat Marathon takes place on June 6th.  Avid runners love this race - it’s hard not to be inspired by the stunning mountain views as  the course descends from Hahns Peak Village, along the Elk River Valley and finally finishing  in downtown Steamboat.

This family friendly event offers something for everyone - kids 5 and older can participate in the 1/2 mile Honey Stinger Fun Run and the 10K course through Steamboat is open to just about everyone.   If you haven’t already signed up, there are still spaces left in the half (although it’s filling up quickly) and full marathon and there is no limit on the 10K course (register prior to June 5th).

Scenic trail runs abound in Steamboat

Steamboat  Springs Running Series

If you’re looking for additional races in Steamboat this summer, check out the The Steamboat Springs Running Series. This is the largest and most popular running series in Colorado.

With 13 races from May to September, there is sure to be something that suits everyone.  Choose from the Fourth of July Steamboat Sprint (400 yard dash in downtown Steamboat Springs), Continental Divide Trail Run - August 22 (16 mile trail run from Fish Creek Falls to the Steamboat Ski Area) or the Run Rabbit Run - September 18 (50 mile ultra run).

Rally your friends and make a weekend out of running followed by relaxing in Steamboat Springs!

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