Steamboat Springs was once a summer destination spot, with travelers coming for the healing powers of the hot springs in the area, until 1963, when what was then known as Storm Mountain Ski Area opened for business. Over the years, the region began to become famous for its world-class skiing and for its “champagne powder” snow that is so light and fluffy, it’s a luxury to be able to ski on it. Today, we at Grand Adventure Company have created a guide to a skiing in Steamboat Springs journey, offering some ideas on where to eat, where to après ski, and other activities that will enhance your ski adventures, and encouraging you to end each day by coming home to our cozy and charming seasonal sanctuaries.
Day 1: Gearing Up for the Slopes
The best way to start every day of your ski vacation is with a hearty breakfast, fueling up to ensure that your energy levels stay as high as the mountain peaks. The kitchens in our Grand Adventure Company escapes can be used for making breakfast, but not everyone likes to cook while on vacation, especially as Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery, located at 617 Lincoln Avenue, offers hearty and delicious meals that are wonderfully addictive, especially their famous cinnamon rolls.
Chances are you didn’t pack skis or ski gear—both take up so much space in your luggage—and if you don’t live near any mountains, it may feel like a waste of money to purchase, but that’s ok. There are plenty of places in Steamboat Springs that rent everything you need, including the Ski Haus. Located at 1457 Pine Grove Road, this wonderful shop has been serving the area almost as long as the ski resort has, opening its doors in 1969. Don’t forget to check in one to three days before coming to pick up your equipment, as they offer a 15% discount for doing so. The mountain opens at 8:30, but you may still want to wake up early on this first day to make sure you get everything done before you hop on the lift for your first trip up the mountain.
Day 2: Time for Lessons?
After your first day on the slopes, you may have discovered that your ski skills could use a little brushing up, or maybe after you see all the fun snowboarders are having, you may want to learn, and Steamboat Ski Resort offers lessons in both sports. Touch up your skills with a group lesson or open up a whole new world and sign up for some private snowboard lessons. (Ski Haus rents snowboards too.) When lunchtime rolls around, you may not be ready to leave the mountain, and there are multiple dining options right on the mountain, including the uniquely wonderful Taco Beast, an on-mountain snowcat that serves tacos and beer, amongst other things!
Day 3: The Best Way to Enjoy the Champagne Powder
When you really want to experience the Champagne Powder of Steamboat at its best, you may want to consider purchasing a First Tracks add-on to your ski passes. Giving skiers the opportunity to be the first on the mountain, experiencing the freshly fallen snow at its best, there aren’t a lot of tickets available, so be sure to purchase well in advance. First Tracks ticket holders will have access to the terrains that can be reached by three different lifts—Sundown Express, Sunshine, and South Peak—boarding ahead of the general public when skiing in Steamboat Springs.
This will be another early start to your day, as you have to meet at the above lifts between 8 AM and 8:15 AM, but we don’t think you will mind. Today might be a good one to head back early to your Grand Adventure Company retreat, maybe partaking in the healing benefits of the private hot tub that you were so wise in making sure that the property you rented offered one. After three full days on the slopes, you will probably be more than ready for a little bit of a break.
Day 4: Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs is a Sweet Delight
Of course, if you aren’t willing to put an early end to your mountain adventures on day three, you could take a break from the slopes altogether and head to Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs for adventures of the most relaxing kind. Offering the chance to see why summer visits were so popular back in the day, the health benefits of the natural springs are rumored to outweigh that of the hot tub you were contemplating earlier. Remember, local law requires that you have a 4WD or AWD vehicle to drive to the Hot Springs or book with one of the Hot Springs Shuttle companies and they will do the driving for you.
Day 5: Free Day to Explore
On this last day in Steamboat Springs, you may want to take some time to explore the amenities of your Grand Adventure Company Colorado retreat (that hot tub sure is inviting), investigate the joy of après ski at the T Bar, located at the base of the mountain near Ski Time Square and the Torian Plum, or enjoy a great meal at Table 79 Foodbar, located downtown, at 345 Lincoln Avenue. All of the suggestions listed above are just that suggestions, designed to give our guests some ideas on how to fill their hours in Steamboat Springs. Reserve your favorite escape today and be sure to check out our Steamboat ski-in ski-out vacation rentals as well!