We have it on the greatest authority that not everyone likes to travel during the holidays, and we have to say we get it. Holidays are about home and hearth, extended family, and traditions that are repeated year after year, and travel can interfere with most of the above. But we at Grand Adventure Company also understand that the holiday season can be taxing, especially as you eat too much, spend too much, and try to cram too many activities in your already over-full hours of the day, which is why we suggest a pre-holiday escape to the mountains of Steamboat Springs, building up your levels of serenity and relaxation in preparation for those busy days ahead. This guide to four ways to explore Steamboat will show you why this is a great idea!
All the Colors of the Season
As you read this, we are nearing the end of fall color season and the beginning of winter snow season, but through the middle of October is still prime leaf peeping time. The Colorado colors of autumn trees are slightly different from those in other parts of the country, with our famous aspen trees turning to fiery shades of gold, orange, and a touch of crimson, painting a dramatic backdrop to all your fall adventures.
You may not want to do more than sit out on the balcony, breathing in crisp mountain air as you take in the sight of the mountain and the fiery trees rustling as the wind moves through them. This is perfectly ok with us; the months that lie ahead are sure to be chaotic ones, and these moments of luxurious laziness and cozy peacefulness will help you prepare.
Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Shopping
You know you are going to be shopping anyway, so it won’t take that much more effort to start adding to your holiday gift closet, especially when you see the shops we have in store for you. Our downtown area offers that charm and appeal all Colorado small mountain towns seem to provide, and the shops you will find here will make it easy to find gifts for the most difficult people on your list. Moose Mountain Trading Co, located at 824 Lincoln Avenue, may be where you cross off all your names on that list, offering jewelry, candles, souvenirs, even snow globes that will remind you of your mountain retreat and perhaps end up being a gift to yourself!
Hot Springs Adventures
We’re going to talk a lot about relaxing in these paragraphs. We know it is important that you return to real life ready to face the trials and triumphs of the holiday season, and not needing a “vacation from your vacation,” and so it is off to the hot springs we are suggesting you go. There are two in town, Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs, both offering heated and mineral enriched waters but uniquely different experiences. The Old Town Hot Springs, located at 136 Lincoln Avenue, is a family friendly destination with childcare, slides, and a fitness center, while Strawberry Park, located at 44200 Co Road 36, features a more rustic adventure, simply offering a selection of pools divided by stone walls.
Relax at Home with Grand Adventure Company
We can’t stress enough the importance of spoiling yourself during this pre-holiday vacation in Steamboat Springs, and relaxing at home may be the best way to do so. Enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire as you sip wine and read the books you have been meaning to get to, dine on takeout meals in your comfy clothes while gathered around dining room tables that may offer views of the television (It’s football season!), or simply sleep in late every morning of your stay. Before long you will be back home, getting up early to go to work, staying up late to wrap, clean, or cook, and the memories of your relaxation moments in our Grand Adventure Company pre-holiday hideaways will help give you the strength for what lies ahead. Reserve your favorite property today!
With winter in full swing, the streets of Steamboat Springs can get crowded and not just because Steamboat Resort is open for business. The restaurants seem to make their best meals when the temps are in the snowy zone and the downtown shops are filled with all manner of wonderful things, items that once you see you won’t be able to get them out of your mind until they are in your pocket. And what about the event schedule? We at Grand Adventure Company are thrilled to tell you about two of our favorite Steamboat Springs events that take place in the month of February, the Winter Carnival and Winter Wondergrass Festival, both of which will enhance your stay, a stay that is already pretty great because you are staying with us.
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, February 5 Through February 9, Various Locations
Winter can be harsh in this part of Colorado and 112 years ago it was even worse. Central heating had yet to be invented and although more people were starting to drive cars (which didn’t have heaters either) the major mode of transportation was horse and carriage. Being cold all of the time is exhausting, and the gunmetal gray hue of winter skies could be most depressing, and some wise soul thought as winter draws nearer to its end, a good party should be held to celebrate, and Winter Carnival was born. Today, the festival is one of the most popular Steamboat Springs events, offering five days of events, entertainment, food, and beverage, and serving as a most delightful celebration of the season.
Steamboat Cross Country Parent/Child Relay, Airbag Demonstrations, and More!
Cross country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, is popular in Steamboat and the Cross-Country Parent/Child Relay will give you a fun opportunity to discover why on the first day of the festival. On other days, there will be remaining ski opportunities, either to watch or to participate in, including a thrilling demonstration of freestyle, free skiing, and snowboarders all showing off their magic skills. The Powder Tools Community Jam Session, Family Duals, and ski jumping and ski ballet offer more ways to celebrate the snow, are just a few ways you can enjoy the snowy adventures.
Snow Sculpture Viewing, S’More Family Fun Party, First Friday Art Walk
The five days of the festival are jam packed with celebratory activities, so many we can’t even begin to list them all here. Check out the work of talented snow sculptors, enjoy a sweet treat with your family, and because this takes place during the first Friday of the month, the First Friday Art Walk will appeal to your cultured side.
The Main Street events that take place on Saturday & Sunday offer a plethora of activities the whole family will love, with perhaps the most exciting being the horses that pull kids around on skis and snowboards. A pancake breakfast will be loved by all, and the Night Extravaganza lights up the night with a procession of skiers showing off while illuminated by flares and LED lights.
Winter Wondergrass Festival, February 28th through March 2nd
The beauty of winter continues to be celebrated with this second festival of February, the Winter Wondergrass Festival, this three-day festival adds an incredible lineup of musicians appearing on multiple stages across town. Grass after Dark is an add-on event, continuing the performances at local venues late into the night, and its Annual Thursday night dinner known as the mountaintop dinner, will introduce guests to the delights of mountain views, delicious food, and even more live entertainment.
Camp Coletrain workshops explore the wonder of acoustic guitars. And although it will cost to attend most of the activities listed here, on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, guests can experience the joy of music in the form of a selection of free concerts held at the base of the Gondola from noon to 5 PM on Thursday and at Thunderhead Lounge from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday. A kids’ zone, ski opportunities, and an overwhelming since of fun, peace, and happiness will be yours when you attend the Winter Wondergrass Festival.
Comfortable Adventures with Grand Adventure Company
However you fill those daylight and evening hours during either of the two festivals listed above, coming home every night to our Grand Adventure Company seasonal sanctuaries will bring you comfortable adventures you will never forget.
Offering fireplaces and hot tubs that will keep you warm while adding a touch of romance to your Colorado adventures, fully equipped kitchens and the most comfortable bedrooms in the state, every minute with us will be your favorite ones. Reserve your favorite winter wonder retreat today and discover the joy of snow, cold air, and comfort every night of your February stay!