Visiting Steamboat Springs at any time of the year is a great idea, but there is a special kind of wonderful that takes place during the fall. Early in the season it is quiet, the air is crisp and cool, but there is an underlying hum of excitement as ski season inches ever nearer, and in late fall, the hum reaches a crescendo when the slopes are open again. No matter when you visit, the good times will be better than you dreamed, especially when you engage in these top outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs, and the comfortable times in our Grand Adventure Company seasonal sanctuaries will be cozy and warm!
Before the Snow
Steamboat Springs is one of a handful of places in which fall is divided into two seasons, and so we will divide the story we tell into two topics: before the snow, and after the snow falls. When you arrive early in the season, you will notice that nights are already quite chilly and the daylight hours are brisk and cool, but the sun will be shining, the trees will be a mix of vibrant fall colors, and life will move at a little slower pace. Early fall—September and October—is considered the shoulder season, and wait times at restaurants will be shorter, the trails will be less crowded, and smiles will come much easier.
Take a Hike
In just a few short weeks, many of the trails you see today will be blanketed with snow and hordes of colorfully dressed skiers will be schussing their way down, but before the snow, hiking is one of our favorite outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs. There are a lot of amazing trails in the area, including the easy hike that will lead you to Fish Creek Falls. If you want a little more exertion, the Mad Creek Trail stretches out over 8 miles and takes hikers past a really cool historic barn.
Attend a Fall Festival
OktoberWest is our signature beer festival that is actually held in September when the weather is warmer, bringing joy and hops to everyone who attends. This is a two-day festival, and this year it occurs on September 5 and 6. You’ll find a vendor market, a beef cook-off, kids’ games, and a beer stroll. This is our favorite fall event, and we can assure you that it will be yours too. Downtown Steamboat is the site of this fantastic event, and General Admission tickets will give guests entry to the festival, the beer garden, complimentary 4 oz samples, and a branded 16-ounce beer glass. The Beer Stroll has its own tickets, and VIP Tickets include early access to the festival, a judge/taster role, and a branded 19.5-ounce beer stein. Finally, the games package can be added to the VIP Tickets, giving guests the chance to compete in the four different OktoberWest challenges.
Fly Fishing on the Yampa River
The brown trout are really biting in the fall! It seems we aren’t the only species that enjoys our mountain weather this time of year, and Yampa Valley Anglers offer a large number of guided fly fishing trips through October.
After the Snow Falls
Winter comes early in the mountains, and the snow begins to fall in October, changing the vibe of your fall vacation. November is when the heavy snowfalls begin, with Thanksgiving generally being the kick-off to ski season, and the quiet of early fall becomes an electric buzz of activity. Once ski season begins, your days in Steamboat will be filled with time on the mountain and après ski evenings, snowshoe trips and Nordic ski adventures. The temperatures may drop, the snow may fall hard, and spending as much time outside as possible will make this trip one you will never forget.
Come Home to Grand Adventure Company and Get Cozy
Spending cozy nights at home in your Grand Adventure Company seasonal sanctuaries will, of course, be something you look forward to at the end of every day. You can still spend some time outside, soaking in hot tubs, sitting on balconies watching the sun fall behind the mountains, maybe even taking an evening walk on paths that lead throughout the community. But it is the moments you spend inside our spacious and serene retreats that will bring a quiet joy to your heart. And as you cuddle with your favorite person in front of a roaring fire, rewatch Friends on Smart TVs before you fall asleep, or simply sit at the dining table sipping coffee and staring out at the snow falling gently (or not so gently) to the ground during your late fall visit, you may just decide that the mountain life is the only life you want to lead. Reserve your favorite retreat today!
The idea of a perfect Christmas can mean different things to different people, but the main ingredients often remain the same. Spending time with family, of course, is at the top of that list, as is watching holiday movies as the snow falls gently to the ground outside and a fire crackles merrily inside, and our personal favorite, seeing how everyone decorates their homes with colorful lights, whimsical inflatables, pixel and real Christmas trees, and a joy that is a natural accompaniment to this festive season. For some, traveling to places where temps are warm and beaches are clear is what brings them happiness, but we at Grand Adventure Company are talking to our people, the ones who prefer the original picture we painted and maybe even imagine the mountains in the background, and for them, this guide for seeing Steamboat Springs Christmas lights and displays will bring a holiday that warms the heart.
Light up the Night, November 29th, Routt County Courthouse Lawn, 6 PM
It’s the traditions that make us fall deeper in love with Christmas and just because you are traveling it doesn’t mean you will have to give up all of yours. The day after Thanksgiving, in addition to being Black Friday, is the traditional date for putting up Christmas decorations, and Steamboat Springs celebrates the right way with this quick but memorable night of lights. People gather on the Routt County Courthouse Lawn, meeting with Santa, enjoying Christmas cookies and hot cocoa, and waiting for our local fire department to drop hundreds of white ping pong balls down on them, each one marked with some sort of special discount to local stores and restaurants. The skies will be dark, the snow will be white and plentiful, and those white balls are destined to be a little difficult to find but find them you will and hopefully before 6:30 when, with the flick of a switch, the colorful lights of the courthouse Christmas tree will light up the night. This brief adventure will offer a holiday singalong, happy children, and the first opportunity to see our Main Street lit up for the season.
Holiday Balloon Glow, December 21st, Steamboat Ski Resort
Join us for an evening of sensory delight. View the beauty of four magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village from 5:30-6:30pm. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery. Enjoy night skiing and swing by Timber & Torch or The Range Food and Beverage Hall to warm up and enjoy dinner and drinks. Get ready for the Steamboat Light the Night Balloon Glow Celebration to kick-off the holidays!
Santa Visits in His Study, December 2, 9, 16, 17, & 23, Routt County Courthouse Lawn
Not everyone is going to be able to be here Thanksgiving weekend, but the County Courthouse Christmas tree, the lights of Main Street, and more than a few trees on Forrest Avenue will remain lit through New Year’s, ensuring that you will be able to enjoy a shimmering and colorful night every night of your Steamboat Springs visit. And on select nights, although there won’t be any ping pong ball drops, Santa will set up shop in his study, also found on the Routt County Courthouse lawn, waiting to hear your kiddos wish list as he poses for the pictures your children will treasure. These exciting moments are the ones you will remember long after your children have grown and started having children of their own.
Santa Saddles Up, December 14th, Steamboat Stage
Steamboat is excited to bring back the tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession. Santa will ride into the resort from the Torian Plum Area right down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square, escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. The event begins promptly at 1:00 pm and takes just a few minutes. Make sure to be here early not to miss it. Immediately following the ride, Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with guests and take pictures. Complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes will be available. Skeeters ice rink will also be open for skating.
A Very Steamboat Holiday Festival, Mid-December, Routt County Courthouse Lawn
For over 100 years, the Routt County Courthouse has represented justice in Steamboat Springs, its stately architecture adding an elegance to our wild west town, but, as you can see from this page, it has also been the centerpiece of our holiday celebrations. The dates haven’t been released as of yet for the annual Very Steamboat Holiday Festival, traditionally held the middle weekend of December, so we will update shortly. In any case, this last festival before the jolly man makes his trips down the chimney offers a few hours of fun (it starts at 11, ends at 2) guaranteed to build the anticipation to new heights of thrilling. Offering Santa in his study where a free family photo can be taken, giving travelers a wonderful souvenir of their Steamboat getaway. Outside in Santa’s Workshop, your little elves will have the opportunity to craft a holiday gift with the help of the elves from our local 4H club. Hot cocoa will be served and the snow will blanket the landscape creating a holiday picture of perfection that you will never forget.
Holiday Drone Show, December 14th, Steamboat Square
Join us at Steamboat Resort for an unforgettable evening of magic and wonder! As the sun sets on the sky will come alive around 5:30 PM with a mesmerizing drone show that captures the heart of Steamboat’s spirit and the festive holiday season. Watch as lights dance through the air, creating dazzling formations that will leave you in awe. Bring your friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration—it’s a night of spectacular sights and unforgettable memories you won’t want to miss!
Steamboat Springs Christmas Wanderings
Some of your favorite light and decoration displays may be found in the neighborhoods in which your Grand Adventure Company holiday hideaway is located. Just like at home, the communities will be filled with homes decorated in their finest Christmas attire, featuring colorful lights, whimsical inflatables, and upon occasion, synchronized music that will make you tap your feet and sing along. Our Colorado locals outdo themselves every year, and as you explore the homes around your escape, you know that in just a few short moments you will be back in your Steamboat Springs vacation rental, sipping hot cocoa, and preparing for the big day. Reserve your favorite escape today!