Posts tagged Steamboat Springs

Steamboat it is. For all the missing information, look on www.steamboat.com. There is even a daily snow report from the perspective of someone who has been out that very morning riding for about an hour. It is a well-run, magnificent place, deep in the heart of Colorado.

Steamboat is a tree loving cliff dropper’s dreamland. With trees that could not have been placed better if they were planted with snowboarding in mind and enough of change of terrain across the mountain, it is pure playground. Not even to mention the gorgeous Colorado backdrop. What stands out about Steamboat is not just that it is a winter wonderland, but all the care and attention the locals give the mountain. The town of Steamboat houses many committed people who not only participate in winter activities, themselves, but also make it enjoyable for visitors. Take, for example, the guided nature tours where you learn from locals to recognize the vegetation and the many kinds of animal tracks that may be seen from the lifts. Or, have you ever been interested in a Freestyle Park and Pipe Clinic? Steamboat offers them too.
Don’t miss the First Tracks program that, for only $35 extra, lets you onto the lifts early to catch the fresh groom or fresh mountains of pow with you can follow up with an included (and very hearty) buffet breakfast at Thunderhead. First Tracks can also be included (at no cost) in a full day private lesson. Lessons at Steamboat are organized based on how many people show up in a level and what the interests of the group are. The instructors are fun loving, knowledgeable and very helpful. Many of the instructors are from New Zealand, but there are also instructors from other countries, so a snowboard lesson may include a bonus cultural lesson. The Steamboat website will be a good reference for any specifics (there are many) that I am missing in this review. Scott Anfang, who is one of Steamboat’s top instructors is written up in the January issue of Snowboarder Magazine. There is a half page about a blind snowboarder, who Scott coaches. From getting to know Scott and some of the other employees, it became obvious to us that Steamboat only hires people truly worth their weight in gold. They are all committed to the sport and to helping people improve their skills and have a good time.
There is always the constant reminder of Steamboat’s fine Western history. How do cowboys and snow sports work hand in hand? Very well, actually, as Steamboat proves through its tasteful Western atmosphere, both on and off the mountain. Each year they celebrate their history with different activities and events pertaining to the Western theme. Everyone there makes it clear that they aren’t just any old generic resort.
After raving about the awesome people and opportunities at Steamboat, maybe I should cover the resort itself. Though, it is hard to separate all the pieces. Really, Steamboat is made up of all the different features that make it the whole experience. The mountain provides a lot of option, from its backcountry, to its outstanding trees and rocks. The runs are very smooth and easy to navigate. The base area, near the gondola, is fenced off for learning and instruction and the rest of the mountain is mostly blues and blacks. Steamboat has oodles of blue runs to choose from and for the average to advanced rider there is a lot to explore. With the snow dumps, even blacks become manageable for the intermediate rider.