Steamboat Springs is a humble, incredibly friendly, welcoming and ‘real’ community with a rich heritage, incredible snow and breathtaking scenery. I chose Steamboat as my home because I think it’s the best place to live in the world!
Each year we watch closely as the Ski and Skiing magazine Ski Resort Rankings roll out. We hold our breath with anticipation hoping that Steamboat will be ranked among the best – and no less than in the top 10, of course. Why? Because we want the rest of the world to love Steamboat as much as we do.
So, it is with great pleasure and glee that I bring you a wonderful article by Aaron Teasdale of National Geographic in which he has chosen:
The Top 25 Ski Towns in the World
Steamboat has been listed alongside the typical notable resorts, like Whistler, Aspen and Park City. (Is it ok to mention that Vail was not on the list!) However, there are a list of what my fellow ski bunny, free-heeling, powderhound ski bums might deem many of the world’s coolest ski resorts, including Kitzbühel, Austria; Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada; Taos New Mexico; Truckee, California; North Conway, New Hampshire; Wanaka, New Zealand; Niseko, Japan; Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy… and many more deserving resorts.
Steamboat Springs: Best For: Families hoping to groom the next Bode Miller
We love it when journalists understand why we love Steamboat:
Though it hosts one of Colorado’s largest and most well-known ski resorts, the town of Steamboat Springs, population 12,088, has a character that is unique in the state. Northern Colorado is ranching country, and Steamboat is still an authentic, working cowboy town that has evolved into one of the most important ski towns in America. You won’t find cutesy false-front stores here…
Three miles away, rising high above the Yampa River Valley, is the Steamboat Ski Resort, spreading white ribbons across a forested massif of six rounded peaks. Though offering less puckering expert terrain than some areas in the state, what Steamboat does deliver is its signature light powder, world-class tree skiing, and snowboarding through endless groves of aspen. The ski school is considered one of the best in the country, and Steamboat claims to have produced 79 Olympic skiers and snowboarders, more than any town in America.
Ask A Local
Teasdale delivers some insider local tips from our favorite Steamboat Ski Area spokesperson, Billy Kidd. You can read them here. For a little extra fun, here are my tips:
Best Digs
Budget: Go for a vacation rental – with lots or space, privacy and a kitchen. Let’s face it, crumbs in the bed are not fun, and who really likes sharing a hot tub with a stranger? For variety of choice, check-out Steamboat Resorts. For mom n pop service, sophistication and luxury lodging, check-out Simply Steamboat.
Swank: I still recommend a vacation rental. For uber luxury, go for Moving Mountains.
Best Eats
Cheap: There are so many options! Rex’s at the Holiday Inn is where locals and guests mingle side-by-side because the bar food, pizzas, and burgers are just so good.
Gourmet: Everyone in Steamboat will proudly tell you Cafe Diva!
Best After-Ski Party Spot
If you want to kick up your heels to loud music, then yes, Tug Boat is the place to go. I would also recommend Old Town Pub. If the sun is still out, then Slopeside is the best on-snow apres ski hangout. If you want good service, a table, a view and a good cocktail and wine list, then seek out Truffle Pig at One Steamboat Place – also at the base of the ski area. If you opt for a hot tub and a nap after skiing, and make it out a little later, go to Bella’s in downtown Steamboat for some swanky jazz, a cozy fireplace and a delicious wine and spirits list.
Best Rest-Day Activity
Of course the hot springs are a must, but rest days arn’t always about relaxation. Sometimes they’re about exhileration! Try dog sledding! Ok, so if you really wanted a rejuvenation day, get a massage, and get the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet: an Ashiastu massage with Lori at Emerald Moon Massage.
Steamboat’s Classic Ski Run
Gosh! There are so many. Locals refer to their favorite ski runs as one run, and Twister-Cane-Bow (Twister, Hurricane, Rainbow) is one of my everyday picks. Also, my heart always races on Heavenly Daze. How can you look past that incredible view!!!
Best Realtor
Peggy Wolfe! Ok, I added that. If you want more insider tips about Steamboat – especially on the best homes for sale right now around Downtown Steamboat, The Steamboat Ski Area and beyond, contact me. Plus, don’t forget to register on this website so that you can save your real estate searches, and your favorite real estate listings.
