14 � MIDWEST SKIER 2010/2011 DIRECTORY � www.skicmsc.com

NBy Vanessa Day

Nestled in Routt National Park in the northwest region ofColorado, Steamboat Springs is a classic ski town that has stayed true to its cultural roots. Humble beginnings as a ranching town have helped Steamboat maintain asmall-town feel, while the state-of-the-art ski resort honorsthe town’s long history with the sport.

“Steamboat Ski Resort and the town of Steamboat Springsoffer the ideal winter vacation for families and friends of all ages,” says Loryn Kasten, public relations manager for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “With daily flights fromChicago, it’s easy to get to Ski Town, USA® and takeadvantage of our incredible Champagne Powder® snow,legendary trees and #1-rated family programs.”

Known as the birthplace of organized skiing in Colorado,Steamboat Springs in 1915 opened Howelsen Hill, the oldest ski area in continuous use and training ground fornearly 70 Olympians. Steamboat Ski Resort opened in the1960s and today features six peaks—Christie Peak, StormPeak, Sunshine Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Mount Wernerand Pioneer Ridge—2,965 acres of skiable terrain and 18ski lifts for visitors to enjoy. Skiers and snowboarders cancarve through the light powder of Steamboat on any one of the 165 named trails.

With so many options, visitors—no matter their experi-ence—will find an area of Steamboat perfect for their skilllevel. Christie Peak is ideal for beginners, while Thunderheadand the Sunshine bowl area cater to intermediate skiers

and boarders. Elite athletes can maneuver their waythrough the famous tree runs on Storm Peak or make theirway up the Morningside Park lift to access the extremedouble black diamond terrain. According to Kasten, themountain has upgraded its snowmaking this year for betterearly season coverage, and it has added 30 new rails in

the three terrain parks for those trick-savvy souls.

Steamboat has one of the best ski andsnowboard schools in the state, provid-ing instructional programs for adults,teens and kids. They offer full- and half-day lessons for all ages and skilllevels, whether you’re just starting outor looking to advance. The highly skilledand friendly instructors are dedicated tohelping guests with their skiing andboarding goals. On top of general grouplessons, they also offer specialty clinics,private lessons and childcare services.

Steamboat offers plenty of other winteractivities to satisfy diverse interests.

Steamboat Springs�Destination Report: West

Photos Courtesy of Steamboat.com/Larry Pierce

Guests can partake in a snowmobile tour, hop on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, explore the cross country ski trails orenjoy snowshoeing paths. The town also boasts a numberof attractions. Guests can relax in the natural mineralsprings after a long day on the mountain, tend to their soremuscles with a luxurious spa package, or sip an apres ski drink at any of the local restaurants and bars. Culinarystyles at Steamboat restaurants range from American andAsian-Fusion to Mexican and barbecue.

“New this year we are introducing the Terrace & UmbrellaBar at Bear River, located slopeside in theGondola Square base area,” says Kasten.“The European-inspired Umbrella Bar isfully heated and features glass-enclosedwalls, a full bar and restaurant menu.”Also new to the resort and the town arethe Sweetwater Grill and Truffle Pig.

Steamboat Springs has top-notch lodging that caters to every group sizeand budget. Whether you want to stayin a swanky condo or a modest hotelroom, Steamboat has a number ofoptions to choose from. You can opt for a place downtown, a couple milesfrom the base or right next to the moun-tain. The Lodge at Steamboat, a popu-lar option, offers Western-style condos next to the Silver Bullet Gondola. TheRockies Condominiums has one of thebest values around, offering spaciouscondos with all the amenities. Othernotable accommodations are the Phoenixat Steamboat, Gondola Square and the Steamboat Grand Resort.

No matter where you stay, SteamboatSprings has exciting activities and gorgeous views around every corner.

Contact: steamboat.comPure

It falls. You go

outside and play

in it. You become

12 years old again.

Pure joy. How else

can you explain

the ear-to-ear

grins that peek out

from under the

goggles? Perhaps

it’s because the

snow here is

di�erent. It’s light

and dry and flu�y

and pure. In a

word, it’s perfect.

Daily nonstop

jet service from

Chicago to

Steamboat on

American Airlines

starting Dec. 16!

steamboat.com877.267.2628

www.skicmsc.com � 2010/2011 DIRECTORY MIDWEST SKIER � 15