❖Destination Report: West

Steamboat Springs By Vanessa Day

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Nestled in Routt National Park in the northwest region of Colorado, 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 a small-town feel, while the state-of-the-art ski resort honors the town’s long history with the sport.

“Steamboat Ski Resort and the town of Steamboat Springs offer 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 from Chicago, it’s easy to get to Ski Town, USA® and take advantage 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 for nearly 70 Olympians. Steamboat Ski Resort opened in the 1960s and today features six peaks—Christie Peak, Storm Peak, Sunshine Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Mount Werner and Pioneer Ridge—2,965 acres of skiable terrain and 18 ski lifts for visitors to enjoy. Skiers and snowboarders can carve through the light powder of Steamboat on any one of the 165 named trails. With so many options, visitors—no matter their experience—will find an area of Steamboat perfect for their skill level. Christie Peak is ideal for beginners, while Thunderhead and the Sunshine bowl area cater to intermediate skiers

and boarders. Elite athletes can maneuver their way through the famous tree runs on Storm Peak or make their way up the Morningside Park lift to access the extreme double black diamond terrain. According to Kasten, the mountain has upgraded its snowmaking this year for better early season coverage, and it has added 30 new rails in the three terrain parks for those tricksavvy souls. Steamboat has one of the best ski and snowboard schools in the state, providing instructional programs for adults, teens and kids. They offer full- and half-day lessons for all ages and skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance. The highly skilled and friendly instructors are dedicated to helping guests with their skiing and boarding goals. On top of general group lessons, they also offer specialty clinics, private lessons and childcare services. Steamboat offers plenty of other winter activities to satisfy diverse interests.

Photos Courtesy of Steamboat.com/Larry Pierce

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2010/2011 DIRECTORY ❖ www.skicmsc.com

Guests can partake in a snowmobile tour, hop on a horsedrawn sleigh ride, explore the cross country ski trails or enjoy snowshoeing paths. The town also boasts a number of attractions. Guests can relax in the natural mineral springs after a long day on the mountain, tend to their sore muscles with a luxurious spa package, or sip an apres ski drink at any of the local restaurants and bars. Culinary styles at Steamboat restaurants range from American and Asian-Fusion to Mexican and barbecue. “New this year we are introducing the Terrace & Umbrella Bar at Bear River, located slopeside in the Gondola Square base area,” says Kasten. “The European-inspired Umbrella Bar is fully heated and features glass-enclosed walls, a full bar and restaurant menu.” Also new to the resort and the town are the Sweetwater Grill and Truffle Pig. Steamboat Springs has top-notch lodging that caters to every group size and budget. Whether you want to stay in a swanky condo or a modest hotel room, Steamboat has a number of options to choose from. You can opt for a place downtown, a couple miles from the base or right next to the mountain. The Lodge at Steamboat, a popular option, offers Western-style condos next to the Silver Bullet Gondola. The Rockies Condominiums has one of the best values around, offering spacious condos with all the amenities. Other notable accommodations are the Phoenix at Steamboat, Gondola Square and the Steamboat Grand Resort.

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 different. It’s light and dry and fluffy and pure. In a word, it’s perfect. Daily nonstop jet service from Chicago to Steamboat on American Airlines

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

starting Dec. 16!

steamboat.com 877.267.2628

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Contact: steamboat.com www.skicmsc.com ❖ 2010/2011 DIRECTORY

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