Steamboat Springs, Colorado

About Ski Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Seven thousand feet up in the Colorado Rockies, nestled quietly below one of the largest ski mountains in North America, sits a small ranching community that serves as a constant reminder that the Old West is alive and well.

Long before Steamboat Springs became the world class resort it is today, the Ute Indians adopted the area as their summer home. The inviting waters of numerous mineral springs, mild climate, abundant wild game and rivers teeming with fish, made the area a true paradise. The town got its name when trappers, travelling through the area in mid 1800s, found a spring that made a chugging noise which sounded to them like a steamboat. Fur trapping gave way to gold mining and eventually ranching and coal mining.

Skiing became an integral part of Steamboat's lifestyle just after the turn of the century. Known officially as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs has produced more winter sports Olympians than any other town in the United States. To date 52 Olympians, including 2 summer Olympians call Steamboat home.Today summer vacations and winter 'Champagne Powder' skiing are enjoyed with equal enthusiasm while thriving downtown and mountain commerce areas make Steamboat Springs an active year round community. A local legend says that the Yampa Valley holds a curse: "Once you visit the Valley you heart will be forever captivated, and be compelled to return".

The winter season is best known for alpine skiing and snowboarding at Steamboat Springs resort. Mt Werner has over 3600 ft of vertical from the base to the summit at 10'568 feet. There are 2500 ski-able acres accessed on 107 trails, with an additional 750 acres on Pioneer Ridge.

Cross country skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides are offered by the many guest ranches, with evening dinner rides being very popular.