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Steamboat Springs Brimming with real cowboys and “champagne powder,” Steamboat Springs’ Home Ranch is the ideal winter getaway for anyone who adores the outdoors B y Mary barthelme Abel photography by Jeff Nelson
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now, glorious snow—close to 500 inches each year—is what lures nearly 400,000 vacationers from around the world to Steamboat Springs (aka Ski Town USA) every winter. Indeed, that famous “champagne powder” draws a diverse crowd of young families, baby boomers and adventure seekers to the rugged mountain resort town—all in search of excitement that involve piles of the white stuff. And while there are plenty of luxurious hotels and vacation rentals in Steamboat, why not get the full effect of this oh-so-western town in a place where
cowboy boots and hats are part of the dress code, horses outnumber the guests and everything—and we mean everything—is taken care of for you? Just a few miles outside of Steamboat in tiny Clark, Colorado, you’ll find just the place, a true escape that is consistently named one of the best all-inclusive dude ranches in the country: The Home Ranch. Although highly regarded for its summer family vacations, the ranch doesn’t shut down when the temperature drops. In fact, some might argue that the activities and adventures offered here are just that much more fun in the snow. COLORADOHOMESMAG.COM
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Out & About
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Do we even have to mention it? Steamboat Ski Resort offers 2,965 powdery acres, with trails for every ability level. And don’t ignore Howelsen Hill, Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area. steamboat.com
Steamboat Springs
Nordic Skiing Take a break from the mountain and spend some time exploring the Yampa Valley on cross-country skis. Groomed trail systems abound, as do guided tours. And it’s a great workout. steamboatnordiccenter.com
how to get there: Fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) in Hayden, just 22 miles outside of Steamboat. Or from Denver, take the scenic route: a stunning, 150-mile mountain drive.
Ice Climbing For serious thrill seeking, climb a little ice. Rocky Mountain Ventures offers guided ice climbs (as well as all the equipment) up the frozen 200-foot waterfall at Fish Creek Canyon. But don’t worry: they help you get back down, too. rmclimbing.com Snowshoeing Not really a daredevil? Slip into some snowshoes and take a more leisurely look at the great outdoors. Grab a route map—and a camera—and enjoy.
Opened in 1979 by Ann and Steve Stranahan and Ken and Sharon Jones, what started as a 580-acre retreat now includes over 4,000 acres on which to enjoy an endless array of outdoor fun. And the best part: no planning required. You can go horseback riding, take a guided Nordic skiing or snowshoeing tour or go backcountry skiing in nearby Routt National Forest—and all you have to do is ask. The fine folks at the ranch will organize everything, and lend you all the necessary equipment. They’ll even shuttle you to the mountain for a day of downhill. No all-inclusive resort is complete without great food, and The Home Ranch is no exception. Every meal is provided by executive chef Clyde Nelson, and it’s all gourmet. The ranch’s “haute mountain cuisine” has been praised by top national food magazines, for good reason: Chef Nelson grows his own produce in the summer and uses locally-raised meat. In other words, you will eat very well. In 1987, The Home Ranch became a member of the famed Relais & Chateaux small hotel association—the only one in Colorado—putting it on par with some of the finest getaways in the world. One visit and you’ll understand why: personal service (there are only eight cabins and six lodge rooms), excellent programs for children and teens, experienced guides and luxe accommodations are just a few of the reasons guests return year after year. 126
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© Steamboat Ski Resort/Larry Pierce
get festive vintage reproduction poster/pottery barn
(above) Home Ranch’s private cabins are both charming and luxuriously appointed.
Hot Springing When you’ve had all the snow you can take, remember why there’s a “Springs” in Steamboat Springs. Lounge in one of the four springfed town pools or get rustic just outside town at Strawberry Park. strawberryhotsprings.com
Olympic Town More Winter Olympians have called Steamboat Springs home than any other city in the U.S.— a total of 79 athletes since 1932.
celebrating its 101st year, Steamboat Springs’ annual Winter Carnival is the must-attend event of the season. Created in 1913 by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club as the cure for cabin fever, the carnival has become a five-day fun fest that starts with the presentation of the Winter Carnival King and Queen and ends with the Diamond Hitch Parade, where the Steamboat Springs High School marching band performs on skis. In between, enjoy professional and amateur ski jumping, a cross-country obstacle race, and the alwayspopular shovel race. February 5-9, steamboat-chamber.com