Explore Steamboat winter 2015

ZEST DINING GUIDE!

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ACTIVITY GUIDE

INSIDER HINTS T O S K I I N G T H E M O U N TA I N

Winter events Calendar PA G E 1 0

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Outfittin’ the West for over 110 years and five generations.

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Photo by Ben Ingersoll Horses lead the parade during Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival.

Inside Calendar of events ................................ 10 Activity Guide: Steamboat A to Z .......... 16 Best of the Boat results ......................... 32

Explore Staff

Steamboat While there are certainly more than 26 things to do during your visit to Steamboat, we’ve narrowed the list with the following activities from A to Z.

A Après Kick your legs up by the fire with a beer, wine or cocktail in hand after a fun day on the slopes. Après options abound in Steamboat, letting you finish your day on the slopes by schussing straight into your favorite libation, munchies, live music and more (and hot chocolate for the kiddos). Options include the famous Ice Bar at Slopeside Grill, just off the Right-O-Way trail at the base of the ski area; the T-bar in the old patrol headquarters below the Christie lift; Truffle Pig in the new One Steamboat Place; and the new Umbrella Bar at the Bear River Bar and Grill deck in Gondola Square. A slew of choices also exist downtown, all with happy hour specials especially for skiers and riders.

A to Z

Art Scene Enjoy Steamboat’s burgeoning art scene by taking in local paintings, photographs, bronzes, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and more in an ever-growing array of venues, including those harboring acclaimed international work. Steamboat’s stores and galleries reflect the town’s Western heritage, with the historic downtown district boasting an art museum and a dozen galleries. “There’s a very strong, local artist community here,” says Steamboat Springs Arts Council co-director Mical Hutson. One of the best venues is the First Friday Art Walk, a tour organized by local gallery owners from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Nearly 20 galleries, businesses and other venues participate in this monthly event that showcases local art with drinks, appetizers and live music. First Friday Art Walk maps are available at downtown art galleries and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association (1255 S. Lincoln

Getting around ..................................... 36 New flights ............................................ 37 Bridgestone Winter Driving School

Olympians ............................................. 38

A skier glides through Steamboat’s winter wonderland.

Photo by Larry Pierce

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Ave., 970-879-0880). Contact the Arts Council (970-879-9008, steamboatspringsarts.com) for more information.

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Photo by Tom Ross

Downtown makeover .............................. 9

Photo by courtesy of Bridgestone Winter Driving School

Ski Area update ...................................... 7

On the cover

Bridgestone Winter Driving School

Cowboy Downhill

Learn how to drive your car on snow at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, the only driving school of its kind in North America. The school’s 77-acre facility includes three stateof-the-art ice and snow-covered tracks coated with more than 250,000 gallons of water to simulate winter driving conditions. They feature banked and off-cambered corners, elevation changes and more to suit a variety of levels.

Taught by driving professionals, including former racers, courses begin with classroom instruction and video demonstrations before taking to the track. Programs include the introductory First Gear half-day class and popular Second Gear full-day course. Private one-on-one training is also offered upon completion of a standard course. Regardless, you’ll drive away a better winter driver. Call 970-879-6104 for more information. winterdrive.com.

the “Billy Kidd is Skiing Today” sign at the top of the gondola and meet him at the top of Why Not at 1 p.m. Steamboat’s director of skiing became the first U.S. male to win an Olympic medal in skiing when he took the silver in 1964, and he won the World Championships in 1970. Your whole family can ski with the Steamboat icon who’s made Steamboat home for the past 45 years. Visit steamboat.com for more information.

Bowl Shoulders loose from ski-poling? That spells more spares and strikes at Snow Bowl (970879-9840), Steamboat’s only bowling facility on the west end of town. Theme nights and daily specials are commonplace, making it a great place for the entire family.

Billy Kidd To ski with a former World Champion, look for exploresteamboat.com

the gondola, or sit down with a cup of coffee and smell the roses at such favorites as Rex’s American Grill & Bar, Creekside Cafe & Grill, Johnny B. Good’s Diner, Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery, The Egg & I, Freshies Restaurant, The Shack Café and more. Get your fill so your legs don’t leave you before the last lift.

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Buff pass For a day of schussing away from the crowds, bring your snowshoes or cross country skis to the Dry Lake Campground parking lot up Buff Pass and tour into Soda Creek, where it’s just the wilderness and you. Or, if you have access to a snowmobile, head up the road to either snowmobile ski or ride such classic runs as In the Buff, or simply zip around and take in the vistas.

Breakfast To fuel up for that big day on the mountain, head out to any of Steamboat’s great breakfast restaurants, all guaranteed to gear you up for the slopes. Choose from countless varieties of eggs Benedict to bus-sized breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal concoctions, stacks of pancakes and more. Grab burritos to go at newly expanded Gondola Joe’s to eat on

director of skiing, and six-time all around world rodeo champion Larry Mahan in 1974.

D Dining

Cowboy Downhill Steamboat’s beloved Cowboy Downhill recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and is still going as strong and slaphappy as ever. The annual event entices some of the best rodeo athletes in the world to trade their cowboy boots for ski boots and race head-to-head in a dual slalom race at the bottom of Steamboat Ski Area. The fun-filled event also features cowboys lassoing a ski hostess and saddling a horse, as well as racing in the grand finale, winner-take-all, Le Mans-style Stampede. The event starts with public festivities and live music in Gondola Square, with the race on Headwall and an awards ceremony following at Bear River Bar & Grill. The event was founded by Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s

Steamboat offers too many great restaurants to list, all guaranteed to refuel those lost carbs from the slopes. Try such well-established restaurants as Cafe Diva, Slopeside Grill, the Cabin and Truffle Pig on the mountain; the Ore House at Pine Grove, McKnight’s Irish Pub & Loft, The Rusted Porch or Three Peaks Grill in between; or downtown at everyplace from the Laundry, bistro cv and Harwigs L’apogee to Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Mazzola’s Italian Diner, Mambo Italiano, Carl’s Tavern, Aurum Food & Wine, E3 Chophouse, Sake2U, Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria, Low Country Kitchen, Cantina Mexican Resturant, Johnny B. Good’s Diner The Tap House Sports Grill and more. The options are as varied as the mountain’s terrain. (See our Steamboat Zest dining guide for more options and information.)

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Photographers Scott Franz, John F. Russell, Matt Stensland, Joel Reichenberger, Ben Ingersoll, Tom Ross

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Copy editors Jim Patterson, Mackenzie Yelvington Advertising design Veronika Khanisenko, Mack Maschmeier, Chris McGaw and Jessica Wagner

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Dining directory..................................... 74 5 minutes with Billy Kidd .................... 78

Suzanne Schlicht – Chief operating officer Lisa Schlichtman – Editor in chief Eugene Buchanan – Magazine editor Annie Martin —Editorial intern Laura Tamucci – Local sales manager Jenni DeFouw – Magazine sales specialist Molly Reust – Magazine sales specialist Lindsay Porter – Creative services manager Steve Balgenorth – Circulation manager

Stories by Eugene Buchanan Photography by Chris McGaw

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Taking a cue from a curse

letter from the editor

Consider yourself forewarned: A curse placed on the Yampa Valley by a Ute Indian leader way back in 1881 says those who come to this beautiful area of ours will never be able to leave, and if they do, they’ll be forced to return.

Hopefully, you fall under the latter — you’ve already visited Steamboat Springs once, or several times, before and have now returned for yet another visit. We certainly can’t blame you. Steamboat is one of the best and friendliest mountain towns in the country, plain and simple.

It has it all, from a world-class ski area to wilderness to explore and even natural hot springs to soak your weary bones in after a day of Champagne powder (a term, ahem, that was actually trademarked here).

But aside from all of this, it’s likely the friendliness of the people who truly make it shine. You see, Steamboat was a ranching community before it became a ski town, and that genuine, western hospitality permeates the entire valley. When people say “Howdy,” they mean it.

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Combine this with a top-rated ski resort and you won’t find a better place to bring your family for a ski vacation. Mount Werner — named after late local Olympian Buddy Werner — serves up 2,965 acres and 3,668 feet of vertical on 165 named trails and countless glades. And all this is blanketed annually with some of the most snow accumulation in the state.

There’s plenty more to do, as well, from cross country skiing and snowshoeing to ice-skating, sleigh-riding, snowmobiling, winter fishing and more. We encourage you to stay as long as you can to try them all.

And there are plenty of activities that don’t get your heart rate up, from soaking in our soothing hot springs and shopping in quaint downtown to kicking back with a latte at our riverside library and enjoying a smorgasbord of dining options.

Actually, when you think about it, the Yampa Valley curse doesn’t seem too farfetched after all.

— Eugene Buchanan

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Steamboat Ski Area Update

Photo by John F. Russell

More night skiing, new president, new competition run and more

Exploresteamboat.com

Skiing and riding in Steamboat Springs just keeps getting better.

Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, Steamboat Ski Area continues to better its on-mountain experience for guests, from new trails and base area enhancements to mountainside eateries, grooming, snow making and more.

Topping this year’s improvements list, under the first year of new president Rob Perlman, is the addition of RFID (radio-frequency identification) ticket technology. All lift tickets and season passes will be available on QuickTraxTM cards embedded with an RFID chip for hands-free, gate-operated lift access.

“It will move guests faster and more efficiently, allowing more time for carving up Steamboat’s Champagne powder,” says Intrawest’s Matt Bowers.

Other improvements include expanded air service (see Transportation); the tripling in size of Gondola Joe’s at the base area; a renovation of Rendezvous Lodge; new Bison X and Leitwolf grooming machines (the 21-machine fleet now grooms more than 600 acres nightly); and enhanced snowmaking equipment, with 18 miles of piping.

Also new is the Steven’s Family Alpine Training and Competition venue, a dedicated race run — in partnership with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club — on the front of the mountain that allows club members to train day and night.

All this comes on top of other recent improvements, such as the new 13,000-square-foot Four Points Lodge, a re-design of Red’s Bar in Thunderhead Lodge, the expansion of night skiing to Thursday through Monday and a new promenade, creekside amphitheater and concert stage at the base area.

The resort also recently debuted the online reservation service OpenTable for its restaurants, expanded its Steamboat Ski & Sport in the Sheraton to 6,300 square feet and upgraded its Mountain Cam network for real-time mountain conditions.

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Photo by Scott Franz

Downtown on the up and up Call it a retail and restaurant revival. That’s the scene in downtown Steamboat Springs, which is enjoying a surge of new energy in everything from eateries to storefronts.

“Downtown is experiencing a huge rejuvenation,” says Lisa Popovich, program manager for MainStreet Steamboat Springs. “With all the new restaurants and retail operations, it’s becoming pretty vibrant.”

Reaping the rewards of a new $10.3 million investment by the city, the downtown corridor is benefitting from construction of new sidewalks, public restrooms, a riverside park and more.

“It’s a three-year-long project to improve downtown,” adds Popovich.

“It includes important, not-so-sexy things like curbs and sewer improvements, but also such things as lighting improvements, new banners and more.”

A revitalized Yampa Street now offers more than 10 dining establishExplorEstEamboat.com

ments and bars to choose from. New retailers and restaurants are also popping up along Lincoln Avenue.

“Vacancies are down, and three new restaurants and six new stores opened up this past summer alone,” Popovich adds.

Adding to the recent openings of E3 Chophouse, Sake2U and Aurum Food & Wine along Yampa Street, Low Country Kitchen, which was recently featured in the New York Times, has expanded; In Celebration of Kids is now open in the former Franklin Mall; and Ciao Gelato has found a new home next to Steamboat Smokehouse.

Popovich adds that foot traffic is also up, with new business directories recently installed on the bus shelters to help people find their way around.

“It’s an exciting time to visit downtown Steamboat, with a lot to choose from,” Popovich says. “If you’re visiting, you’ll definitely want to make it a part of your ski visit.”

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Calendar of events

Visit exploreSteamboat.com for a complete list of events

NoVeMBer

Ski Jumping

5 — The Railsplitters, 7 p.m.; Strings Music Pavillion; stringsmusicfestival.com 6 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided tour featuring new gallery exhibits and refreshments; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com 6-7 — SSWSC Ski and Sport Swap, Steamboat Springs Middle School, 970-879-0695, sswsc.org 7 — Super Fun Steamboat Show, 8 p.m., doors and bar 7:30 pm; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org Photo by Ben Ingersoll

12 — Liz Longley with Max Gomez, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 13 — MSP Presents: Fade to Winter, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org, steamboatfilmfestival.com 14-23 — 20th annual Festival of Trees, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tread of Pioneers Museum; 970-879-2214, treadofpioneers.org 19-21 — Warren Miller’s “Chasing Shadows,” 7 p.m. (plus 4 p.m. Nov. 21), Chief Theater; sswsc.org

featuring new gallery exhibits and refreshments; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com

21 — Big Snow Dance, (benefitting Friends of the Yampa); 6 p.m., Sake2U; friendsoftheyampa.org

5 — Jumping/Nordic Combined U.S. Cup Opener, Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org

25 — Opening/SSWSC Scholarship Day, (season passes not valid), Steamboat Ski Area; 970-879-0695, sswsc.org, steamboat.com

7-10 — AA Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

26 — Routt County United Way Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 1 to 5 p.m., Springs Community Center, free; 970-879-5605 27 — “Light Up the Night” Holiday Season Kickoff, 6 to 7 p.m., Routt County Courthouse (Santa Claus, carols, hot chocolate, cookies and prizes) 28 — Sweet Treats on Mainstreet Chocolate Tasting Festival; mainstreetsteamboat.com 28 — Snowmobile Film Festival, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

DeCeMBer 4-6 — The Chief Players Present: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 6 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 4 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided tour 10 | EXPLORE WintEr 2015-16

7-11 — Crescent Ski Council Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 10 — Town Challenge, 6 to 7 p.m.; Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org 11 — Night skiing opens, Steamboat Ski Area. steamboat.com 11-13 — Mascot Stampede, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 12-14 — 13th annual Steamboat Nordic Camp and Festival, (lunches, happy hour, prizes and more); thenordiclink.com 12 — Snowboarding USASA Slalom and Giant Slalom, Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org 14-16 — Billy Kidd Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 16 — Sven Wiik Nordic Cup Challenge No. 1, (Howelsen Hill Cross-country Race), 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.com

20-22— Holiday Classic, Howelsen Hill; steamboat.com 20 — Steamboat Holiday Festival, Steamboat Ski Area; followed by torchlight parade, fireworks, night skiing; steamboat.com 20-22 — Alpine Surefoot Elite FIS Holiday Classic Alpine Races, Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org 20 — The Story Pirates, 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Strings Music Pavillion; stringsmusicfestival.com 21-23 — Billy Kidd Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 22 — Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas, 7 p.m.; Strings Music Pavilion; stringsmusicfestival.com 25 — Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors Annual Community Christmas Dinner, Steamboat Springs Community Center; SteamboatToday.com/events 29 — Stars at Night Fundraiser, Dining, dancing and live auction; sswsc.org 31— Kids Torchlight Parade, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 31 — New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, 5:20 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com ExplorEstEamboat.com

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9-11 — 32nd annual Women’s Ski Camp, Steamboat Ski Area (hosted by Steamboat Olympians); steamboat.com 11 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 14 — Valentine’s Day Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, 5:20 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 15-17 — Billy Kidd Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

Photo by Matt Stensland

20 — Sven Wiik Nordic Cup Challenge No. 4, (Steamboat Springs Touring Center); 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.org

Winter Carnival Street events

JANUArY

Country Ski Races, Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org

2 — New Year’s Relay, Steamboat Ski Touring Center, 10 a.m.; 970-879-8180, nordicski.net

23 — North Routt Winter Festival, 26990 Eagle Lane Clark, Steamboat Lake Area; steamboat. com

2-4 — 11th annual Stars All Mountain Adaptive Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

25-27 — Stars & Stripes Heroes Week, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

4 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided tour featuring new gallery exhibits and refreshments; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com

30 — Fundraiser with Fei-Fei Dong, 7 p.m.; Strings Music Pavilion; stringsmusicfestival.com

4-9 — 31st Annual MusicFest at Steamboat, Texas/Americana bands, free après-ski concerts, evening concerts and special engagements; themusicfest.com 10 — Sven Wiik Nordic Cup Challenge No. 2, (Steamboat Stampede), 23/42km, Home Ranch; 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.com 11-13 — Billy Kidd Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 12-14 — 32nd annual Women’s Ski Camp, Steamboat Ski Area (hosted by Steamboat Olympians); steamboat.com 16 — Sven Wiik Nordic Cup Challenge No. 3, Latigo Ranch; 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.com 17-22 — 27th annual Steamboat Weather Summit, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 18 — Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series, Gondola Square; steamboat.com 18 — 42nd annual Cowboy Downhill, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 22-23, 29-30 — The Chief Players Present: Love, Loss, and What I Wore, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org, 23-24 — CU Invitational Collegiate Cross ExplorEstEamboat.com

FeBrUArY 1-3 — 17th annual Airlines Partner Summit, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 3-7 — 103rd Steamboat Winter Carnival, Ski jumping, biathlon, street events, fireworks, Lighted Man, parade and more; 970-879-0695, sswsc.org 4 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 4-9 — Steamboat Mardi Gras Celebration, Steamboat Ski Area, free concerts, parades, Cajun barbecue; steamboat.com 4 — Soda Pop Slalom/Vintage Ski Race, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 5 — Super Fun Steamboat Show, 8 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 5 — Ski For DeSo Day, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 5 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided tour featuring new gallery exhibits and refreshments; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com 8-10 — Billy Kidd Race Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

18 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 18 — Kids Torchlight Parade, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 25 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 26-27 — NCAA Western Regionals, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 25-27 — Steamboat Dance Theatre’s 44th annual concert, a performance benefiting local

dance scholarships, school outreach and community enrichment programs, 7 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs High School Auditorium (with a children’s matinee 12:30 p.m., Feb. 27). www.steamboatdancetheatre.org

MArCH 1-3 — 31st annual Women’s Ski Camp, Steamboat Ski Area (hosted by Steamboat Olympians); steamboat.com 3 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 4 — Super Fun Steamboat Show, 8 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 4 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided tour featuring new gallery exhibits and refreshments; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com 5 — Steamboat is Magic! Featuring Jon Armstrong, 7 to 9 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org 5 — Del McCoury and David Grisman, 7 p.m.; Strings Music Pavilion; stringsmusicfestival.com 5 — Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series, Gondola Square; steamboat.com 5 — STARS Mountain Challenge; steamboatstars.com 6 — 25th annual Steamboat Pentathlon, Howelsen Hill. Skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking and running; steamboatpentathlon.com WintEr 2015-16 explore | 13

19-20 — Snowboard Slash and Burn Banked Slalom, Howelsen Hill; sswsc.org

10 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

19 — Haken Fest Nordic Festival, Steamboat Ski Touring Center; 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.org

10 — Kids Torchlight Parade, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

19-21 — Stars of Tomorrow Camp, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

11 — Songwriter Series Presents: Amy Speace, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

24 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

12 — Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series, Gondola Square; steamboat.com 12-13 — Marsha’s Loop Nordic Race, Rabbit Ears Pass, 10 a.m.; 970-879-8180, steamboatxcski.com 17 — St. Patrick’s Day Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 17 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

26 — Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series, Gondola Square; steamboat.com 27 — Kids Torchlight Parade, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 31 — The Chief Players Present: The Secret of Yonder Mountain, A Live Western Melodrama, 7 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

AprIl

17 — Kids Torchlight Parade, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

1 — Super Fun Steamboat Show, 8 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

18-20 — U.S. Freestyle National Championships, Steamboat Ski Area; sswsc.org

1 — First Friday Artwalk, Self-guided art tour; 970-879-4744, ExploreSteamboat.com

19 — 12th annual Penguin Plunge, noon; Lake Catamount; hfyv.org

1-10 — Springalicious Celebration, Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

19 — Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series, Gondola Square; steamboat.com

2 — Stand Up Comedy, 7 to 9 p.m.; Chief Theater; chieftheater.org

2 — Cody’s Challenge Randonee Race (and Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series), Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 9 — 36th Cardboard Classic (and Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series), Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com 10 — Ninth annual Splashdown Pond Skim/ Closing Day Celebration, (and Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Free Concert Series); Steamboat Ski Area; steamboat.com

oNGoING Tubing Steamboat — Ride the magic carpet to the top and come screaming down on a snow tube! 845 Howelsen Hill Parkway. tubingsteamboat.com

Photo by Ben Ingersoll

9-12 — NCAA National Ski Championships, Steamboat Ski Area; sswsc.org

Offering scenic horseback rides in a wilderness type environment.

Reservations requested.

970-879-3495 info@steamboathorses.com www.steamboathorses.com

Offering scenic horseback rides RIAN ’SNTGLE 3 GLE EILA a wilderness Rin type environment.

Hourly horseback rides available

33 3

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DEL’S TD

2 miles West of The Clark Store

Reservations requested.

RANch RANch 970-879-3495

info@steamboathorses.com

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www.steamboathorses.com

ExplorEstEamboat.com

ExplorEstEamboat.com

WintEr 2015-16 explore | 15

Steamboat While there are certainly more than 26 things to do during your visit to Steamboat, we’ve narrowed the list with the following activities from A to Z.

A Après

Art scene Enjoy Steamboat’s burgeoning art scene by taking in local paintings, photographs, bronzes, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and more in an ever-growing array of venues, including those harboring acclaimed international work. Steamboat’s stores and galleries reflect the town’s Western heritage, with the historic downtown district boasting an art museum and a dozen galleries. “There’s a very strong, local artist community here,” says Steamboat Springs Arts Council co-director Mical Hutson. One of the best venues is the First Friday Art Walk, a tour organized by local gallery owners from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Nearly 20 galleries, businesses and other venues participate in this monthly event that showcases local art with drinks, appetizers and live music. First Friday Art Walk maps are available at downtown art galleries and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association (1255 S. Lincoln

Photo by courtesy of Bridgestone Winter Driving School

Kick your legs up by the fire with a beer, wine or cocktail in hand after a fun day on the slopes. Après options abound in Steamboat, letting you finish your day on the slopes by schussing straight into your favorite libation, munchies, live music and more (and hot chocolate for the kiddos). Options include the famous Ice Bar at Slopeside Grill, just off the Right-O-Way trail at the base of the ski area; the T-Bar in the old patrol headquarters below the Christie lift; Truffle Pig in the new One Steamboat Place; and the new Umbrella Bar at the Bear River Bar and Grill deck in Gondola Square. A slew of choices also exist downtown, all with happy hour specials especially for skiers and riders.

A to Z

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Ave., 970-879-0880). Contact the Arts Council (970-879-9008, steamboatspringsarts.com) for more information.

B Bridgestone Winter Driving School Learn how to drive your car on snow at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, the only driving school of its kind in North America. The school’s 77-acre facility includes three stateof-the-art ice and snow-covered tracks coated with more than 250,000 gallons of water to simulate winter driving conditions. They feature banked and off-cambered corners, elevation changes and more to suit a variety of levels.

Taught by driving professionals, including former racers, courses begin with classroom instruction and video demonstrations before taking to the track. Programs include the introductory First Gear half-day class and popular Second Gear full-day course. Private one-on-one training is also offered upon completion of a standard course. Regardless, you’ll drive away a better winter driver. Contact 970-879-6104 for more information, winterdrive.com.

Bowl Shoulders loose from ski-poling? That spells more spares and strikes at Snow Bowl (970879-9840), Steamboat’s only bowling facility on the west end of town. Theme nights and daily specials are commonplace, making it a great place for the entire family.

Billy Kidd To ski with a former World Champion, look for Exploresteamboat.com

Photo by Tom Ross

Cowboy Downhill the “Billy Kidd is Skiing Today” sign at the top of the gondola and meet him at the top of Why Not at 1 p.m. Steamboat’s director of skiing became the first U.S. male to win an Olympic medal in skiing when he took the silver in 1964, and he won the World Championships in 1970. Your whole family can ski with the Steamboat icon who’s made Steamboat home for the past 45 years. Visit steamboat.com for more information.

Buff Pass For a day of schussing away from the crowds, bring your snowshoes or cross country skis to the Dry Lake Campground parking lot up Buff Pass and tour into Soda Creek, where it’s just the wilderness and you. Or, if you have access to a snowmobile, head up the road to either snowmobile ski or ride such classic runs as In the Buff, or simply zip around and take in the vistas.

Breakfast To fuel up for that big day on the mountain, head out to any of Steamboat’s great breakfast restaurants, all guaranteed to gear you up for the slopes. Choose from countless varieties of eggs Benedict to bus-sized breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal concoctions, stacks of pancakes and more. Grab burritos to go at newly expanded Gondola Joe’s to eat on Exploresteamboat.com

the gondola, or sit down with a cup of coffee and smell the roses at such favorites as Rex’s American Grill & Bar, Creekside Cafe & Grill, Johnny B. Good’s Diner, Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery, The Egg & I, Freshies Restaurant, The Shack Café and more. Get your fill so your legs don’t leave you before the last lift.

C Cowboy Downhill Steamboat’s beloved Cowboy Downhill recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and is still going as strong and slaphappy as ever. The annual event entices some of the best rodeo athletes in the world to trade their cowboy boots for ski boots and race head-to-head in a dual slalom race at the bottom of Steamboat Ski Area. The fun-filled event also features cowboys lassoing a ski hostess and saddling a horse, as well as racing in the grand finale, winner-take-all, Le Mans-style Stampede. The event starts with public festivities and live music in Gondola Square, with the race on Headwall and an awards ceremony following at Bear River Bar & Grill. The event was founded by Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s

director of skiing, and six-time all around world rodeo champion Larry Mahan in 1974.

D Dining Steamboat offers too many great restaurants to list, all guaranteed to refuel those lost carbs from the slopes. Try such well-established restaurants as Cafe Diva, Slopeside Grill, the Cabin and Truffle Pig on the mountain; the Ore House at Pine Grove, McKnight’s Irish Pub & Loft, The Rusted Porch or Three Peaks Grill in between; or downtown at everyplace from the Laundry, bistro c.v. and Harwigs L’apogee to Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Mazzola’s Italian Diner, Mambo Italiano, Carl’s Tavern, Aurum Food & Wine, E3 Chophouse, Sake2U, Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria, Low Country Kitchen, Cantina Mexican Resturant, Johnny B. Good’s Diner, The Tap House Sports Grill and more. The options are as varied as the mountain’s terrain. (See our Steamboat Zest dining guide for more options and information.)

Winter 2015-16 explore | 17

Photo by Scott Franz

embrace an event — Torchlight parade

e embrace an event While most resorts offer events designed for out-of-towners, Steamboat’s line-up draws locals and guests year after year for its good, old-fashioned fun. If your vacation coincides with one, fit it into your plans. Following are a few of our favorites: Dec. 11 to 13: Mascot Stampede Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Jan. 4 to 9: MusicFest at Steamboat Jan. 18: 42nd Annual Cowboy Downhill Feb. 3 to 7: Steamboat Springs Winter Car-

nival: A unique Steamboat celebration of winter, with the world’s only marching band on skis.

Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 10: Bud Light Rocks the Boat concert series: Free concerts at the ski area stage every Saturday.

April 9 and 10: Cardboard Classic and Splashdown Pond Skim: An end-of-season tradition filled with revelry (costumes encouraged).

F Fish Creek Falls Wintertime doesn’t mean you have to hang up your hiking shoes. For a great, close fam-

ily stroll, head to 283-foot Fish Creek Falls, located just a three-mile drive from downtown.

From Lincoln Avenue, head one block north on Third Street and turn right on Fish Creek Falls Road and follow it to the end. From the parking lot it’s an easy 1/4-mile walk up the road to the trailhead, and then another 1/4-mile to the bridge at the base of the falls or to an overlook above. For more of a thrill, consider ice climbing it with an experienced guide. It’s far easier than you think, with top ropes ensuring safety.

Rocky Mountain Ventures (970-870-8440, steamboatclimbing.com) offers half-day trips December through March, and provides all equipment and transportation.

Fly-fishing For many anglers, winter fishing is their

Steamboat Springs Timeline 1776 Spanish explorers Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante explore area, camping 65 miles southwest of Steamboat Springs

1820s Steamboat Springs’ name originates when three French Trappers traveling along Yampa River hear a “chug chug” sound from area hot springs

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1839 Thomas Jefferson Farnham expedition passes through area

1843-1845 John C. Fremont expeditions travel through currentday Routt County

1855 Sir George Gore forges wagon road over Gore Pass; ventures near Steamboat Springs

1862 Gold discovered at Hahn’s Peak 1866 First settlement established at Hahn’s Peak

1875 Region’s first permanent settler, James Crawford, brings his family to the area, living among the Ute Indians; builds first “bath house” at hot springs

1879 Last Native American uprising in U.S. history occurs at White River Indian Agency, spawning two-year confrontation

ExplorEstEamboat.com

favorite time of year to cast a line. “A lot of people have more fun during winter then they do on summer trips,” says Mike Morton, of Steamboat Flyfisher.

One of the more popular locations is taking a snowmobile to the Stagecoach Reservoir tailwaters. “When the town stretch is frozen there are still about five miles of fishable water nearby,” adds Morton, advocating nymphs and blue wing olives when it’s sunny. “There’s nothing like catching a nice brown while watching fresh snowflakes dissolve.”

For fly-fishermen, finding open, moving water is the main challenge. Luckily, the Yampa tailwaters yield open water and bug life throughout the winter. While the vehicle access gate through Stagecoach State Park remains closed until April 1, you can access the area via skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles on Routt County Road 18 off Colorado Highway 131. Bonus: Limited accessibility keeps angler pressure down.

Fitness’s 24-hour gym (anytimefitness.com); personal trainers at Peak Fitness (peakfitnesssteamboat.com); Manic Training (manictraining.com), and other indoors exercise facilities.

Gymnastics Kids need to tumble more than they did on the slopes? Try Excel Gymnastics off Shield Drive at the west end of town. Offering gymnastics classes from pre-school to middle school levels, Excel also hosts Open Gyms for the public (oftentimes at night, making it double as a great babysitter) where anyone can flip, tumble, jump and spin. The gym is equipped with uneven bars, rings, balance beams, trampolines, and a foam pit you launch into off a mini-tramp.

Call 970-879-3467 or visit 879-egos.com for more information.

H Hot springs Few resorts let you soothe powder-weary muscles in natural mineral water after a day on the slopes. Steamboat Springs earned its named from early pioneers for the “chugging” sound of its springs, and you can experience them yourself in the area’s natural pools. Old Town Hot Springs at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue (970-879-1828, oldtownhotsprings.org) provides the most convenient option, complete with waterfalls, a pool-plunging climbing wall, and 230-foot waterslides.

For a more rustic setting, Strawberry Park Hot Springs (970-879-0342, strawberryhotsprings.com) seven miles out of town lets you change in a teepee and experience the healing powers of the hot springs, just as the Utes once

G Get in shape If Steamboat’s wintertime outdoor activities aren’t enough to tire you out, try a local fitness center. Steamboat offers an array of gyms and fitness centers to fit any exercise need. Old Town Hot Springs (970-879-1828; steamboathotsprings.org) downtown is equipped with a full fitness center and offers more than 30 fitness classes per week. It also has a complete weight room and cardiovascular area, as well as customized fitness programs put together by personal trainers.

Other options include Crossfit classes at Fusion Fit (steamboatcrossfit.com); Anytime

1881 Northwestern Colorado Utes relocate to Utah reservation; Ute leader reportedly places a curse on Yampa Valley, saying those who come will never be able to leave

1884 Crawford organizes Steamboat Springs Townsite Company

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1885 James Hoyle brings printing press to town; Steamboat Pilot begins publication (has appeared weekly ever since)

Fly-fishing

1890s Legendary cowboys and outlaws pass through town, including Butch Cassidy, Kit Carson and Jeff Bridger

1900 Town of Steamboat Springs officially incorporates

1908 Namesake springs cease to “chug” when railroad bed is built

1909 First passenger train arrives to replace stage lines

1912 Strawberries marketed across country from Strawberry Park

1909 Official rodeo grounds built (in earlier days, spectators formed a circle)

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Steamboat Springs Timeline continued 1913 Town ships more cattle than anywhere else in United States

1913 Perry Mansfield Camp founded in Strawberry Park; now oldest performing arts center in the nation

1913 Norwegian and Barnum and Bailey Circus star Carl Howelsen (the “Flying Norseman”) arrives in town and introduces ski jumping

did. A variety of different temperature pools, complete with shoulder-caressing waterfalls, reside right beside a creek you can plunge into cool off. Just heed the sunset curfew with your kids: Clothing is optional after dark.

Howelsen Hill Named in honor of Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian who settled in Steamboat in the early 1900s and introduced its residents to skiing and ski jumping, city-owned Howelsen Hill is the oldest, continually operating ski hill in Colorado. It offers a chairlift, poma and magic carpet for the kids; a winter tubing operation;

1913 Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club founded 1914 Winter Carnival founded

1915 Howelsen Hill opens (oldest continuously running ski area in Colorado)

1932 Steamboat Springs sends first skier to the Olympics

a complete array of sanctioned Nordic jumps (the largest, most complete natural ski-jumping complex in North America); and miles and miles of groomed cross country skiing trails. It’s also home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, a nonprofit program that trains hundreds of children and teens each year in competitive skiing and snowboarding. To date, the club has helped 89 athletes make Olympic appearances, Steamboat sending more than any other town in North America. Call 970-879-4300 for more information.

1947 Associated Press calls Steamboat Springs “Ski Town USA”

1958 Storm Mountain ski area founder James Temple receives permission to use phrase “Champagne Powder,” coined by Kremmling rancher Joe McElroy

I Ice fishing The state record pike was pulled out of Stagecoach Reservoir in the winter; so don’t overlook ice fishing as another great wintertime outing in Routt County. Local outfitters offer guided ice fishing trips, or you can give it a go on your own, provided you don’t mind a little auger-drilling. Top local options include Steamboat Lake, Stagecoach Reservoir and

Academic Excellence-Confidence-Leadership

20 | EXPLORE WintEr 2015-16

ExplorEstEamboat.com

1961 First Poma lift opens at Storm Mountain Ski Area

1963 Steamboat Ski Area officially founded

1964 Ski area renamed Mount Werner after death of local Olympic skier Buddy Werner

1970 Billy Kidd, first U.S. men’s skier to win an Olympic medal in skiing, moves to town

1992 Local Nelson Carmichael wins Olympic bronze in moguls

Timeline photos courtesy of Tread of Pioneers Museum

2010 Local Nordic combined skiers Johnny Spillane, Todd Lodwick and Billy DeMong bring home six Olympic medals from Vancouver Games

2014 14 athletes with ties to Steamboat compete in Sochi Games, bringing town’s total to more than 89 Olympians making 151 Olympic appearances

Sources: coloradoskihistory.com; yampavalley.info

Photo by John F. Russell

Elkhead Reservoir. “Steamboat has some great ice fishing that often gets overlooked,” says Mike Morton, of Steamboat Flyfisher. “Between that and fly fishing options, there’s no reason to hang up your rod come winter.”

Ice skating Fun for the whole family, Howelsen Hill Ice Arena (970-879-4300) features an Olympicsize sheet of ice, on which you can unleash your inner Apolo Ohno or Dorothy Hamill. It also hosts an array of adult and youth drop-in hockey sessions, as well as broom ball options. Unsure of yourself on the ice? Sharpen your skills with a lesson. For the kids, it also offers bumper cars on ice, where your children can drive into Dad, as well as its popular Rock On Ice program, where kids can skate to music under a disco ball. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a local figure skating performance or Steamboat Sailors high school hockey game.

Ice skating

J Jumps Norwegian Carl Howelsen brought ski jumping to Steamboat a hundred years ago, and the tradition lives on as strongly as ever.

Steamboat Ski Area has four on-mountain terrain parks for whatever your airborne fancy.

Accessed by the Bashor Bowl chairlift is Mavericks Superpipe and Mavericks Terrain Park, featuring a world-class, 500-foot-long halfpipe with 18-foot walls and 22-foot transitions, as well as three slopestyle jumps for aerial acrobatics. The lower part of the park offers a variety of rails, ramps and other hits. Other parks on the mountain include the Rabbit Ears Terrain Park, which starts at the bottom of ExplorEstEamboat.com

Vertigo and features a variety of slopestyle features; the Sunbeam Terrain Park, located in the South Peak flats by Rendezvous Saddle; and the Lil’ Rodeo Terrain Park, located at the resort’s base, whose boxes, easy jumps and mini-halfpipe are perfect for the whole family. There are also two terrain park jumps at Howelsen Hill downtown, as well as five Nordic jumps where you can watch world champions soar over Steamboat. To try it yourself, hit the Hitchen Brothers’ Wednesday Jump Night, held on the second Wednesday of each month January through March (sswsc.org).

K

Kids’ Vacation Center Steamboat Ski Area offers a great way to get on the mountain without worrying about your kids. From ski lessons to daycare, the Kids’ Vacation Center lets your kids have as much fun as you will. The Kiddie Corral Childcare Center provides care for children age 6 months to 6 years. Toys, arts and crafts, games and more are available alongside professional childcare. The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages, letting kids develop skiing and riding skills while making new friends and having fun. Just don’t be surprised when they’re dusting you on the slopes after a couple of lessons.

Visit steamboat.com for more information.

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l library Need a break from the slopes? The 33,000-square-foot Bud Werner Memorial Library at 13th Street and Lincoln Avenue in downtown offers a great place to relax, complete with an educational area for kids. The facility recently enjoyed a major, $12.5 million renovation, making it a true showcase in the state. Overlooking the Yampa River, the twofloored building — LEED-certified from the U.S. Green Building Council — includes dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, a coffee shop, large community and conference rooms, pillows to lounge on, great artwork, Library Hall for presentations and more. Carrying more than 88,000 titles, the library also has 30 public computers, audio books downloadable to MP3 players, free wireless, access to the library’s subscriptions database, and additional top-ofthe-line features. For more information, visit steamboatlibrary.org.

lighted Man The Lighted Man makes his electrifying ap-

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pearance in Steamboat every Winter Carnival (this year Feb. 3 to 7), lighting up slopes and spirits as he schusses down Howelsen Hill in a customized suit that would do Iron Man proud. Started in 1936 by Claudius Banks, the original Lighted Man began with a 100-pound suit with 200 lights powered by wet cells and yards of wiring. Today, Jon Banks continues his father’s tradition with an updated suit.

Powered by a 12-volt DC battery, it includes lights strung on skis, poles, legs and torso, and a helmet-mounted metal cylinder studded with additional flashing lights. For more punch, he packs a customized backpack fit with 32 Roman candles and 12 sky rockets that he launches between turns.

M Mush Combine sledding and dogs and you have the perfect family winter adventure — especially when you get to drive your own team.

The Yampa Valley offers one of the best places to run your own dog team in the country. Trips

are offered through two outfitters in town — Grizzle-T Kennels and Snow Buddy Dog Sled Tours — either west of town or south of town near Stagecoach Reservoir and in the Flat Tops mountains. Many of the dogs you’ll drive — most of them Alaskan or Siberian huskies, built for distance — have competed in the Iditarod.

Learn how to drive your own team, settling into the perfect trotting speed of 8 to 10 mph, or sit in the sled and enjoy the ride. Kids can also learn to drive a team, with an adult behind them for safety. Two hints: If a rabbit crosses the trail, hold on; and prepare to ride the brake on the return ride home.

Grizzle T: 970-870-1782, steamboatdogsledding.com; Snow Buddy: 970-291-1114, snowbuddydogsledtours.com.

Massage To rejuvenate those sore muscles from the slopes, pamper yourself with a massage or spa treatment. A host of salons, day spas and massage studios can soothe what ails you, from dry skin to your spine and quads. Rocky Mountain Day Spa (970-871-6111, steamboatmassage.com), Waterside Day Spa (970-8750271, watersidedayspa.com), Life Essentials Day Spa (970-871-9543, massagesteamboat.

ExplorEstEamboat.com

Photo by Matt Stensland

Mush — dog sledding

Men’s and Women’s Clothing, Shoes and Boots.

Sunglasses, Goggles, Hats and Outerwear.

Ski Rentals: daily & weekly. Lowest prices in town!

744 Lincoln Avenue, Downtown on the cor ner of 8th and L i n c o l n (970) 879-7568 · straightlinespo r t s . c o m ExplorEstEamboat.com

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com) and Old Town Hot Springs (970-8791828, oldtownhotsprings.org) are four of the top spas to visit during your stay. Wherever you go, enjoy an endless collection of massage services, including deep tissue, reflexology, sports therapy, Swedish and more. Local providers also offer nail services, facials, skin care and other body treatments.

Museum For a glimpse into Steamboat’s colorful past, visit Tread of Pioneers Museum at Eighth and Oak streets downtown, which will have you feeling like a fourth-generation local in no time. Utes, pioneers, a flying Norwegian who brought ski jumping to town and even the Lighted Man’s original suit are all on display, as is a new tribute to the history of skiing in Steamboat Springs. Visit treadofpioneers.org for more information.

Movies Sink into a comfy chair and let the entertainment come to you at the six-screen Metropolitan Wildhorse Stadium Cinemas in Wildhorse Marketplace, which carries the latest and greatest from Hollywood every day of the week (970-870-8222, metrotheatres.com.) The Chief Theater downtown also offers a regular line-up of movies and more for the whole family (chieftheater.org).

N Nordic/cross country ski Steamboat’s four Nordic centers offer more than 120 kilometers of groomed trails for classic cross country and skate skiing, as well as snowshoeing, all within 30 minutes of downtown. Close-to-town options requiring passes include the Ski Touring Center, Catamount and Howelsen Hill (note: bring your own equipment for Howelsen). Thirty minutes north of town are groomed trails at Steamboat Lake State Park and Vista Verde Guest Ranch. There are also trails west of town in Steamboat II, as well as classic trails on the West Summit of Rabbit Ears Pass (nine trails ranging from 1.6 to 7 miles).

If you’re going non-groomed, carry the proper equipment and let someone know where you’re going. For an in-town option, take the family cross country skiing up Spring Creek just past the high school off Amethyst Drive.

O Olympians On the second floor of Howelsen Lodge, Olympian Hall harbors photos touting Steamboat’s Olympic ties and flags depicting Olympic

Museum — Tread of Pioneers Museum

host countries where our athletes competed.

Also tour the Walk of Olympians downtown (start on the corner of Fifth and Yampa streets), which features 20 18-inch-by-18-inch bronze plaques inlaid into brick pavers honoring local Olympians with photos and accomplishments.

You can also find tributes to local Olympians on the second floor of Thunderhead Lodge at the top of the gondola, complete with a pair of gargantuan Nordic jumping skis. “The community really embraces our Olympians here,” says Olympian Todd Wilson.

P Powdercats Snowcat skiing outfitter Steamboat Powdercats has operated out of Steamboat for more than 30 years, guiding as many as 36 guests per day in the backcountry of nearby Buffalo Pass, home of Colorado’s deepest annual snowpack. Tens of thousands of guests have used its snowcats and professional guides to access some of the best powder in the country, including such celebrities as Warren Miller, Martina Navratilova, Cindy Nelson, Richard Steadman, Klaus Obermeyer and Seth Morrison. Several film and clothing companies have also included Steamboat Powdercats in their movies and commercials. “Steamboat always has great snow, and this is one the best ways to experience it,” says manager Kent Vertrees.

Visit steamboatpowdercats.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of Tread of Pioneers Museum

Pond skim

24 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

Show some skin at the annual Splashdown Pond Skim, as part of the Springalicious closing weekend festival at the base of the ski area.

Participants schuss down a hill at the bottom of the mountain and try to skim across a snowlined pond. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, visit steamboat.com.

Q Quaint downtown shopping Take a break from the slopes to shop historic downtown. Steamboat’s historic shopping district combines the nostalgia of old-time storefronts with boutique shops, galleries and Exploresteamboat.com

Photo by Ben Ingersoll

more. Downtown you’ll find such venerable establishments as F.M. Light & Sons (look for the plastic horse on Lincoln Avenue), founded in 1905 and now in its fifth generation of family ownership, and All That as well as newer stores, such as the Zirkel Trading Co. They all share that little taste of Steamboat you can take with you to enjoy back home. If you’re staying on the mountain, take the free city bus to Fifth Street and begin your journey by passing the historic Routt County Courthouse before entering the heart of the downtown area where restaurants, bars and shops await.

R Race

Pond skim

Fulfill your need for speed with a multitude of races offered across Steamboat. Race friends and family down the NASTAR course in the Bashor Race Area on Mount Werner, or join in the weekly Town Challenge Race Series held Thursday nights under the lights at Howelsen Hill. For the kids, during Steamboat’s annual Winter Carnival (Feb. 3 to 7), the Soda

Reservations Recommended • 970.879.1190 On the bus line at the corner of Pine Grove Road & Hwy 40 1465 Pine Grove Rd. • www.orehouse.com • Open 5pm Nightly Exploresteamboat.com

Winter 2015-16 explore | 25

Pop Slalom lets kids 11 years old and younger race head-to-head, with the reward of a soda at the finish line. For Nordic, the Steamboat Touring Center offers the Sven Wiik Cup Nordic Race Series throughout the season along with various other races, presenting something for everyone.

If you’re more of a spectator, cheer on racers competing in events hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, including the Race to the Cup Alpine Snowboard Race, during which competitors battle for a spot on the World Cup, or the Collegiate XC Ski Races.

Also look for the U.S. Freestyle Nationals at Steamboat Ski Area. For more information, call 970-879-0695 or visit sswsc.org.

Rabbit Ears Pass For a dose of the wilderness, Rabbit Ears Pass, located just east of Steamboat, provides wide-open terrain for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The West Summit harbors a variety of trails marked by blue diamonds, offering perfect kick-andgliding for the whole family. Maps for its Forest Service trails can be picked up at the U.S. Forest Service office, across the U.S. Highway 40 from the Holiday Inn.

S Ski and snowboard Steamboat is known for its skiing and snowboarding. The resort’s ski season kicks off with Scholarship Day for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club on Nov. 25 this year and extends through the second week of April. Its 2,965 skiable acres make it one of the largest ski areas in Colorado, and it’s world-class tree skiing in places, such as Closets and Shadows, maintain its trademarked Champagne Powder for days after a storm. Add 3,668 feet of vertical and 165 named trails (not to mention the countless routes through its trees) and you get a resort for skiers of all abilities, with 14 percent of its runs for beginners, 42 percent for intermediates and 44 percent for advanced.

Snowshoe Series This winter marks the third running of the XTERRA Steamboat Snowshoe Series. The series include three races, each featuring a kid’s/family race as well as 5K and 10K events for competitive racers. Winners of each 10K age

group wi‑n entry into Utah’s Trail Running National Championships. “Snowshoe running and racing has grown exponentially,” says organizer Todd Gollnick, whose series is sponsored by Crescent Moon Snowshoes. “It’s perfect crosstraining for runners and cyclists, and is a great fit for Steamboat.”

Sleighride Dash through the snow on a winter sleigh ride in Steamboat with friends and family, either under a twinkling starlight sky or catching snowflakes on your tongue. At the resort, ride a sleigh behind a snowcat at the top of the gondola to dinner at Ragnar’s for a five-course Scandinavian meal, hinting at Steamboat’s early Norwegian culture (Fridays, Saturdays and holidays); take a regular snowcat ride to Four Points Lodge for a succulent, multi-course meal; or go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride before or after dinner at Haymaker Golf Course (970-8715150, steamboat.com).

There’s plenty of other horse-pulled adventure across town as well. Saddleback Ranch (970-879-3711, saddlebackranch.com), an 8,000-acre, fourth-generation family-owned ranch just out of town, offers two options, bells jingling from Belgium horses on each one. A

Photo by Matt Stensland

Snowshoe Series

26 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

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40-minute dinner ride takes you to the Double Dollar Lodge for hot chocolate, a home-cooked meal (try the New York Strip) and old-fashioned entertainment (such as learning how to calf rope). A shorter ride circles to and from the ranch’s Longhorn Lodge. Elk River Guest Ranch offers a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Belgium draft horses to a candlelit teepee dinner, complete with a shuttle to and from town. Your first stop: Poppa Ed’s Saloon for libations and hors d’oeuvres (970-879-6220, elkriverguestranch. com). Hahns Peak Roadhouse (970-879-4404, hahnspeakroadhouse.com) offers a similar sleigh ride to and from their lodge on Routt County Road 129, beneath snow-capped Farwell Mountain and Hahn’s Peak.

Ski with an olympian Steamboat has 89 Olympians and counting, and there are plenty of ways to ski with them.

If you can’t make the daily outing with Olympic silver medalist and World Champion Billy Kidd (see B above), try one of his Billy Kidd Ski Camps, which run throughout the winter. You can also ski with 1992 Olympic bronze medalist and two-time World Cup mogul champion Nelson Carmichael, who hosts a free mogul clinic on his namesake Nelson’s Run at 1 p.m.

select Sundays (check the grooming report to see if he is skiing and meet at the Nelson’s sign outside Four Points Lodge). For women comes the Steamboat Women’s Ski Camps, led by four-time Olympian Ann Battelle and three-time Olympian Caroline Lalive. Visit steamboat.com for more information.

drink from the concession stand. They even offer transport to and from the transit center on Mount Werner Circle. To sled on your own, BYOS to the hill in front of the church just west of town in Steamboat II, or head to Blackmer Drive on Emerald Mountain.

Tennis

T Tube Sometimes it’s fun to careen downhill without the control. For that, it doesn’t get any better than renting tubes downtown at Howelsen Hill (970-879-0695, sswsc.org), with proceeds benefitting the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Ride up the Magic Carpet and tube to your heart’s content near the base of the Nordic jumps, before retiring to the Howelsen lodge for hot chocolate and warm cookies.

Fifteen miles out of town, fly down Saddleback Ranch’s Yee-Haw Tubing Hill (970-879-3711, saddlebackranch.com), complete with a stateof-the-art tube-tow lift system, and warm up in the Longhorn Warming Lodge with a hot

Just because you’re in Ski Town USA, it doesn’t mean you can’t polish up on your backhand. The award-winning Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs (970-879-8400, 10s.com) offers six, indoor and cushioned hard courts near the base of the ski area, adjacent to the Meadows Parking Lot.

U Up in a hot air balloon For the best view in town of the entire Yampa Valley, Wild West Balloon Adventures (970-8797219; wildwestballooning.com) offers winter balloon tours complete with a Champagne toast afterward. Setting out in the early morning,

F a m il y F u n C e n te r

t of town on Hwy 40 s wes e l i m t h n e O F • REE Steamb Bowl Plaza oat Bus route • Two 0 Snow 9 0 2 Two fun activities in one place! •

(970) 879-9840 | www.snowbowl.net

bout Ask us a

T! $1 NIGH1 Beer

&$ $1 Games

Snack Bar • Full Service Bar • 100% Non-Smoking Family Entertainment for all ages!

Large Groups, Teams, & Parties Welcome!

Open Afternoons & Evenings 28 | EXPLORE WintEr 2015-16

Canvas and Wine Step-By-Step Instructions as you paint and enjoy a glass of wine. Take your masterpiece home with you!

• All materials provided.

• Individuals & groups are welcome.

• Kids classes available.

For more information call: 970-871-7904 Reservations recommended. www.splatzpainting.com

ExplorEstEamboat.com

Photo by Scott Franz

Up in a hot air balloon

Presents

Len Chmiel A Retrospective Friday, December 4, 2015 through Saturday, April 9, 2016 Museum and Store Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11am-6pm Visit our website for more information.

Social Security, Oil, 25�x36�

Exploresteamboat.com

Winter 2015-16 explore | 29

V Vino Testing Release your inner sommelier by partaking in a variety of wine tastings offered across town every winter. A variety of local restaurants pride themselves on their wine selections, with many offering specials and samplings throughout the season. To take in some art with your wine, try the First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown the first Friday of every month, when local galleries showcase art with wine, appetizers and live music. Also, check Central Park Liquor (970-879-3428, cplsteamboat.com) for its wine tasting specials throughout the winter from its wineries of the month. And don’t forget to make plans to attend the annual Steamboat Wine Festival every summer, where wineries from across the country exhibit their wares at the base of Mount Werner.

W Winter Carnival Steamboat’s Ski Town USA nickname was coined by a Chicago newspaper writer after watching the local high school marching band perform on skis during the Winter Carnival. The ski band tradition continues to this day, as does the well-deserved nickname. The band’s annual performance comes in early February every year during Winter Carnival, a perfect blend of Steamboat’s Western roots and ski town lifestyle. Originally organized by Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian who introduced locals to skiing and ski jumping in the early 1900s, the carnival started in 1914 as a mid-winter celebration to help locals break up the monotony of winter. It continues to be one of the town’s most popular events for locals and visitors. If you’re here Feb. 3 to 7 this year, head down to Lincoln Avenue for the parade and street events, and to Howelsen Hill for more festivities.

Visit sswsc.org for more information.

30 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

X Xylophones and more Music options abound in Steamboat, including such live music venues as Schmiggity’s, Old Town Pub and the Chief Theater downtown.

Also look for free shows on Saturdays as part of the Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat Concert Series on the mountain, as well as the popular Music Fest every January. For more formal concerts and top acts, try the award-winning shows at the Strings Music Pavilion between town and the mountain. From its 1988 beginnings to its current 9,000-square-foot Strings Music Pavilion, the organization brings top acts to Steamboat every year, from Grammy award-winning musicians to New York Metropolitan Opera singers and world-class orchestra performers. Call 970-8795056 or visit stringsmusicfestival.com for more information.

Y Yoga While you might find yourself in a few yoga-like positions on the slopes, you can practice real positions at a variety of yoga and Pilates studios across town. Open to everyone from seasoned yogis to barely-touch-your-toes newbies, Steamboat offers nearly 20 studios in town to help work out your kinks from the slopes. Favorites include Old Town Hot Springs (970-879-1828, oldtownhotsprings.org), the Yoga Center of Steamboat

(970-870-1522, yogacenterofsteamboat.com) or Steamboat Pilates Yoga & Fitness (970-8796788, steamboatpilatesandfitness.com). Each center offers classes for all levels while exploring different styles of yoga, so you’re stretched out for your next day on the slopes.

Z Zoom around on snowmobiles Thanks to rolling terrain, vast tracts of public land and world-class snowfall, Steamboat offers some of the best snowmobiling in the country.

The Park Range attracts thousands of snowmobilers each winter, from novices enjoying commercial tours to some of the sport’s most elite and dedicated riders. No matter your experience, you’ll enjoy everything from wide-open, powderfilled meadows to timbered, alpine terrain.

Routt Powder Riders (routtpowderriders. com) grooms more than 100 miles of trails on Rabbit Ears and Buffalo passes; the Steamboat Lake Snow Club grooms the area in the vicinity of Steamboat Lake, north of Columbine to the Wyoming border; the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club maintains more than 100 miles of groomed trails in the Black Mountain and California Park areas north of Craig; and the White River Snowmobile Club marks and grooms nearly 200 miles of snowmobile trails in Rio Blanco County.

The only caveat: Respect key non-motorized areas such as the West Summit of Rabbit Ears Pass and the Soda Creek drainage north of Dry Lake Campground on Buffalo Pass. Snowmobiles also are prohibited in all wilderness areas.

Zoom around on snowmobiles

Photo by John F. Russell

the tours let you soar across the Yampa Valley, taking in breathtaking views of town and the mountain, including Mount Werner and its ski trails in their full winter glory. Your little jump at the ski area will never feel the same.

Exploresteamboat.com

Valid through April 30, 2016

ExplorEstEamboat.com

WintEr 2015-16 explore | 31

Steamboat’s Best of the ’Boat Want to know what businesses locals think have the best burgers, burritos and margaritas in town? How about the best pizza, happy hour and music scene?

Of course you do. These answers and more (including coveted best craft beer) can be found in the following pages, listing the results of

Dining Best Après Scene (On the Mountain) 1st: Slopeside Grill 2nd: T-Bar at Steamboat 3rd: The Paramount Best Bar 1st: Carl’s Tavern 2nd: Sunpie’s Bistro 3rd: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Best Bartender 1st: Glenn Goldstein, La Montana 2nd: Richard “Gooch” Shine, Sunpie’s Bistro 3rd: JJ Johnson, Laundry Best Breakfast Spot 1st: Creekside Cafe & Grill 2nd: Freshies Restaurant 3rd: Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery Best Catering Service 1st: Drunken Onion 2nd: Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. 3rd: Marno’s Custom Catering Best Coffee Shop 1st: MountainBrew 2nd: Starbucks 3rd: Off the Beaten Path

32 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

Steamboat Living magazine’s annual Best of the Boat contest. This year’s fifth running of the event saw a record 5,686 voters cast 78,531 votes in 115 categories to express their opinions about all things Steamboat, from best cocktail, burger and ribs to bar, Mexican food and wings.

Overall categories included Shopping, Dining,

Best Family Dining 1st: Rex’s American Grill 2nd: Carl’s Tavern 3rd: Ore House at the Pine Grove Best Fine Dining 1st: Cafe Diva 2nd: bistro c.v.

3rd: E3 Chophouse Best Food Truck 1st: Skull Creek Greek 2nd: Taco Cabo 3rd: Y Not Wagon Best Happy Hour 1st: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill 2nd: E3 Chophouse 3rd: Carl’s Tavern Best Lunch Spot 1st: Freshies Restaurant 2nd: Creekside Cafe & Grill 3rd: Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery Best Outdoor Dining 1st: Creekside Cafe & Grill 2nd: E3 Chophouse 3rd: Aurum Food & Wine Best Place to Watch the Game 1st: Carl’s Tavern 2nd: The Tap House Sports Grill 3rd: Slopeside Grill

Best Server 1st: Daryl Newcomb, Cafe Diva 2nd: David Dolifka, Off the Beaten Path 3rd: Tom Stefanelli, Ore House at the Pine Grove

Food Specialties Best Asian Food 1st: Noodles & More 2nd: Sake2U 3rd: Sambi Canton Best Brew Pub/Place to Get a Beer 1st: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill 2nd: Butcherknife Brewing Co. 3rd: Storm Peak Brewing Co. Best Burrito 1st: Azteca Taqueria 2nd: Fiesta Jalisco 3rd: Taco Cabo Best Cocktail 1st: Fiery Margarita, Laundry 2nd: Hurricane, Sunpie’s Bistro 3rd: Martini, Harwigs L’apogee Best Dessert 1st: Cupcakes, MountainBrew 2nd: Creme brulee, Cafe Diva 3rd: Mountain mud pie, Ore House at the Pine Grove

Food Specialties, Home & Garden, Business & Community and Professionals. The final tallies bestowed “Best Of” accolades on everything from best place to get a massage after a day on the mountain to best breakfast spot to kick off your day. Go ahead and visit any of the podiumplacers on the list — and tell them you heard about it in Best of the ’Boat!

By the numbers 78,531 — Total votes cast 5,686 — Total voters 200:198 — Closest margin (wings) 115 — Different categories 11 — Ties, the most of any year

Top vote-getters What categories racked up the most votes? Everything from booze to best place to work it off afterwards.

Best Liquor Store: Central Park Liquors — 959 Best Breakfast Spot: Creekside Cafe & Grill — 718 Best Spa: Life Essentials Day Spa — 675 Best Pet Store: Paws ’N Claws All Things Pet — 594 Best Mexican Food: Fiesta Jalisco — 593 Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt: Ciao Gelato — 564 Best Apres: Slopeside Grill — 513 Best Asian: Noodles & More — 509 Best Coffee Shop: MountainBrew — 489 Best Fitness Center/Gym: Old Town Hot Springs — 475 Exploresteamboat.com

2nd: Noodles & More 3rd: YAMA Best Vegetarian Menu 1st: ROOTZ 2nd (Tied): Freshies 2nd (Tied): Sweet Pea Restaurant & Market 3rd: Bamboo Market Best Wings 1st: The Tap House Sports Grill 2nd: Carl’s Tavern 3rd: Steamboat Smokehouse

Shopping

Best Hamburger 1st: Back Door Grill 2nd: Big House Burgers 3rd: Carl’s Tavern Best Hot Dog 1st: Hungry Dog 2nd: Johnny B. Good’s Diner 3rd: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt 1st: Ciao Gelato 2nd: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain 3rd: Dairy Queen Best Italian Food 1st: Mambo Italiano 2nd: Mazzola’s Majestic Italian Diner 3rd: Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Diner Best Locally Brewed Beer 1st: Amputator, Butcherknife Brewing Co. 2nd: 4 Wire Pale Ale, Storm Peak Brewing Co. 3rd (Tied): Alpenglow Ale, Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Exploresteamboat.com

Photo by Chris McGaw

Back Door Grill

Best Art Gallery 1st: Circle 7 Fine Art 2nd: Depot Art Center 3rd: Steamboat Art Museum Best Auto Accessory/ Part Store 1st: NAPA Auto Parts 2nd: Yampa Valley Tire Pros & Express Lube 3rd: Bob’s Downtown Conoco Best Bike Shop 1st: Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare 3rd (Tied): Hefeweizen, 2nd: Orange Peel Bicycle Service Butcherknife Brewing Company 3rd: Ski Haus Best Mexican Food Best Candy/Sweets Store 1st: Fiesta Jalisco 1st: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory 2nd: Vaquero’s Mexican Restaurant 2nd: Ciao Gelato & Taqueria 3rd: Rocket Fizz 3rd: La Fiesta Grill & Cantina Best Consignment/ Best Pizza Thrift Store 1st: Blue Sage Pizza 1st: Deja Vu Consignment 2nd: Brooklynn’s Pizzeria 2nd: Annie’s Home Consignments 3rd: Papa Murphy’s 3rd: Lift-Up Community Thrift Store Best Ribs Best Floral Shop 1st: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ 1st: The Tall Tulip 2nd: Moe’s Original Bar B Que 2nd: City Market 3rd: Steamboat Smokehouse 3rd: Steamboat Floral & Gifts Best Sandwich Best Gift Shop 1st: Backcountry Delicatessen 1st: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain 2nd: Cruisers Sub Shop 2nd: All That 3rd: Freshies Restaurant 3rd (Tied): Off the Beaten Path Best Steak 3rd (Tied): Steamboat Art Company 1st: Ore House at the Pine Grove Best Home Decor Store 2nd: E3 Chophouse 1st: Annie’s Home Consignments 3rd: Cafe Diva 2nd: Steamboat Ace Hardware Best Sushi 3rd: Moxie Home Consign and Design 1st: Sake2U

Best Jewelry Store 1st: Hofmeister Personal Jewelers 2nd: Steamboat Art Company 3rd: The Silver Lining Best Kids’ Gift Store 1st: In Celebration of Kids 2nd: Dragonflies 3rd: Off the Beaten Path Best Liquor Store 1st: Central Park Liquor 2nd: Arctic Liquors 3rd: Ski Haus Liquors Best Marijuana Store 1st (Tied): Golden Leaf 1st (Tied): Rocky Mountain Remedies 2nd: Natural Choice 3rd: Park Range Recreationals Best Men’s Clothing Store 1st: Allen’s Clothing 2nd: Zirkel Trading 3rd: URBANE Best Pet Store 1st: Paws ’N Claws All Things Pet 2nd: Elk River Pet & Ranch 3rd: Outdoor K9 Best Shoe Store 1st: Steamboat Shoe Market 2nd: Shoe Chalet & Boutique 3rd: Ski Haus Best Ski Shop 1st: Ski Haus 2nd: Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare 3rd: Christy Sports and Door 2 Door Ski Rentals Best Snowboard Shop 1st: Powder Tools 2nd: Ski Haus 3rd: Powder Pursuits Best Sporting Goods Store 1st: Ski Haus 2nd: Sports Authority 3rd: BAP! Best Women’s Clothing Store 1st: Chrysalis 2nd: Ski Haus 3rd: URBANE

Business & Community Best Auto Repair Shop 1st: Bob’s Downtown Conoco Winter 2015-16 explore | 33

2nd: Doc’s Auto Clinic 3rd: Elk Mountain Automotive Best Bank 1st: Yampa Valley Bank 2nd: Wells Fargo 3rd: Alpine Bank Best Computer Repair 1st: Ski Town Computing 2nd: Northwest Data Services 3rd: Mac Ranch Best Daycare 1st: Discovery Learning Center 2nd: Young Tracks 3rd: Holy Name Preschool Best Fishing Outfitter 1st: Steamboat Flyfisher 2nd: Straightline Outdoor Sports 3rd: Bucking Rainbow Best Fitness Center/Gym 1st: Old Town Hot Springs 2nd: Anytime Fitness 3rd: Steamboat Pilates, Yoga & Fitness Best Golf Course 1st: Haymaker Golf Course 2nd: Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club 3rd: Catamount Ranch & Club Best Guest Ranch 1st: Saddleback Ranch 2nd: Home Ranch 3rd: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Best Indoor Music Venue 1st: Strings Music Pavilion 2nd: Schmiggity’s 3rd: Chief Theater Best Insurance Agency 1st: State Farm — Debbie Aragon 2nd: State Farm — Dax Mattox 3rd: Alpine Insurance Best Kids’ Program 1st: Boys and Girls Club of Steamboat Springs 2nd: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club 3rd: City of Steamboat Springs Youth Programs Best Nail Salon 1st: Steamboat Nails 2nd: Exclusive Nails 3rd: Wildhorse Salon

34 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

Best Outdoor Adventure Company (Summer) 1st: BAP! 2nd: Straightline Outdoor Sports 3rd: Bucking Rainbow Best Outdoor Adventure Company (Winter) 1st: Steamboat Powdercats 2nd: Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.

3rd: BAP! Best Pet Groomer 1st: Weaver’s Waggin’ Wash 2nd: Doggy Style Mobile Pet Grooming 3rd: Powder Hounds Grooming Salon Best Pet Kennel 1st: Red Rover Resort 2nd: RK Pet Ranch 3rd: Rocky Mountain Pet Resort Best Pharmacy 1st: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain 2nd: Safeway 3rd: Walgreens Best Physical Therapy Practice 1st: Johnson & Johnson Physical Therapy 2nd: SportsMed at Yampa Valley Medical Center 3rd: Kinetic Energy Best Place for a Haircut 1st (Tied): 10th Street Barber Shop 1st (Tied): Hair On Earth 2nd: Wildhorse Salon 3rd: Brio Salon Best Place to Horseback Ride 1st: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch 2nd: Saddleback Ranch 3rd: Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse Best Printing Shop 1st: PostNet of Steamboat Springs 2nd: Northwest Graphics 3rd: Element Print and Design Best Property Management 1st: Retreatia 2nd: Wyndham Vacation Rentals 3rd: Central Park Management Best Radio Station 1st: 96.9 KBCR “Big Country Radio” 2nd: 105.5 KFMU “Colorado Classic Rock”

3rd: 88.5 KUNC “Public Radio for Northern Colorado” Best Snow Removal Service 1st: Native Excavating 2nd: Gecko Landscape & Garden Center 3rd: City of Steamboat Springs Best Spa 1st: Life Essentials Day Spa 2nd: Rocky Mountain Day Spa, Boutique & Salon 3rd: Waterside Day Spa Best Towing Service 1st: Rocky Mountain Towing 2nd: American Towing & Road Service 3rd: Sunshine Mountain Auto Towing Best Veterinary Office 1st: Pet Kare Clinic 2nd: Steamboat Veterinary Hospital 3rd: Mount Werner Veterinary Hospital

Professionals Best Acupuncturist 1st: Frank Turano-Cutler, Healing Path Acupuncture 2nd: Betsy Smith, Five Element 3rd: Kelley McDaneld, Yampa Valley Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Best Attorney 1st (Tied): Larry D. Combs, Steamboat Springs Criminal Defense 1st (Tied): Jason Lacy, Steamboat Lawyers Group 2nd: Kris Hammond, Cantafio Hammond Law 3rd: Adam Mayo, Esq. Best Bike Mechanic 1st: Dusty Henning, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare 2nd: Brock Webster, Orange Peel 3rd: Chris Johns, Wheels Bike Shop Best Chiropractor 1st: Dr. Tim Rinn, Rinn Chiropractic 2nd: Dr. Von Wilson, Backsmith Chiropractic 3rd (Tied): Dr. Dave Liberman, Liberman Wellness 3rd (Tied): Dr. Russ Sanford, Sanford Chiropractic

Best Doctor 1st: Dr. David Niedermeier, Steamboat Medical Group 2nd: Dr. Lambert Orton, Yampa Valley Medical Associates 3rd (Tied): Dr. Phaedra Fegley, Steamboat Springs Family Medicine 3rd (Tied): Dr. Charlie Petersen, Yampa Valley Medical Associates Best Eye Doctor 1st: Dr. Lewis Cutter, Mountain Eyeworks 2nd: Dr. Mark Helm, Helm Eye Center 3rd: Dr. Jason Garey, Steamboat Vision Clinic Best Fishing Guide 1st: Rob Burden, Steamboat Flyfisher 2nd (Tied): Keith Hale, Steamboat Flyfisher 2nd (Tied): Johnny Spillane, Steamboat Flyfisher 3rd: Steve Henderson, Henderson Fly Fishing Best Fitness Instructor 1st: Rebecca Williams, OTHS 2nd: Brady Worster, Anytime Fitness 3rd (Tied): Graham Muir, Manic Training 3rd (Tied): Mary Beth Arce, OTHS Best Hair Stylist 1st: Alicia Ellson, Brio Salon 2nd: Brooke Engeseth, Hair on Earth 3rd: Kaitlyn Wetzel, Wildhorse Salon Best Hunting Guide 1st: Lonny Vanatta, Vanatta Outfitters 2nd: Shane Yeager, Colorado Premier Outfitting 3rd: David Schwanke, Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Best Local Artist 1st: Lance Whitner 2nd: Gregory Block 3rd: Sandy Graves Best Local Photographer 1st: Abby Jensen Photography 2nd: David Dietrich 3rd: Noah Wetzel-Lightpole

Exploresteamboat.com

Best Massage Therapist 1st: Pam Peretz, Life Essentials Day Spa 2nd: Erica Olson, Heartfire Massage 3rd: Ali Boehm, Kneading Hands Best Ski/Snowboard Instructor 1st: Bridget Ross 2nd: Chip Shevlin 3rd: Rob Lewis Best Ski/Snowboard Patroller 1st: Kyle Lawton 2nd: John “Pink” Floyd 3rd: Brooks Bingman

Home & Garden Best Architect 1st: Joe Patrick Robbins 2nd: Brandt Vanderbosch, Vertical Arts 3rd: Bill Rangitsch, Steamboat Architectural Associates Best Electrician 1st: Geoff Coon, Coon Electric

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2nd: Jed Gibson, Central Electric 3rd: Richard Schwanke, Aspen Electric Best Flooring/Tile/Carpet Store 1st: Carpets Plus 2nd: The Carpet Shoppe 3rd: Affordable Flooring Warehouse Best General Contractor/ Home Builder 1st: Soda Mountain Construction 2nd: Fox Construction 3rd: Rivertree Custom Builders Best Home Supply Store 1st: Steamboat Ace Hardware 2nd: Alpine Lumber 3rd: Steamboat Lumber Best Interior Designer 1st (Tied): Olivia Kimmeth, Olivia’s Home Furnishings 1st (Tied): Valerie Stafford, Rumor Designs 2nd: Michele McCarthy, Vertical Arts 3rd: Susie Wilkinson, Aesthetic Designworks

Best Landscaping Service 1st: Gecko Landscape & Garden Center 2nd: I Design 3rd: Kinnikinnick Lawn & Garden Inc Best Mortgage Broker 1st: Kathryn Pedersen, Fidelity Mortgage 2nd: Josh Kagan, Cornerstone Lending 3rd: Lynn Reiff, Wells Fargo Best Nursery/ Gardening Supplier 1st: Windemere Landscape & Garden Center 2nd: Gecko Landscape & Garden Center 3rd: Steamboat Ace Hardware Best Painter 1st: Kyle Lawton, Lawton Painting 2nd: Peter Sloop, SLOOP Painting 3rd: Tom Barr, T Barr Painting Best Plumber 1st: Phil Taber, Taber Plumbing 2nd: Clayton Custer, Perfect Slope Plumbing and Heating

3rd: Aaron Scarborough, Down Hill Plumbing Best Real Estate Agent 1st: Matt Eidt, Colorado Group Realty 2nd: Jon Wade, Steamboat Group at Colorado Group Realty 3rd: Charlie Dresen, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty Best Roofing Company 1st: Tin Man Roofing 2nd: Revelation Roofing 3rd: High Point Roofing Best Stone Supply Company 1st: Hale’s Landscape Supply 2nd: Steamboat Stone Supply 3rd: Caveman Stone Best Title Company 1st: Land Title Guarantee Company 2nd: Heritage Title Company Third: Title Company of the Rockies

WintEr 2015-16 explore | 35

Traveling around town Getting around town is now easier than ever, with free city buses, a 24-7 taxi service and ample parking from town to the mountain. The layout is simple, consisting of two main areas — Old Town, which is the downtown area along Lincoln Avenue, and the mountain village, at the base of Steamboat Ski Area (including the surrounding developments). It’s easy to navigate, down to a world-class bike path for stretching your legs after a day on the slopes.

Taxi and limousine service

Useful numbers and websites

Don’t want to drive or take the bus? Go Alpine is Steamboat’s taxi and limousine service, offering transportation all day and night all winter long.

The standard rate is $3 per person plus $2 per mile (children younger than 2 ride free). Go Alpine and Storm Mountain Express also offer shuttle service to and from Yampa Valley Regional Airport and Denver International Airport. Call 970-8792800, or visit goalpine.com for more information.

City bus system

Lodging shuttles

With extended service in winter, Steamboat Springs’ free bus system runs all year between the mountain and town. Catch it at the gondola transit center and Ski Times Square on the mountain, and ride it all the way to the west side of town. You can stop at Central Park Plaza for shopping, use it for dining out and take it to the Old Town Hot Springs downtown. All buses are wheelchair accessible and include exterior ski carriers. Call 970-879-3717, or visit steamboatsprings.net for more information.

Staying in a local lodge? Most of Steamboat’s lodging properties offer free shuttle service for guests. Inquire at the front desk of your specific property to see what services are included.

For pertinent information on the fly, keep the following numbers and websites plugged into your smartphone.

Event information and business directory: ExploreSteamboat.com Includes Steamboat’s most complete events calendar and online business directory. Looking for pizza delivery? Simply type “pizza” into the search box, and let Explore do the work for you.

Local news, sports and weather: SteamboatToday.com Steamboat’s daily source of news, sports, weather and event information. Pick up a free copy of Steamboat Today at local newsstands, or log on to SteamboatToday.com to keep up with what’s happening when and where.

Ski resort information: 970-879-7300 Call this number whenever a storm rolls through. The Steamboat Ski Area’s official snow and ski conditions update line is updated several times throughout the day.

Yampa River Core Trail The Yampa River Core Trail is the city’s seven-mile concrete bike path that parallels the river. The trail is cleared of snow throughout the winter, and it’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a peaceful walk or snowshoe.

Meier and Stockli Skis now available!

Black Tie Brands include: · Pret and Smith Helmets · Meier Skis (Steamboat’s exclusive dealer) · Stockli Skis · Switch sunglasses (magnetic lens!) · Anon goggles (magnetic lens!) · Point 6 socks and more!

36 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

Exploresteamboat.com

Air apparent Direct flights available from 11 major airports Getting to Steamboat Springs has never been easier.

Steamboat’s winter flight program for the 2015-16 winter season features expanded nonstop air service from six of the 11 major cities with flights into Steamboat/Hayden Airport (HDN), representing a 13-percent increase in seats flying from nonstop markets to Steamboat. The winter flight schedule now provides convenient connections from more than 300 airports worldwide, keeping Steamboat one of the most easily accessed resorts in the Rocky Mountains.

As for the bump-ups in service, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, Seattle and Washington-Dulles will offer additional days of service during the winter season.

United Airlines has four expanded flights: nonstop service from LAX to Steamboat will

fly daily; Newark and Washington-Dulles will both add Sunday flights; and Chicago upgrades to daily service for parts of the season. Delta rounds out the increased capacity with a Saturday flight offered from Feb. 13 to March 26, and Alaska Airlines expands its Seattle flights to four days per week with a new Tuesday departure.

“Having a flight to Steamboat gives our customers in the Pacific Northwest the first-ever nonstop service to world-class skiing in the western Colorado Rockies,” says Alaska Airlines Vice President of Marketing Joe Sprague.

Steamboat’s air program will also maintain nonstop flights from top markets — Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston and San Francisco — providing access from 11 major airports on key U.S. carriers Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines. During the summer, United Express also offers daily direct service to

and from Houston, as well as two flights daily to and from Denver.

“With expanded service from key markets across the U.S., Steamboat continues to offer a variety of convenient options to get to Ski Town USA,” says Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp.

President Rob Perlman. “We’ve aggressively worked with the airlines to provide convenient access into Steamboat. Our nonstop flight system is truly a key differentiator against other winter destinations.”

- PROPERTY MANAGEMENT -

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WintEr 2015-16 explore | 37

olympians at a glance The Yampa Valley and its 100-year-old, world-renowned Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club is home to more Olympians than any other town in the country.

Visit Steamboat, and there’s a good chance the person standing next to you in the gondola or grocery store line has competed on the world’s biggest athletic stage. At the 2014 Sochi Games, no fewer than 14 athletes with ties to Steamboat competed, including the locally raised brother/sister tandem of Taylor and Arielle Gold in snowboarding; Nordic combined’s Fletcher brothers (Bryan and Taylor); and homegrown Todd Lodwick, the first American skier to compete in six Winter Olympics.

From John Steele becoming town’s first Olympian in 1932 in Lake Placid, New York up to the Vancouver Olympics, where local Nordic combined skiers brought home seven medals, Steamboat has ties to more than 89 Olympic athletes with more than 151 Olympic appearances among them.

“The Olympic tradition here is truly hard to rival,” says retired Nordic combined skier

JuDee - Jeanne

Johnny Spillane, who brought home three silver medals from the 2010 Olympics and now owns Steamboat Flyfisher downtown. “The town’s atmosphere breeds Olympic-quality competitors. Some towns nurture baseball or football, but Steamboat nurtures Olympians.”

The list varies depending on how you count; it could be someone who was born and raised here, trained here or moved here — as did 1984 giant slalom gold medalist Deb Armstrong — after an Olympic appearance. But it’s substantial, nonetheless — especially for a mountain town of 15,000.

The town’s Olympians cover the spectrum of winter sports, from Nordic and Alpine racing to freestyle skiing and snowboarding. They range from Steamboat Ski Area Director of Skiing Billy Kidd, who won the U.S. men’s first-ever skiing Olympic Medal in 1964, to homegrown Todd Lodwick, the first American skier to compete in six Winter Olympics, and locally raised Nelson Carmichael, who won the bronze in moguls in 1992 and now has a run named after him.

Downtown’s Walk of olympians Stroll the city’s Olympic spirit first-hand downtown on Steamboat’s Walk of Olympians, which honors Olympians who have lived or trained in the Yampa Valley. So far, 20 18-by18-inch bronze plaques have been set into sidewalk brick downtown, letting people stroll through Steamboat’s Olympic heritage.

The plaques can be found on the corner of Fifth and Yampa streets, Seventh and Yampa streets and in front of Allen’s Clothing on Lincoln Avenue.

“We’ve gotten great comments on it,” says organizer Tracy Barnett. “It’s a great addition to downtown.”

Beverly, Katie, Alex, Ginny and Jamie

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain

Great Gifts

Your Local Friendly Pharmacy!

Jennifer - Wendy - Shelby - Karly - Sally - Kathi - Matt 38 | EXPLORE WintEr 2015-16

21174210

Downtown Corner of 9th & Lincoln

970-879-1114

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Former Olympian and X Games competitor Erin Simmons-Nemec

Olympic lines How local Olympians ski the mountain If no two snowflakes are alike, there are also no two ways to ski the mountain. To help you along, we asked a few of our local Olympians to share how they like to ski or ride the mountain. Or, just ask them on the lift; chances are, one’s sitting right next to you.

Erin Simmons-Nemec Snowboard Cross, 2006 (Canada); 9-time X Games athlete (threetime silver medalist) “Steamboat’s combination of elevation, geography, climate and geology make getting powder turns pretty basic. If you truly want to experience Steamboat’s Champagne Powder, get here early. If the forecast calls for snow, try a movie instead of the bar, or one cocktail instead of three. Eat a big dinner and get your Zs. Set your alarm clock to be in the gondola line by 7:30 a.m. Locals call it ‘pressing glass,’ and I call it a good decision.

You’ll be glad as you carve up untracked. And it doesn’t stop there — ask your friendly ski patrol to let you know when they might be done with avalanche control on the upper mountain runs, and plan for those rope drops.

Exploresteamboat.com

Even if there’s no new snow, get up early anyway; our snow stays cold and dry long after the last storm.

Even first tracks on fresh corduroy are worth it.”

Chad Fleischer Super Giant Slalom/ Downhill Combined, 1994, 1998 “On a powder day, I head to the gondola at 8 a.m. and get in line with the rest of the powder hounds. Once at the top, I let all the diehards head down to line-up at Storm Peak while I ski Four Points for a run or two. Then, I hang out at the top waiting for them to drop the rope to the Sundown lift. This way, I’m usually one of the first chairs to arrive at the top of Shadows. Then, I’ll ski three or four non-stoppers from Sideburn Winter 2015-16 explore | 39

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to Shadows before heading off to the Chutes, assuming patrol gets them open.”

Bobby Aldighieri Photo by Jessica Aldighieri

Moguls, 1992; Head Coach Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, 2006-2014 “I love skiing the mountain with good friends. They don’t have to be ripping skiers — all they need is a good attitude, regardless of the conditions, and find the best in every run. Pressing glass is great, as I’m programed to be up early. I love taking my first warm-up run or two down Vagabond, making big GS turns from top to bottom. The grooming is always impeccable, and you can open it up with no one on the trail.

Then, it’s off to Storm Peak for a run down the face. From there, I head to Tornado or Nelson’s Run; the moguls aren’t super big, and if your friends don’t want to ski bumps, there’s some variety. At the cat track, it’s hard not to head across Rainbow Saddle to White Out. It’s a classic and is usually soft and reasonable, even for old guys like me. The left side is a bit more rhythmical, and the right offers more space. I also like hitting Chutes 1, 2 and 3 and Gate D off the Morning Side lift. Then, for a last cruiser, I like maching down Upper and Lower Rainbow en route to the T-Bar for an après beer and gourmet Panini.”

Johnny Spillane Nordic Combined, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 (three silvers) “Having lived and skied in Steamboat all my life, I know the mountain like the back of my hand. My favorite days are when it’s nasty weather and you seek shelter in the trees. Steamboat has some of the best tree skiing in the world, with no shortage of powder stashes. With a little effort, you can find great snow almost every day. I love Christmas Tree Bowl and the Gates, but the whole mountain offers great snow if you’re willing to explore. It’s also hard to beat a bluebird day tearing down groomers. If you want to get your legs burning, try a top to bottom run down Vagabond.”

Chris Puckett Giant Slalom, 1992 (and four-time National Champion) “If I only have an hour or so, I want to make it count. I’ll head straight up to the top and ski down through the Shadows with as few stops as

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I can. Then, I’ll head back up Sundown Express for one more trip down Two O’clock trees, again with as few stops as possible to get a good leg burn. I have to remind myself to watch out for the catwalk crossings, especially in flat light. Then, it’s back up the Elkhead lift to rip one fast run down Heavenly Daze and See Me. There’s nothing like ending the session making GS arcs down a big, wide trail to send you home with a smile. Those few runs usually do it for me when I’m in a hurry.”

Nelson Carmichael Moguls, 1988, 1992 (bronze) “I still like to ski bumps — fluffy, slushy and almost anything in between. If it’s not a powder day, I’ll take a quick warm-up on Rudi’s to Four Points. Depending on the snow, I’ll then head toward Twister, Tornado or Cyclone. I can stay warmer that way, instead of going right up to Photo by Larry Pierce Storm Peak.

I’ll then lap Four Points again, checking out what I missed, or even hit Nelson’s to reminisce when it was Four Points lift line. Next, I head up Storm Peak and hit skier’s right under it, which keeps nice snow. Then, I’ll dart into Typhoon to the Bar U E lift.

Up top again, I’ll cut across to Sideburn and then dump onto Sunset and over to White Out — as nonstop as possible. If there’s some fresh, I’ll also slide over to Pony Express and check out Royal Flush, which has a great steep section, as well as Longhorn and WJW, which also used to be a lift line. Then, it’s skier’s right on Drop Out and over to Burgess Creek, where I’ll ski the lift line before cutting through to White Out again.

For the last run, I’ll hit Oops (nice, big bumps) and then ski back onto Heavenly Daze, before dropping into Vertigo. I finish the session through Rabbit Ears Terrain Park.”

Billy Kidd Slalom, 1964 (silver); Gold, 1970 World Championships “I like to start my day on Buddy’s Run, which reminds me of skiing in the Olympics with him (Buddy Werner) and Jimmie Heuga. I touch his bronze sculpture before starting down, out of respect and for good luck. The best days are when I have to bend down to touch the top of his helmet.

If it’s a powder day, I head for the trees in Shadows. It reminds me of skiing there with Robin Olds, the local, legendary fighter pilot who loved deep powder and tight trees; he was the first person I ever saw use a snorkel skiing. He had no fear of the trees; he’d say, “Nobody’s shooting missiles at me!”

On cold days, I like Sunshine Bowl. It faces south, so you have sun on your back on the lift and in your face on the way down. I also like Rolex the few days it gets groomed, making big GS turns all the way down. I made the first turns down this trail with Jean-Claude Killy and Rolex president Roland Puton. Then, I do my 1 p.m. free clinic run down Heavenly Daze. I love helping people ski better. Even if they don’t make Winter 2015-16 explore | 41

it to the Olympics, if I can give them more confidence, then it’s a Heavenly Day. Finally, to see how much slower I am since my racing days, I take a run down the NASTAR course at Bashor. My handicap tells me how I’m skiing compared to current and future Olympians. At the end of the day, I like Heavenly Daze and See Me. They face west, have afternoon sun and good visibility.”

Deb Armstrong Giant Slalom, 1984 (gold), 1988 “If it’s a powder day, I like to ride up for First Tracks and then, while everyone else is racing over to Sundown, I take my time and go inside to get some water. Then, while everyone else goes to the other side, I head the opposite way and get freshies down to Four Points. I can get three or four runs there when I’m not battling anyone. It’s counterintuitive. You hurry to get up to the top of the gondola, and then, you wait 10 minutes or so, but it works.

If it’s a groomer day, I love the lower front side of the mountain, especially Vertigo. It has

a long fall line, isn’t skied much, is often cut-up and soft and doesn’t have firm moguls. I like to link big GS turns all the way down. If I’m with the kids, I head to Tomahawk first thing and just

970.879.6201

tuck it. No one else is back there then. You have a window of maybe one run before people get there.”

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Skiing and riding There’s a reason the term “Champagne Powder” was coined in Steamboat Springs in 1958 by Kremmling rancher Joe McElroy. The ski area gets some of the most and best powder not only in the state, but the entire country.

“It’s truly what distinguishes Steamboat from most other resorts,” says local Olympian Nelson Carmichael. “Steamboat gets some of the best snow in the country, plain and simple.”

The reason is its unique topography. As the first barrier storms encounter as they move across the deserts of northern Utah and Colorado, the resort’s Park mountain range traps snowfall like early settlers did small game. And it’s some of the lightest, driest snowfall you’ll find anywhere.

Snowfall totals have surpassed 400 inches during four of the past seven winters, including 433 in 2011 year, jump-started by a recordsetting 90 inches in November. The record winter of 2007-08 saw 489 inches of snow, including three consecutive months of 100-plus inches (that’s 58 powder days of 4-plus inches of snow). And in 2012 the resort set a singleday midmountain snowfall record of 27 inches.

All that means you’re likely to get a powder day during your stay.

There’s also plenty of space to track it up.

The resort’s 2,965 skiable acres make it one of the largest ski areas in the state, and its worldclass tree skiing in places such as Closets and Shadows maintain powder stashes for days after a storm. Add 3,668 feet of vertical and 165 named trails (not to mention the countless glades) and you get a resort for skiers of all abilities, with 14 percent of its runs for beginners, 42 percent for intermediates and 44 percent for advanced.

The mountain offers world-class terrain for carvers and freestylers as well as powderhounds. A fleet of 21 grooming machines — including a new Bison Sherpa winch, the first of its kind in Colorado — corduroy more than 600 acres nightly. For park riders, its four terrain parks, highlighted by Mavericks Superpipe — a 500-foot-long halfpipe with 18-foot walls and 22-foot transitions — provide fun for the whole freeride family.

To maximize your visit, arrive early. Lifts open between 8:30 and 9 a.m., with the gondola taking its first passengers at 8:30 a.m. (if it’s a powder day, try the resort’s First Tracks program, which gets you up ahead of the pack).

For lessons, Steamboat’s award-winning ski and snowboard school includes six Olympian instructors, as well as the FLAIK GPS system, which lets you monitor your kids’ whereabouts

and relive it on the computer back home. The Kids’ Vacation Center offers a variety of kids programs as well, and is just one reason Steamboat has been named the No. 1 Family Resort in the West by SKI magazine.

On-mountain facilities include the new Four Points Lodge, as well as Thunderhead Lodge at the top of the gondola and Rendezvous Lodge off the Sundown and Sunshine lifts. Fine dining can be found at Hazie’s and Ragnar’s.

For après, a variety of bars and restaurants line the slopes at the resort’s base, including the outside deck and Umbrella Bar at the Bear River Grill, the ice bar at Slopeside Grill and the locals hangout of the T Bar. The ski area also hosts the Bud Light Rocks the ’Boat concert series, featuring free music in gondola square, as well as the Steamboat MusicFest and Ski Jam. Other special events take place throughout the season.

Top all this with town’s genuine western hospitality (Steamboat was a ranching town way before it ever became a world-class resort, meaning everyone treats you as a neighbor) and you get a winter destination offering everything from friendliness to first tracks, which you can toast with the resort’s namesake Champagne afterward.

What El Niño Spells So El Niño’s back, this time bigger than ever. But what does that spell for Steamboat?

In short, plenty of snow — models point to near-average — and the possibility for a few huge snorkel-wearing dumps.

“Our meteorologist contacts think this winter will be an average snowfall season for us,” says Steamboat Ski Area spokesperson Loryn Kasten. Of course, that’s welcome news, especially with Steamboat’s 10-year average hovering at 349 inches.

“We tend to like neutral or weak El Niño/La Ninas versus strong ones,” she adds.

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If this year’s El Niño turns out as big as 1997-98’s — the strongest one on record and the year Chris Farley spoofed El Niño on Saturday Night Live — the barometer dips; Steamboat only received 291 inches that season.

But don’t put all your predictions solely in the El Niño bassinet, says Denver’s KMGH meteorologist Matt Makens.

“El Niño is part of a complex global weather pattern and can’t be singled out as the cause for a specific type of weather feature,” he says.

During El Niño years, he says, the state as a whole has experienced aboveaverage precipitation in spring, summer and fall, with winter hovering near aver-

age. But there is a good chance of large storms.

“Out of Denver’s 24 biggest single snowstorms, nine came in El Niño years,” he says. “With El Niño, we’re more than two times as likely to have a bigger singular snowfall event.”

Steamboat snowfall in past El Niño winters:

Year 1987-88 1997-98 2002-03 2009-10

Snowfall 333.5” 291” 344” 261”

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Nordic skiing Steamboat is a Nordic nirvana. Its four Nordic centers offer more than 120 kilometers of groomed trails for classic cross country and skate skiing, as well as snowshoeing, all within 30 minutes of downtown.

Howelsen Hill You’ll likely share the trail with an Olympian at Howelsen Hill. Located in the heart of downtown, its 21 kilometers of trails are maintained by the city and Steamboat Springs Nordic Council and are often part of the Nordic Combined World Cup cross country circuit. From late December through March, the trails (20 percent beginner, 20 percent expert, 60 percent intermediate) are groomed three times weekly.

In general, they’re a bit steeper than other trails in the area. Note: skiers must have their own equipment. Cost: $14 per day.

Info: steamboatsprings.net, 970-879-4300

Lake Catamount

Steamboat Ski Touring Center At the Steamboat Ski Touring Center, nearly 14 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails wind through aspen groves along Fish Creek, offering some of the most scenic and accessible Nordic skiing in the valley. The trails are rated novice to advanced and are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The center also offers 10 kilometers of forested snowshoe trails, as well as a full-service rental and retail store carrying the latest in cross country ski and snowshoe

equipment. It also offers daily lessons taught by area experts. Refuel at the “Picnic Basket” with hearty homemade soups, breads, hot drinks and more. Cost: $18 per day ($16 late arrival after 1 p.m.); rentals $13. Info: steamboatnordiccenter.com, 970-879-8180

Steamboat Lake The Steamboat Lake State Park Touring Center is 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 129. The area usually opens by Christmas, with trails groomed by the Steamboat Lake Snow Club. Dogs are allowed but must be on a six-foot leash. The center features 15 kilometers of groomed beginner and intermediate trails, with grooming twice per week. There are no services available, so bring your own gear; meals are available at the Clark Store Deli, Glen Eden, Hahn’s Peak Cafe and Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse nearby. You can also rent trailside cabins from the marina (970-8797019). Cost: $7 per vehicle (passes available at the park visitor center or self-service station).

Info: 970-879-3922, parks.state.co.us/parks/ steamboatlake Photo by Ben Ingersoll

The Catamount Nordic Center off Colorado Highway 131 offers 30 kilometers of groomed

trails, characterized by flat, easy-rolling terrain and wide-open views of Lake Catamount, Mount Baldy and Pleasant Valley. For dog lovers, the area also offers 10 kilometers of dogfriendly trails (cost: $2 per dog, maximum two dogs per person). All dogs must be on a leash, and no dogs are allowed Friday through Sunday.

The trails are open daily, with the Club House restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday.

The center also offers lessons, including a new four-week clinic on Fridays. Rentals $17 per day. Cost: $18 per day.

Info: catamountranchclub.com, 970-871-6667

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Photo by John F. Russell

Top secret!

Insider tips to skiing and riding Steamboat First Tracks First Tracks is the best way to ensure fresh tracks on the mountain. This ticket lets you board the gondola before everyone else, between 8 and 8:15 a.m., and gives you special access to untracked terrain from the Sundown Express, Sunshine and South Peak lifts. Bonus: It’s for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders only. Cost is $39 extra per day, or $210 for a 6-day, transferable pass. Yee-haw!

Press glass Forsake First Tracks and you can still maximize freshies by “pressing glass” with the masses at the base of the gondola. The term refers to pressing your cheeks up to the window while waiting for the gondola to open. “It’s be46 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

come quite the ritual among the diehards,” says one glass-pressing local. “It carries with it some pretty big bragging rights.”

Night skiing Like fresh cord? Try night skiing Thursday through Monday nights on the Christie Peak Express lift. It’s like First Tracks, but for fresh corduroy. Steamboat’s groomers manicure each run to perfection every evening, meaning that when the lift re-opens at 5:30 p.m. you get to ski some of the freshest corduroy in the country.

And if it’s snowing, you’ll get nighttime freshies.

Five trails are open for night skiing — including Sitz, See Me/See Ya, Vogue, Stampede and Lil’ Rodeo — offering 1,100 vertical feet of terrain under state-of-the-art Ultra-Tech Lighting. Bo-

nus: it’s a great precursor to a beverage at the base afterward. Hours: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 to Feb. 19 (nightly Dec. 25 to Jan. 4), and 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 to March 28. Cost: $37 for adults ($25 with 7-day advance purchase), $27 ($15) for teens, and $17 ($10) for kids.

Hit the Pony Express warming yurt For an old-fashioned break from the elements, bop into the warming yurt at the top of the Pony Express lift. You won’t find meal service or a bar, but it’s a convenient escape from the elements at the top of the lift, meaning no lost time getting warm. Plus, it’s the perfect place to break out that sandwich you’ve been carrying in your pocket all day.

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Narnia Trail

Buy a mug/medallion

While you won’t find this kid-friendly “secret passage” on any maps, for youngsters with a decent snowplow it’s as mesmerizing as any lion, witch or wardrobe. Head due north into the trees from the teepee on the right side of the trail between Upper and Lower Vagabond, then hang on for the ride as it follows the old mountain bike uptrack through a series of quick switchback turns, whoop-de-doo’s and straight-aways down to BC Skiway far below. From there, you can hit the Thunderhead lift, so your kids can lap it again. Just beware the final steep plunge onto the catwalk.

If you’re a regular visitor, consider buying a mug at the T-bar or medallion at Slopeside Grill. It will get you discounts on drinks and help you feel like a local.

picnic with a view

Snowcat or sleigh ride to dinner

Not the lodge type? Bring your own fare to one of several outdoor picnic tables scattered across the mountain, all with commanding views of the valley. One is located at the hairpin turn on Broadway, sporting awesome views of the Flat Tops; another can be found on the straightaway to the left between the top of the Burgess Creek lift and the gondola; and a third exists to skier’s left about a third of the way down upper Vagabond.

For a break from the usual dining routine, snowcat to a multi-course dinner from the top of the gondola to the Four Points Lodge, or sleigh ride behind a snowcat to Ragnar’s for a five-course Scandinavian meal. You can also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride before or after dinner at Haymaker Golf Course.

Hike to the weather station (if Morningside’s closed) If the gates are open up top but the Morningside lift isn’t, shoulder your skis and boot pack to the top of Mount Werner from the top of Storm Peak Express. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes if you’re in decent shape (quicker, oftentimes, than skiing down to and riding Morningside).

Plus, it makes you feel better about all those nachos and beers afterward.

ride Bar U-e Who says you have to ride high speed quads all day? Pay homage to the past on the Bar U-E lift to get some quiet time during storms and scout out terrain often overlooked by the masses. Plus, it lets you partake in that age-old pastime of holding up your hand and yelling “Single!”

Bashor Bowl Chuckwagon Hit the Chuckwagon at the bottom of Bashor Bowl for beers and snacks on a great spring day. You’ll avoid the crowds while the kids lap the terrain park.

Gondola Happy Hour Come spring, one of the best rituals on the mountain is riding the gondola up at sunset to live music and a sunset happy hour at Thunderhead Lodge. You won’t find a better view of the Yampa Valley.

Ski the beetle kill While the pine beetle might have whalloped the local lodgepole tree population, the resort’s eradicaiton efforts have opened up great new glades yet to be found on maps. Classic spots include the north-facing slopes on the lower mountain dropping from the top of lower Vagabond (look for the teepee) and the Why Not catwalk down to BC Skiway; a new glade to skier’s right of Vogue and dropping north to Short Cut; and a gladed area to skier’s right of Surprise below the FlatOut catwalk, taking you to the bottom of the Burgess Creek lift (it’s also a great way to access Storm Peak Express from the top of the gondola).

early season hint Every early season is different in Ski Town USA depending on what’s open, meaning you’ll never ski or ride the mountain the same way twice.

Here’s an age-old trick for skiers to maximize powder if Upper Closets and Shadows are open but not Lower. Since the pole/skate out on the Duster catwalk to Rainbow Saddle is a pain for snowboarders, not many venture there, lessening the tracks. And if you’re wobbling between taking your skis or board, opt for your skis just for accessing that terrain.

Beat the lines: ride singles, be sly If you’re skiing or riding by yourself, take the singles lines. They’re usually faster, whether you’re riding the gondola or a quad (note: the jury’s out if the singles gondola line is wends back past Gondola Joe’s). Two other ways to avoid the gondola bottleneck is to ride up Christie Peak Express to Thunderhead; or convince a friend or loved one (or lodge shuttle driver) to drive up Burgess Creek Road and drop you off at Thunderhead (note: no parking).

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Photo by Chris McGaw

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8th Street Steakhouse Looking for a unique dining experience? It doesn’t get any more fun for the whole family than cooking your own steak just how you like it at the 8th Street Steakhouse.

With the help and guidance of their experienced staff, you’ll have your steak cooked to perfection every time and seasoned just how you like it.

This family-oriented restaurant is the perfect place to bring your group, no matter the size.

From a romantic dinner for two to a group of skiing buddies or the entire family, Steamboat’s most fun-filled restaurant offers something for everyone.

As your steak sizzles on the grill, add some homemade teriyaki sauce or a dash or two of a complete spice array to customize it exactly how you like it. And don’t forget your Texas toast!

8th Street Steakhouse prides itself in serving up the best steaks and seafood around.

Cook one of their prime-grade New York strips, baconwrapped filet mignons, juicy bone-in ribeyes, buffalo ribeyes or Kobe strips over one

of two 20-foot lava rock grills.

Or, simply sit back and relax as their chef perfects your slow-roasted baby-back ribs or Alaskan king crab legs.

You can also choose from numerous mouth-watering side dishes, from awardwinning stuffed mushrooms to fresh steamed asparagus and roasted twice-baked potatoes.

Finish it all off with one of their famous “8th Street Taters” for dessert.

To wash it all down, enjoy your favorite beer or cocktail, or choose from its extensive wine list, featuring the finest vintages from the world’s greatest wineries, by the bottle or glass. At 8th Street Steakhouse, your meal will always have the perfect accompaniment. Hint: Don’t miss its $5, 8-oz. steak burger available every day during happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. There’s also Mussel & Martini Madness every Thursday, when fresh mussels are just $5 per pound and more than 20 flavors of martinis run just $3.

50 Eighth St. 970.879.3131 8thStreetSteakhouse.com 50 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

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John Gamradt Owner & Chef

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Cugino’S Located at 41 8th Street just off Yampa Street, Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant prides itself on being “Not the only pizza and Italian restaurant in town, just the best.”

Serving Steamboat for nearly 30 years and one of the most welcoming and energetic restaurants in town, Cugino’s focuses on affordable, Italian cuisine and pizza in a familyfriendly atmosphere void of pretension. With meals prepared by new owner and 26-year chef John Gamradt, who has trained under some of the best chefs in New York City, its sauces and pastas are all made from scratch, with its pizzas, strombolis and calzones baked in a brick-lined oven.

of sandwiches and wraps (like the Philly steak Cugino’s Special, Meatball, Eggplant Parmesan or Cugino’s Wrap), as well as an array of antipasti, wings and salad (favorites include the caprese and yellowfin tuna).

Enjoy it all in a familyfriendly atmosphere where you can cozy up to the fireplace on a snowy day.

It’s also a great place for a casual drink, with a full selection of beer, wines and specialty drinks (try its mojito or Italian margarita).

It also has two great happy hours, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. until close.

Choose from such pastas as the seafood-filled Godfather, Eggplant Florentine or homemade lasagna. For pizzas, try such favorites as the pepperoni, mushroom and olive Howler, whitesauced Cugino’s Ultimate or meat-topped Capone. For midday meals, try a variety

41 8th St. 970.879.5805 CuginosRestaurant.com ExplorEstEamboat.com

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harWigS Growing up in the very same With a menu changing at kitchen in which he spends least once a month to reflect his time today, Chef JJ has seasonal flavors and local developed a unique style rich agriculture, family-owned with tradition and technique Harwigs has served the garnished with modern flair Steamboat community for and creativity. The results nearly 40 years. The innovative are such favorites as Duck cuisine, exceptional service Confit with charged pumpkin and welcoming atmosphere & smoked huckleberry maple, have earned them national deconstructed Bouillabaise recognition from numerous critics including Wine Spectator, with lobster torchon, grilled octopus and jalapeno fennel Wine Enthusiast and Bon preserves, and Coq Au Vin with Appétit.

72-hour braised pork belly and Located in the historic 130 burgundy shallot reduction. year old “Harwigs Building” “We pay homage to the at 911 Lincoln Avenue, the classics because they are part restaurant occupies one of of who we are, but we’re also the city’s oldest structures constantly evolving our menu,” and houses Steamboat’s says JJ, crediting Harwigs’ only wine cellar. Hovering longevity to innovation and just above 800 selections, passion in the kitchen. “As we Harwigs has placed on Wine mature, we’re trying to push Spectator’s “Best of Award of the envelope by updating Excellence” every year since our style, yet still keeping 1986. The impressive list can the focus on local farms and be navigated with the expert ranches to stay connected to advice of engaged sommeliers to ensure you’ll find the perfect the seasons.” bottle to compliment your Delicious food and fine wine meal. The beautiful dining room make Harwigs the perfect is augmented by a bustling bar package for experiencing with an outstanding happy-hour downtown Steamboat. and three private dining rooms for intimate dining or larger parties.

Photo by Kaitlin Hollister

911 Lincoln Ave. 970.879.1919 Harwigs.com 54 | EXPLORE WintEr 2015-16

Photo by Kaitlin Hollister

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JJ Jenny Executive Chef Exploresteamboat.com

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La Fiesta The home of great, authentic Mexican “comida,” La Fiesta Grill and Cantina is a classicstyle Mexican restaurant offering true family dining and Mexican culture through a fresh spin on traditional Mexican fare.

Chef Edgar Ruiz combines such old-world flavors as chipotle, cilantro and distinct cheeses, with beautiful presentations and fresh ingredients in a restaurant that’s “para la familia,” following the most valued of Mexican traditions.

Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking and traditional dishes of old Mexico, his recipes retain an authenticity everyone will enjoy. Choose from a variety of fajitas — including skirt steak, grilled chicken, jumbo shrimp, and chipotle chicken — as well as taco platters (including the ever-popular $2 tacos).

It also offers a full line of salads and a Healthy Choice menu, including the Spinach Enchiladas with pico de

gallo smothered in tomato sauce. It also offers vegan, vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options.

Other popular dishes include the Shrimp Cabo Wabo (jumbo shrimp, sautéed onion, celery, and mushrooms simmered in chipotle and cabo wabo tequila sauce); Chicken Mole (grilled chicken topped with sweet red chili sauce); and Chile Rellenos (large poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, egg-battered and pan-fried with black beans, corn pico, and ranchero sauce).

On the cantina side, choose from a variety of flavored margaritas, including cucumber, spicy mango, avocado, grapefruit, and jalapeno infused. It also stocks more than 50 varieties of tequilas to bring even more fiesta to your dining experience.

Central Park Plaza 970.879.6393 LaFiestaGrillandCantina.com Exploresteamboat.com

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Carl’s Tavern One of Steamboat’s most popular restaurants and bars, Carl’s Tavern is named after Carl Howelsen, the Norwegian who brought skiing to Steamboat. Its fare flies out of the kitchen just as Howelsen did off the ski jumps he built a stone’s throw away.

Owned and operated by Collin and Noella Kelley, the focus is on fresh, every step of the way. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University’s culinary arts school in Denver, Collin’s background includes chef stints at Denver’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. It all shows in mouth-watering meals designed to replenish those lost carbs from the day’s adventure.

“It’s all about creating really good food,” he says, touting everything from homemade wing batter to pot roast marinated for two days.

“We make everything from scratch.”

The atmosphere keeps visitors coming back as well. Voted Best Bar in town for several years running, its large, circular bar lets patrons socialize and watch the day’s games on nine HD TVs, with beer and food specials served all day. Large windows keep the atmosphere open and airy, as does the adjoining 880-square-foot Antler game room, including booths, pool tables, a shuffleboard table and even more HD TVs. With plenty of space for private and semi-private dining, Carl’s is a great place for large parties. Throw in a great daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring $2 oysters, 50-cent wings, $1 PBRs and $2 draft beers, $2 off all wines by-the-glass, $3 domestic bottles and $5 premium well drinks, as well as 170 types of whiskey and a full array of draft beers, and you have a place Carl himself would be happy to call home.

7th & Yampa streets 970.761.2060 CarlsTavern.com 58 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

Photo by Chris McGaw

Exploresteamboat.com

Exploresteamboat.com

Collin Kelley Owner

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The Egg & I With more than a decadelong history as one of Steamboat’s favorite breakfast spots, the Egg & I is conveniently located in Sundance at Fish Creek halfway between town and the mountain. The eatery was established in 2004 by locals Bradley and Courtney Moline and its winning formula has made it a local favorite ever since.

While its menu accommodates every taste under the sun, its awardwinning Eggs Benedict top the list, coming in an array of themes, from the portabella mushroom and asparagus-filled Hiker to the layered croissant Parisian and Philly Steak. Other favorites include a variety of omelets, specialty waffles and pancakes, as well as Skillets, from the ham, bacon and hollandaise-filled Cambridge to the chicken, ham and swiss Cordon Bleu. Its Southwestern fare is also popular, including such favorites as Huevos Rancheros, Sunrise Chile Rellenos and Santa Fe

Huevos. Non-egg dishes and specials like the Mediterranean Frittata and Egg Byte Omelet cater to the weight-watcher crowd.

Cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty coffee drinks wash it all down, as do flavored hot chocolates for the kids and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

For lunch comes creative sandwiches, salads and homemade soups.

Its large capacity also makes it perfect for family gatherings, business meetings and more, complete with a free private meeting room with Wi-Fi and customizable menus.

“It’s our menu and capacity to handle larger groups that sets us apart,” says Moline.

325 Anglers Drive 970.871.4633 TheEggandIRestaurants.com Exploresteamboat.com

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Aurum The tagline for Aurum, located at 811 Yampa St., is “A new element in dining.”

It’s all that and more, especially this winter with a completely redesigned menu, bar and new, three-season awning on the elevated riverside deck upstairs, creating a new private event space and wine loft.

Owner Phil Armstrong describes the atmosphere — including its namesake gold motif — as fun and energetic, with a serious emphasis on food and service.

specials to more casual fare.

Top sellers include its Jumbo Lump crab cake, served with Cajun whole grain mustard sauce and grilled lemon; curried cauliflower, featuring tempura batter cauliflower with shishito peppers, golden raisins, pine nuts and a sweet & sour reduction; tube-only calamari, flash fried and tossed with arugula and lemonparsley vinagrette; and its ever popular mushroom fondue.

A “local’s hour” menu served from 4 to 6 p.m. nightly gets the après scene going with great value small plates and deals on local beers, wine, and cocktails.

Don’t miss sampling a signature drink from the bar program highlighting some of Colorado’s best craft spirits.

Aurum prides itself on everything from its lively yet elegant lounge space featuring acoustic music five nights a week, to its fine dining menu served in Steamboat’s best Above all, it’s the restaurant’s riverfront atmosphere. The relationship with its customers “Wine” in Aurum Food & Wine that keeps people coming back. is highlighted by the restaurants very own vineyard showcased in “We’re continuing to redefine our just a few of the extensive by the dining experience and reinvest glass offerings. The full wine list in our space,” says Armstong, features an impressive collection, adding that most of his staff has including interesting selections at been there since the restaurant’s every price point. inception. “We’re committed to be here for the long term Headed by executive chef Chase and want to keep giving people Wilbanks, who has cooked something new to come back to.” at Vail’s La Tour and Denver’s Shanahan’s Steak House, the menu includes such favorites as nightly fish and wild game

811 Yampa St. 970.879.9500 AurumSteamboat.com 62 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

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Photo by Chris McGaw

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Photo by Chris McGaw

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CrEEkSiDE CaFE Creekside Cafe & Grill, a quaint downtown eatery located on the banks of Soda Creek, has consistently received top honors in Steamboat’s annual Best of the Boat contest, including the coveted best breakfast and best service categories.

Located in the historic Soda Creek building, this longtime locals’ breakfast establishment lets you take in Steamboat’s past as you ready for the day ahead.

Carl Howelsen, the father of skiing in Steamboat, is said to have laid the bricks for the building himself. Offering more ambiance, the ceiling is painted like a Colorado sky and the brick walls are adorned with Colorado wildflowers.

Owners Jason and Kelly Landers fell in love in Steamboat two decades ago and have been building Creekside together for the last 12 years. Their success is founded on their belief in providing the upmost in service and using highquality, local ingredients.

As unique as the atmosphere at Creekside is the food.

Creekside tries to use as many local ingredients as possible by developing

partnerships with local farmers. Davis Family Farms provides seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, Moon Hill Dairy’s ricotta cheese, Innovative Agriculture’s micro greens, Yampa Valley Beef’s grass fed beef, Mountain View Farms’ hormone free pork and many more.

These great products are complimented by fresh baked bread, creative jellies, salad dressings and sauces.

Creative and traditional breakfast items are served all day, including purple potato hash, green chili smothered breakfast burritos, French toast stuffed with chocolate chip ricotta cheese, oatmeal pancakes and croissant breakfast sandwiches, to name a few.

All of these can be perfectly paired with Naked Brand orange juice, Italian coffee, mimosas or award-winning bloody Mary’s.

For eggs Benedict connoisseurs, the Creekside serves 10 different types, guaranteed to fuel your day on the slopes. Try the New Yorker with capers, smoked salmon and grilled tomatoes; the Little Buddy with shredded corned beef or the Traditional featuring Routt County ham.

131 11th St. 970.879.4925 Creekside-Cafe.com ExplorEstEamboat.com

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Photo by Chris McGaw

Fiesta Jalisco With six restaurants in Colorado, including its mainstay in Steamboat at 455 Anglers Drive, Fiesta Jalisco’s success owes itself to its original family recipes and great food, service and atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find “real Mexican” cuisine, passed down from decades-old family recipes.

Every menu item is made fresh daily from scratch, from appetizers to entrees.

Start out with Fiesta Jalisco nachos or a cocktail campechana appetizer, with shrimp and octopus, and then jump 66 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

into such favorites as flame-broiled Carne Asada, served with salsa and guacamole on a warmed tortilla, and Arroz con Pollo, featuring tender sliced chicken breast and fresh mushrooms, onions and green peppers, served with rice, two cheeses and warm tortillas. Small and large combo plates feature everything from enchiladas and burritos to tostadas and rellenos, or choose from carnes (meat), pollo (chicken) or mariscos (seafood). It also offers salads, vegetarian meals, children’s choices, American dishes and more.

As far as atmosphere, the restaurant features wooden booths and a bar hand-carved in Mexico, as well as colorful Mexican tile work. Paintings and sculptures by Mexican artists adorn the walls, augmenting an ambiance of authentic Mexican music, including mariachi bands.

455 Anglers Drive 970.871.6999 FiestaJalisco.net Exploresteamboat.com

Vaqueros Fiesta Jalisco’s authentic Mexican food and atmosphere is now also available downtown, with the opening of Vaqueros Restaurant and Taqueria at 730 Lincoln Ave. The restaurant enjoy’s Fiesta Jalisco’s same original family recipes, combined with great service and atmosphere.

“We brought the same theme downtown,” says owner Mario Rodriguez.

Vaqueros adds such new items

Exploresteamboat.com Photo by Chris McGaw

as meat and cheese-stuffed Inside you’ll find an authentic empanadas topped with sour Mexican vaqueros, or cowboy, cream and tomatilla sauce; atmosphere, making you feel shrimp ceviche; and tacos made right at home in Steamboat. from tripe and beef tongue.

Mexican cowboy artwork adorns Everything is made fresh daily the walls, as do lariats and other from scratch, from enchilada plates and rellenos to homemade ranch items. speciality soups and chicken and “It brings the feel of Fiesta Jalisco carne asada offerings, which you downtown,” Rodriguez says. can wash down with original margaritas that you can refill 730 Lincoln Ave. yourself from an over-sized pourer. It also offers homemade 970.879.7570 salads, children’s meals, daily VaquerosMexican.net specials and more.

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Back Door Grill For some of the best burgers, handcut fries and onion rings in the ‘Boat, head to Back Door Grill at 825 Oak St., winner of this year’s best hamburger award.

Serving up mouth-watering, all-natural Colorado beef burgers for dine-in or to go, Steamboat’s newest hamburger emporium is the work of Brandi and David Eliason, who bring years of expertise to every succulent bite.

Its edgy burgers are what set it apart, as well as its classic burgers for those with a hankering for a more traditional taste. For burgers, choose from

such classics as the double bacon cheeseburger and Make Mine a Triple to such new school options as the Teryaki Mahalo with pineapple and Swiss cheese and Twilight Zone with cheddar, bacon, creamy Sriracha and peanut butter (yes, peanut butter). It also offers a new special every week that keeps patrons guessing and coming back for more (cheeseburger on a glazed doughnut, anyone?)

For sides, it serves up a full array of hand-cut fries (try the Philly Cheese or Lucky Spuds) as well as salads, soups,

vegetarian offerings and adventurefueling breakfast items like its Burgerito Burrito or Happy Hangover sandwich.

It all boils down to a passion for fresh, natural ingredients and a love of old-fashioned, all-natural Colorado beef burgers and brews, manifested in everything that comes out of the kitchen.

825 Oak St. 970.871.7888 BackDoorGill.com

Photo by Chris McGaw

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Photo by Chris McGaw

ThE LaunDry Owned by chef/restaurateur Rex Brice, The Laundry is a concept-specific restaurant located in the historic Soda Creek building downtown. It offers casual elegant dining, blending rustic charm and a contemporary urban, athome atmosphere.

and French-cured, locally sourced charcuterie meats, including pork and lamb. Shared plates include the cocoacoffee-smoked bison short ribs with aged Manchego cheese, apple- and hickory-smoked brisket philly, brussels sprout hash and spicy shrimp pow-pow.

Utilizing local products and slow cooking/smoking, it encourages plate sharing, with 95 percent of its offerings priced under $15. Specialties include the Best Ribs Ever, brined in whey, smoked for four hours and braised in molasses and beer;

All this is complemented by a diverse beer and wine selection, a full line of whiskeys and tequilas, and special house-infused spirits, complete with homemade tinctures and bitters. Favorites include Satan’s Whiskers (gin, sweet and dry

ExplorEstEamboat.com

vermouth, orange juice and Grand Marnier), the Fiery Margarita (spicy pepper-infused tequila), and the Smoke & Thyme, made from pearinfused vodka. Hit it at happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for drink and food specials.

“We’re trying to bring something new to this community,” says Brice.

127 11th St. 970.870.0681 TheLaundryRestaurant.com WintEr 2015-16 explore | 69

Photo by Chris McGaw

Double Z Ask locals about Double Z Bar and Bar BQ and their mouths are sure to water at the thought of their juicy ribs and golden brown French fries.

their delicious signature sauces.

Credit its secret sauce, smoking and slow-basting for its finger-licking fare.

“People love our sauce,” says co-owner But Double Z — which has won town’s Dave “DK” Kane, whose staff will best ribs category for five years in a prepare up to 80 pounds of pork ribs row — has more to offer than just the and 30 pounds of beef ribs on any savory dishes that have made it a go-to given day. “We’ve been doing it the in Steamboat for the past 25 years. same way for years.”

Available for dine-in or take-out, its menu offers everything from hickoryDouble Z provides a family friendly smoked meats stacked on sandwiches atmosphere and offers a complete and presented on cool green salads to kids menu with such favorites as half-pound burgers, all smothered in corn dogs and “chicken lips.” For the 70 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

adults, a full bar boasts a daily happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. And all of Double Z’s delectable dishes can be enjoyed either inside or, when the weather permits, on the deck overlooking the Yampa River. It’s also conveniently located next to the bike path, making it accessible to those on foot and wheels.

1124 Yampa St. 970.879.0849 DoubleZBBQ.com Exploresteamboat.com

Mambo italiano There are two reasons Mambo Italiano is a five-time winner of the Steamboat’s annual Best of the Boat contest for best Italian food — ambiance and authenticity.

Located in the heart of downtown, Mambo Italiano offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience year-round. Under new ownership by executive chef Hannah Hopkins, who runs the kitchen together with chefs Michael Goldberg and Fernando Maldonado, one of town’s favorite eateries unveils a fresh new menu to go along with its award-winning wine list,

Photo

by Chris McGaw Exploresteamboat.com

friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

The key is an eclectic menu combining classic southern Italian fare with innovative modern cuisine and daily specials inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

Exposed to a fusion of American and European cuisines in New Haven, Conn., before relocating to New York where she spent 15 years as a chef, caterer and restaurateur, Hopkins moved to Steamboat in 2011, drawing upon her Sicilian background to inspire a marriage of rustic and contemporary flavors that delight the senses. An all-new menu

includes a variety of small plates and antipastas as well as house-made fresh pastas such as fettuccines, pappardelle and gnocchi. The restaurant also offers an array of fish, steaks, insalatas and more, as well as eclectic pizzas, children’s meals and a medley of mouthwatering desserts. Mambo also prides itself on its award-winning wines, craft cocktails and one of town’s best happy hours from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every day.

521 Lincoln Ave. 970.870.0500 Mambos.com

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oLD ToWn puB With an emphasis on fresh, the western-style Old Town Pub & Restaurant is one of town’s longest-running dining and drinking establishments. Making everything from scratch with a seasonally rotating menu, it offers such favorites as the Prime Rib Burrito and French Dip Philly as well as such new offerings as Strawberry & Brie Bruschetta, Steak Tacos and Shrimp Tapanade.

For the night owls, late night pizzas are served from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., made with fresh dough, sauce and toppings

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(try the crowd favorite Buffalo Chicken or BBQ Chicken). Its long-standing “Burger Night” occurs every Thursday with half-price, locally sourced burgers.

For appetizers, choose from its famous fried pickles to homemade onion rings and popper dip. Soup and salad favorites include venison chili and seared ahi tuna salad, with sandwiches ranging from Southwest Chicken to its rip-roaring Reuben. A full line-up of music ensues every week as well, as do wines, microbrews and cocktails complementing its award-winning Rocky Mountain menu.

All this is found in an historic building at 6th Street and Lincoln Avenue, downtown, letting you take in the town’s heritage while placating your hunger and kicking up your heels dancing.

600 Lincoln Ave. 970.879.2101 TheOldTownPub.com

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Photo by Chris McGaw

Photo by Chris McGaw

Tap House Perfect for everyone from families to sports fans, the Tap House offers Colorado craft beers, food and fun in the heart of downtown. It has 21 draft beers, all from Colorado, complete with beer towers that let you tap at your table. It also hosts “tap room takeovers” focusing on a specific brewery.

complete sports programming. It also offers NTN Network, free sports trivia and poker games, a game arcade and the best collection of sports memorabilia in town.

Traditional sports grill food includes burgers, battered chicken fingers, onion rings and heaping piles of nachos, as well as ribs, half-roasted With a the-more-the-merrier ambiance, chicken, sirloins, ribeyes and more.

Burger favorites include the Fire it’s able to accommodate groups of Burger with fresh jalapenos, cream up to 100 people, perfect for bringing cheese and hot barbecue sauce; the your team in after the big game, and three-cheese Hat Trick; and the Rodeo, offers 50 high-definition TVs with Exploresteamboat.com

with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and onion rings. Its award-winning wings are braised in such sauces as oriental barbecue, buttery garlic parmesan and dry-rubbed Jamaican jerk (get them half price on Tuesday Wing Day).

729 Lincoln Ave. 970.879.2431 TheTapHouse.com Winter 2015-16 explore | 73

Dining directory 8th Street Steakhouse

Brooklynn’s Pizzeria

Aurum Food & Wine

Butcherknife Brewing Co.

50 Eighth St. 970-879-3131 8thstreetsteakhouse.com Steakhouse

Cruisers Sub Shop

Gondola Pub & Grill

Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Grand Café

41 Eighth St., 970-879-5805 cuginosrestaurant.com Italian

2300 Mount Werner Circle, 970-871-5500 steamboatgrand.com Cafe

2300 Mount Werner Circle, 970-871-5550 steamboatgrand.com/the-cabin American

Daddio’s Bar & Grill

Hahn's Peak Roadhouse

Cafe Diva

Double Diamonds Bar

57 10th Ave., 970-871-1000 brooklynnspizzeria.com Pizza

811 Yampa St., 970-879-9500 aurumsteamboat.com American contemporary

2875 Elk River Road, 970-879-BEER butcherknifebrewing.com Brewery

Azteca Taqueria

The Cabin Restaurant & Lounge

116 Ninth St., 970-870-9980 aztecataqueria.com Mexican

Backcountry Delicatessen 635 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3617 backcountry-deli.com Deli

Back Door Grill

825 Oak St., 970-871-7888 backdoorburgergrill.com American

Bamboo Market Health Foods 1110 Yampa St., 970-879-9992 bamboomkt.com Health Food

The BARley

635 Lincoln Ave., 970-761-2195 thebarleycolorado.com Pub

Bear River Bar & Grill 2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-871-5165 steamboat.com American

Beau Jo’s Mountain Bistro 704 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-6401 beaujos.com Pizza

Big House Burgers & Bottlecap Bar 2093 Curve Plaza, 970-870-8500 bighouseburgers.com American

bistro c.v.

345 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-4197 bistrocv.com American contemporary

Blue Sage Pizza

685 Marketplace Plaza, 970-870-8600 bluesagepizza.com Pizza

Breezeway Cafe

2200 Village Inn Court, 970-879-2220 sheratonsteamboat.com Cafe

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685 Marketplace Plaza, 970-879-1747 cruiserssubshop.com Deli

21495 U.S. Highway 40, Milner, 970871-1415 Bar and grill

2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-879-4448 gondolapubandgrill.com Pub

60880 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-4404 hahnspeakroadhouse.com Bar and grill

2306 Mount Werner Circle, 970-761-2662 doublediamondsbar.com Bar and grill

Harwigs L’apogee

Cantina Mexican Restaurant

Double Z Bar & Bar BQ

Haymaker Patio Grill

Carl’s Tavern

The Drunken Onion Get & Go Kitchen

Hazie’s

1855 Ski Time Square Drive, 970-871-0508 cafediva.com American Contemporary 818 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-0826 steamboatcantina.com Mexican 700 Yampa St., 970-761-2060 carlstavern.com American

1124 Yampa St., 970-879-0849 doublezbbq.com Barbecue

911 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1919 harwigs.com American contemporary 34855 E. U.S. Highway 40, 970-879-1265 steamboat.com American

685 Marketplace Plaza, 970-879-8423 drunkenonion.com Take-out, catering, cafe

2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-8715150 steamboat.com American

30215 Waters Edge Trail, 970-871-9229 catamountranchclub.com Bar and grill

E3 Chophouse

Hungry Dog

701 Yampa St., 970-879-7167 e3chophouse.com Steakhouse

635 Lincoln Ave., 970-819-2224 hungrydogofsteamboat.com American

Chelsea’s White Dragon

The Egg & I

Johnny B. Good’s Diner

325 Anglers Drive, 970-871-4633 theeggandirestaurants.com American

738 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-8400 johnnybgoodsdiner.com American

Ciao Gelato

Fiesta Jalisco

JOOSE

Clark Store

Freshies Restaurant

Catamount Ranch Lakehouse Grille

2300 Mount Werner Circle, 970-879-7211 Asian

912 Lincoln Ave., 970-233-0080 ciaogelatosteamboat.com Gelato and Pizza 54175 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-3849 clarkstore.com Deli

Colorado Bagel Co. & Deli

1815 Central Park Plaza, 970-870-9657 Deli

Colorado High 5

635 Lincoln Ave., 970-871-0005 coloradohigh5.com Pizza

Creekside Cafe

131 11th St., 970-879-4925 creekside-cafe.com American

455 Anglers Drive,970-871-6999 fiestajalisco.net Mexican 595 S. Lincoln Ave., 970-879-8099 freshiessteamboat.com American

Four Points Lodge

On mountain/Steamboat Ski Area, 970-871-5150 steamboat.com American

Geano’s Caffe

2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-871-5150 steamboat.com Cafe

2754 Downhill Drive, Unit C, 970-846-5063 jbjoose.com Health food and deli

La Fiesta Grill & Cantina

1755 Central Park Plaza, 970-879-6393 lafiestagrillandcantina.com Mexican

La Montaña

2500 Village Drive, 970-879-5800 lamontanasteamboat.com Mexican

Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails

127 11th St., 970-870-0681 thelaundryrestaurant.com American contemporary

Exploresteamboat.com

Photo by John F. Russell

Lil’ House Country Biscuits & Coffee 2093 Curve Plaza, 970-870-8507 lilhousebiscuits.com American

Low Country Kitchen

435 Lincoln Ave., 970-761-2693 lowrestaurant.com American

Lyon Soda Fountain

840 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1114 lyonsofsteamboat.com Soda fountain

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill

435 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3773 mahoganyridgesteamboat.com Pub

Mambo Italiano

521 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-0500 mambos.com Italian

Mazzola’s Majestic Italian Diner 917 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2405 mazzolas.com Italian

Exploresteamboat.com

McKnights Irish Pub & Loft

O’Neils Tavern & Grill

Milk Run Donut Cafe

Off the Beaten Path

690 Marketplace Plaza, 970-879-7881 mcknightsirishpub.com Pub 941 Lincoln Ave., 970-761-2023 milkrundonutcafe.com Cafe

Moe’s Original Bar B Que

1898 Kamar Plaza, 970-879-1615 moesoriginalbbq.com Barbecue

MountainBrew

737 Lincoln Ave., Unit 1, 970-879-6380 oneilstavernandgrill.com Pub 68 Ninth St., 970-879-6830 steamboatbooks.com Cafe

Old Town Pub & Restaurant 600 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2101 theoldtownpub.com Pub

Ore House at the Pine Grove

427 Oak St., 970-879-7846 mountainbrewsteamboat.com Cafe and bakery

1465 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-1190 orehouse.com Steakhouse

Murphy’s Tavern

The Paramount

54737 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-6046 murphystavern.com Pub

Noodle’s and More Saigon Cafe

635 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-1544 Asian

1855 Ski Time Square, 970-879-1170 theparamountcolorado.com American

The Pit on 5th BBQ

425 Lincoln Ave., 970-761-2164 thepit-on5th.com Barbecue

Ragnar’s

Steamboat Ski Area/Rendezvous Lodge, 970-871-5150 steamboat.com scandinavian

Red Bowl World Curry Haus 1117 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-7169 redbowlsteamboat.com Asian

Rex’s American Grill & Bar

3190 S. Lincoln Ave., 970-870-0438 rexsgrill.com American

The Ristretto Coffee Lounge 635 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3393 theristretto.com Cafe

ROOTZ Cafe

737 Lincoln Ave., 970-871-4510 rootzcafe.com Health food

The Rusted Porch

690 Marketplace Plaza, 970-879-1455 therustedporch.com American

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Saddleback Ranch Sleighride Dinner

37350 Routt County Road 179, 970879-3711 saddlebackranch.net American

Saddles

2200 Village Inn Court, 970-879-2220 sheratonsteamboatresort.com American

Sake2U

Skull Creek Greek

Storm Peak Brewing Co.

Slopeside Grill

Sumatera

635 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1339 skullcreekgreek.com Mediterranean 1855 Ski Time Square Drive, 970-879-2916 slopesidegrill.com Pub

Snowbird Restaurant and Lounge

609 Yampa St., 970-870-1019 Sushi, Asian and American

2304 Après Ski Way, 970-879-1730 theptarmigan.com American

Salt & Lime

Soda Creek Pizza

628 Lincoln Ave., 970-871-6277 suckalime.com Mexican

Sambi Canton

941 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-9988 sambicanton.com Asian

Schmiggity’s

821 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-4100 schmiggitys.com Live music and dance bar

1585 Mid Valley Drive, 970-871-1111 sodacreekpizza.com Pizza

Steamboat Coffee Roasters 1744 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3100 steamboatcoffee.com Cafe

Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co.

1744 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1999 stormpeakbrewing.com Brewery 1106 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2929 Asian

Sunpie’s Bistro

735 Yampa St., 970-870-3360 Cajun American

Sweet Pea Restaurant

729 Yampa St., 970-879-1221 sweetpeamarketand restaurant.com American

The T-Bar

2045 Ski Time Square Drive, 970-879-6652 tbarsteamboat.com Bar

Tacos del Barco

644 Lincoln Ave., 970-871-7930 Mexican

1030 Yampa St., 970-879-3504 steamboatseafood.com Deli

Taco Cabo

2200 Village Inn Court, 970-879-2220 sheratonsteamboatresort.com American

Steamboat Smokehouse

The Tap House Sports Grill

The Shack Cafe

Stoker

Sevens Mountain Grill

740 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-9975 American

Sharon’s

2851 Riverside Plaza, 970-761-2467 American 76 | EXPLORE Winter 2015-16

912 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-7427 steamboatsmokehouse.com Barbecue Steamboat Ski Area/Thunderhead Lodge, 970-871-5150 steamboat.com Bar

1755 Lincoln Ave., 970-846-2307 Mexican 729 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2431 thetaphouse.com Pub

Three Peaks Grill

2165 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-3399 threepeaksgrill.com American contemporary

Thunderhead Lodge

2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-879-6111 steamboat.com Bar and Grill

Truffle Pig

2250 Après Ski Way, 970-879-7470 trufflepigrestaurant.com American contemporary

Umbrella Bar

2305 Mount Werner Circle, 970-879-6111 steamboat.com Bar

Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria

730 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-7570 vaquerosmexican.net Mexican

VFW – Post 4264

924 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-9959 vfw.org Bar

Wild Plum Market

2525 Village Drive, 970-879-1981 wildplumgrocer.com Deli

Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery

617 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2483 winonassteamboat.com American

Yama

1875 Ski Time Square Drive, 970-761-2087 yamasteamboat.com Asian

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5 minutes with .... Steamboat Director of Skiing Billy Kidd Steamboat’s Director of Skiing Billy Kidd, 72, was the first U.S. male to win an Olympic skiing medal (silver, 1964), and he won the World Championships in 1970. While he can live — and ski — anywhere he wants, he chose Steamboat to settle down in 45 years ago and hasn’t looked back since (except to see others trying to catch him). We caught up him for his take on all things Steamboat.

I moved here in 1970 from Stowe, Vermont, right after I won the World Championships. I’d heard about Steamboat from Buddy Werner and Moose Barrows, who were on the CU and U.S. ski teams with me. I got hooked on powder and sunshine, and with the town’s ranching background and a name like Billy Kidd, it was a perfect fit.

I never thought too far ahead back then, but when the opportunity arose to become director of skiing, I stayed. And I’m still here 45 years later. I tell people they should visit, but to be careful, because they might get hooked.

If it’s a powder day, I love Shadows. I’m a racer, and the trees are just like slalom gates. Plus, it faces west, so it always has good lighting and visibility. For cruisers, I like Buddy’s Run, which reminds me of skiing in the Olympics with Buddy.

I don’t see any reason to quit skiing, but I like to stop every 100 yards or so to look at the views. Jack Rabbit Johannsen skied until he was 104. So I still see a lot of good years left.

I’d talk about Steamboat all the time on my travels. The western image here is real, not manufactured by Madison Avenue. Steamboat has an authentic ranching history. No matter where I am, when people see my hat, it says American West and Steamboat.

My hat is a Billy Kidd Stetson. They’ve had it in their line for 30 years. On cattle drives, if your hat fell off and the herd stampeded, you wouldn’t go back for it. So they used stampede straps to keep them on. I use one for skiing, also. Of course, now I wear a helmet most of the time.

I like the days when Steamboat’s Champagne Powder snow comes up to the brim of my Stetson.

Photo by Tim Murphy

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From arguments over sweaters, to bears breaking into Subarus, to men on horseback trotting into local watering holes, we promise you Steamboat Springs is no sleepy ski town.

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