Steamboat Lodging Blog - Skyrun Steamboat Springs, CO Colorado

Striking Gold In Vancouver and in Our Hearts

February 20th, 2010 1 Comment

Lindsey and Julia ~ photo: CBS News

Bringing home the Gold…

Lindsay Vonn, Alpine Skier

Seth Wescott, Snowboarding

Shaun White, Snowboarder

Shani Davis, Speed Skater

Hannah Kearney, Freestyle Skiing

Evan Lysacek, Figure Skating

Johnny Spillane ~ Photo: UPI.COM

And following close behind with Silver & Bronze…

Bode Miller, Julia Mancuso, Byron Wilson, Shannon Bahrke, (Steamboat’s own) Johnny Spillane, Scotty Lago, Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, Chad Hedrick, J.R. Celski and Apolo Ohno.

America, we have something to celebrate. And while the medals are a just reward, we celebrate the determination of the human spirit.

I don’t know about you, but I have had a challenging year. During a time in our history when almost every American has felt the affects of a serious economic downturn, during a time of soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty of another, during a time when the entire planet seems at the mercy of mother nature… well, it’s nice to have something to cheer about. To celebrate. To jump off the couch and “yelp”!

And as you listen to the stories of these athletes… the personal sacrifices, the financial hardships, the heartbreaking injuries… you find a little faith. In our country, in our world, in our species. And for a moment, hope rises. And just a little “lift” in each one of us may be just what we need right now to make this planet a better, safer and more prosperous place to play.

Shani Davis ~ photo: UPI.com

Getting to the Olympics is no small accomplishment and winning a medal of any color is a “lifetime achievement award” in my book. Nice job ladies and gentlemen. And thank you, for reminding all of us that it is our human determination and strength of character and sheer will that carries us through even the hardest of times and most difficult of circumstances.

So far, so sweet. Stay tuned, because we’re sure the next few days will bring more glory…

Winter Carnival – 97 Years of Tradition and Fun!

February 6th, 2010 1 Comment

Photo Courtesy of Tread of Pioneers Musuem.

Winter Carnival time is here!

Howelsen Hill, the local ski hill downtown is meticulously groomed and ready for aerials, racing, jumping and the biathlon. “Main Street” has been filled with snow. The local high school kids have carved snow sculptures along each side. Past and present Olympians will be on hand as will over 5,000 spectators. Yes, Winter Carnival is here again.

Tonite, the lighting of the Olympic Torch and the send off of TWELVE Steamboat athletes to the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Little racer and a big horse

shovel riding races, tied to a horse

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Tomorrow crowds will line the streets, as they have for the past 97 years, to watch people being pulled by horses in a seated-snow shovel race, kids launching jumps as horses pull them down the snow covered Lincoln Avenue, and of course we can’t forget the infamous Steamboat Springs High School SKIING Band. There isn’t another skiing band anywhere in the United States..

Steamboat High's Skiing Band.

Tomorrow night, there will be ski jumping, a parade of Steamboat Winter Sports Club kids racing and flipping down the hill with flares, and the finale… the lighted man and fireworks show. Truly something for everyone and an experience that will remain a cherished memory for years to come.

Steamboat is rich is history, ranching culture, Olympic heritage, offers acres of Champagne Powder and quite frankly, home to the warmest most genuine folks you will ever encounter in a “ski resort town”. Winter Carnival is just a reflection of everyday life in our little town.

If you’re planning a vacation, the first weekend in February is a pretty darn good time to be in Steamboat.

Click here for the complete Event Schedule

The Lighted Man

Cowboys and Skis …yeehaaa

January 17th, 2010 1 Comment

Ever seen a cowboy on a pair of skis? What about race between gates against other Pro-Rodeo stars?

On January 19th over 100 cowboys will compete in The Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat for the fastest track record through gates on the face of Mount Werner. This tradition started 36 years ago and is one of the most anticipated events of the ski season here in Steamboat.

Gondola Square is the place to be starting at 2:00 where Sundog will be playing at the Bear River Bar and Grill. Bud Light will also have tents set up at the base of the gondola. Awards for the fastest cowboy begin at 5:30 in Gondola Square, and a FREE Bud Light concert featuring Reckless Kelly will follow. Come enjoy live music and awesome action as the cowboys round up and race down the hill yeeehaw!

A Local’s “Secret Stash” of Great Dining

January 5th, 2010 No Comments

Guest Post, Charlotte Letson, Senior, Steamboat Springs High School

Finding a great place to eat in Steamboat can be time-consuming because we have so many amazing restaurants! If you don’t have time to look through the Dining Guide, you can always trust a local to steer you in the right direction! Here’s a few of my favorites!

The girls of Freshies!

Gooey, sweet cinnamon rolls are a must from Winona’s downtown restaurant. Their waffles are scrumptious and there may be a line, but the wait is worth the food and service at this restaurant. Prices are decent and there is a “warm and homey” feeling inside. The large glass windows give a perfect view to Lincoln Avenue and anyone who walks downtown.

My “best pick” for a lunch spot is Freshies, located between town and the mountain on Hwy 40. Their creative salads, soups, and sandwiches fill you up with their large portions. The Chicken Tortilla Soup and The Meadows Salad with Grilled Chicken are on the must have list! The lunch rush begins at noon, so plan to eat at 11am or after 1:30pm if you want a booth!

Mexican food is my favorite, and Fiesta Jalisco, tucked away in Sundance Plaza, always has fast service, savory chips and salsa and authentic Mexican cuisine. A little out of the way, but worth the hunt!

Warm and inviting Giovani's

Fine dining in your future? It’s a tie for me… Café Diva and Giovanni’s. At Giovanni’s, be sure to say “hi” to Joe Kelly, Steamboat’s finest bartender and you’ll find Steamboat’s best waiter, Darryl Newcomb, at Cafe Diva! Both restaurants serve amazing cuisine, but it is the service that keeps people coming back. You will eat like a king and feel you are the only table in the restaurant. Both offer a memorable dining experience!

Chef Kate at Cafe Diva

Need a little sugar? Fuzzywigs is an old fashioned candy store located in downtown Steamboat.

Fuzzywig's Candy Counter

And if it’s ice cream you are craving, Coldstone hits the spot. There are 2 locations, one in Central Park Plaza and one on the West side of town near Ace at the Curve. When you go try “All Lovin’ No Oven” which is Cake Batter Ice-cream with cookie dough, fudge and whipped cream. You won’t regret that combination.

Steamboat’s many restaurants are delicious, so you really can’t go wrong in this town, but now you know a few of a local’s favorites! Bon Appétit!

Ski Movies 2009

December 10th, 2009 3 Comments

Ski & Snowboard Movie Reviews 2009

A plethora of sick movies came out this year. Not sure which one is for you? We breakdown what each movie is about, so you can grab the one you need to get stoked for your vacation.

Refresh, Level 1 Productions

Refresh ~ Level 1 Productions

level1productions.com $28.95

After a great intro slideshow narrated by Josh Berman, this movie comes out rippin’ and doesn’t end until the credits roll. Great park, big mountain and deep pow footage of Tom Wallisch, Phil Casabon, Wiley Miller and plenty of other rock stars. This movie is guaranteed to get you off the couch and planning not one, but several ski vacations this season.

In Deep ~ Matchstick Productions

In Deep, Matchstick Productions

SkiMovie.com $27.95

Matchstick has been making movies longer than Google has been in business. Yea, they know what they’re doing. The vistas are breathtaking and time is spent getting to know the athlete’s, giving the viewer a unique persective. Sean Pettit is undeniably one of the best skiers “of all time”, Mark Abma takes your heart to your stomach with every line, and Daron Rahlves kills it in AK. The MSP roster is a who’s who of skiing, but it’s the tribute to the late Shane McConkey that will stay with you. A solid tribute to Shane’s talent, vision, career and infectious personality is a fitting end to this memorable flick.

RE:SESSION, TGR

Re:Session ~ Teton Gravity Research

Tetongravity.com $27.95

The boys at TGR never cease to impress. Re:Session delivers the goods as THE big mountain movie of the year. If this movie doesn’t motivate you to make time for a ski vacation this winter, nothing will. Seth Morrison, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and Ian McIntosh effortlessly cruise some of the biggest lines out there. Tanner Hall and Sammy Carlson confirm that they are some of the hottest new talent out there and Dash Longe and Dylan Hood bring it from Europe. Eric Roner blows the doors off the final segment with a ski-BASE tribute to Shane McConkey. In my opnion, TGR, based in Jackson Hole, WY, still rules in the ski movie world. Nice job boys.

Everyday is a Saturday ~ Poor Boyz Productions

Everyday is a Saturday, Poor Boyz Productions

Poorboyz.com $29.99

Start to finish, this film is action packed adrenalin. Tim Durtschi and Charlie Ager stomp the backcountry. Matt Walker and Nick Martini make sliding rails and hitting mega jumps look like a “walk in the park” (pun intended). Of course the not-too-shabby Tanner Hall, Simon Dumont and Jossi Wells add the rock solid appearances that make you shake your head. Don’t miss the opening segment – how do they do that $%&#???

Wild Stallions, Meathead Films

Wild Stallions ~ Meathead Films

Meatheadfilms.com $22.95

Eastcoasters doin’ it right… again. Meathead films make skiing the East actually palatable. This movie is lighthearted, very funny and offers some solid core skiing and sick urban steez. From Pennsylvania to Vermont, the crew makes skiing look FUN. Jibbin’, slayin’ shreddin’ – it’s all here. You may not recognize the names from the “over glorified” X-Games, but these guys have the steez factor nailed. LJ Strenio (a legitimate KING OF STYLE), Radio Ron, Will Wesson, Dan Marion and Sean Jordan deliver the raw goods. Park riders will not be disappointed.

Swift Silent Deep, Jackson Hole Air Force

Swift Silent Deep

Swiftsilentdeep.com $24.95

Yes, Virginia, there used to be an “out-of-bounds”. Swift Silent Deep is a historical look at skiing Jackson Hole in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. With some of the sickest back-country skiing right off the Tram, Jackson’s gates were closed… to most. This movie explores the formation and antics of “The Jackson Hole Air Force”, a group of renegade die hard skiers dedicated to the pursuit of powder in Jackson Hole. Led by Benny Wilson and including the talents of Doug Coombs, Rick Armstrong, Jason Tattersall and Micah Black, these skiers helped usher in a new era of back-country access across North America. The film is a great look at the cops-n-robbers style existence of JH Patrol and the JHAF. If you have ever skied the OB in Jackson…or dreamed about it – this film is a must see. Historical and very entertaining.

Several other films definitely worth the mention because we just ran out of time and would be remiss if we didn’t give props to:

Outdoor Graduation, Edge of Never, Eyes Wide Open, Contrast

All stellar, all sick, all will make you want to tune the boards and go make your own movie.

LOCAL’s STASH …Wish you had a sweet playlist?

So, you hear great tunes in the movie and wish you knew the names of the songs, so you could add them to your IPOD – well, here’s the site for you. All the cool, pumped, extreme tunes from your favorite ski and snowboard movies in one location. Ski Movie Music ...Yea, yea – you’re welcome.

Sweet Gifts for Skiers and Snowboarders

December 2nd, 2009 4 Comments

Skiing and snowboarding culture has changed. A lot. And styles have changed too! Northface, Marmot, Bonfire and Cloudveil still rule the slopes, but there are cool new threads out there and it may be time to broaden your horizons just a little. The holidays are fast approaching and we know you still might have a little shopping to do for your favorite skiers and riders. Do you need a little inspiration? A few ideas? Well, you’re in luck – we put together a list of some of our favorite hip -n- rippin’ things and we can promise a return of hugs, squeals and an immediate desire to hit the slopes. We guarantee you’ll like these items so much, you’ll probably add a few things to YOUR wishlist as well.

Smartwool Socks

Who doesn’t need socks? Ridiculously comfy, high performance, toasty and yes, fashionable. Headquartered right here in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO -the crew at Smartwool know how to make a sock. Always a great stocking stuffer this year.

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.Backpacks

.Line Skis, like all the new freeride ski companies, offers much more than skis. The quality of all their products is stellar and they are rockin’ the “hip” factor. We love this backpack. Rugged, practical and sweet graphics make this a great gift. Dakine is always ahead of the pack (punn intended). With a huge selection and tons of styles and colors, you’re sure to find the perfect pack.

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Skull Candy Headphones

dominates the headphone market because the sound quality is amazing and the designs are, well… “dope, dude”. If your skier or rider sports tunes on the hill, you can’t go wrong with Skull Candy. Earbuds to headphones to portable speakers, we like buying direct from these guys.

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.Hoodies & Tees

Nomis Hoodie

Neff Tee

While skiers and snowboarders DO cross over in the world of apparel, not all hoodies and tees are meant for both. For the skiers in your life, you can’t go wrong with 4FRNT
and Line.

Akinz Tee

.Yes, the selection is limited, but exclusivity is the point, dad! First Drop is spankin’ new to the market and we like their hoodies so much, we just bought a couple. These companies are “Skier specific”.

First Drop Hoodie

Your snowboarders will dig on anything from Burton. BOTH skiers and riders will appreciate just about anything from Neff, Nomis, and newcomer Akinz. For the girls who rip, it’s Roxy all the way.

Jiberish Team

Our personal favorite for both skiers and riders? Jiberish.

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Sites that Save

Here’s a list of sites offering killer deals on many of the above mentioned brands.
Just a few more weeks, so por a glass of eggnog, settle into a comfy couch and get crackin’. It doesn’t get any easier than this.

DogFunk.com

Tactics.com

Gear.com

TheHouseBoardshop.com

Once you’ve got the family outfitted, let us provide an affordable and memorable vacation in Steamboat!

Need advice on something we haven’t mentioned? Just drop Angie, our online shopping guru, an e-mail. She’s happy to help!

Steamboat Ski Area Opening Day!

November 26th, 2009 No Comments

Just happy to be here! Steamboat, opening day 2009

It’s easy to be thankful in Steamboat,when your mountain opens every year the day before Thanksgiving. This year Steamboat opened with 12 runs served by 2 lifts, including the Christie Peak Express six-pack. The day was sunny, the snow was soft and there was something for everyone. Skis and boards were waxed and edges were sharpened for the big day as beginner, intermediate and expert terrain were all open.

Enjoying the Park on Opening Day

And let’s not forget the Park scene. Not bad for opening day… Steamboat offered 14 park features including rails and jumps, keeping the kids (and those of us watching from Gondola Square) entertained all day.

Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t typically bring big powder days at any resort and terrain is usually limited, to say the least. But Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp’s upgrades to the snowmaking system this summer allowed Steamboat to shine.

“This is one of the best Thanksgiving holiday weekends I can remember for many years,” commented Chris Diamond, president and chief operating office. “With the anticipated opening of the Gondola and Burgess Creek, there’s a lot to be thankful for as we kick off the 2009/10 season in terrific fashion.”

Opening Day was Scholarship Day for the local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Everyone (even pass holders) gladly pay a discounted price of $20 per lift ticket because 100% of the proceeds go to the SSWSC. Scholarship Day has raised over $500,000 for local athletes and the SSWSC has been a part of sending over 70 athletes to the Olympics. Not too shabby!

Friday, the mountain will open even more terrain! The Gondola will be running and Burgess Creek Chair will be added to the mix, adding seven more trails.

Open runs will be: Arc, Big Foot, Boulevard, Flat Out, Preview, Right-O-Way, Stampede, Why Not, Yoo Hoo, Ego, Heavenly Daze, Jess’ Cut-Off, Lightning, Rudi’s Run, Sitz, Tower, Vogue, See Me and Lil’ Rodeo.

Warm Western Hospitality. Every day, all day in Steamboat.

We’re off to a great start in Steamboat and we can promise there is snow in the forecast this winter, so it’s time to book that vacation and come enjoy a resort where the locals’ are the friendliest around, prices are actually reasonable and the snow…well, it’s truly Champagne Powder all season long. What are you waiting for?

Photos courtesy of Larry Pierce, best darn photographer in Steamboat.

Things to Do in Steamboat

November 17th, 2009 4 Comments

So, you’re wondering what there is to do besides skiing and snowboarding in Ski Town U.S.A.? Steamboat is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the U.S. and one reason for this is the incredible array of activities offered in this little ski town. From relaxing in our famous hot springs to bombing down the tubing course, Steamboat has something for everyone. For a complete list of activities, visit The Steamboat Chamber website. In the meantime, here are some of our personal favorites…

Old Town Hot Springs

A “must do” while in Steamboat. Colorado’s original natural hot springs spa resort, Old Town Hot Springs has served visitors and locals since the 1880s. Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, visitors relax in one of four 104-degree spring-fed pools. Kids of all ages enjoy the thrill of our new 230-foot waterslides and aquatic climbing wall. Also available: zero-depth kiddie pool, lap lanes, childcare, massage, fitness center, fitness classes, snack bar and yoga. Phone: 970.879.1828 Visit Site

Sleigh Ride Dinners at Elk River Guest Ranch

Elk River Guest Ranch offers a progressive horse drawn sleigh ride dinner. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served upon arrival in the Elk River Guest Ranch’s Silhouette Saloon followed by a magical sleigh ride to the tepees for dinner. Tepees have a central warming fire surrounded by overstuffed couches and chairs. Lighting is a warm blend of candlelight and oil lamps. After dinner, guests are treated to another sleigh ride back to the saloon for dessert and after dinner drinks. Phone: 800-750-6220 Visit Site

Saddleback Ranch Snowmobile Tours

Guided tours goes over groomed trails and open meadows on private land. Enjoy the opportunity to see the most gorgeous views of the Flattops, Mt. Werner, Sleeping Giant and the Zirkles. The tour is 2 hours long with pickup times at 8:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. daily. After the ride, warm up at headquarters with a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. Saddleback Ranch also offers a large selection of other winter activities. Phone: 970.879.3711 Visit Site

Tubing Steamboat

Come to historic Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs for the ride of a lifetime! Ride the Magic Carpet to the top and come screaming down on a snow tube provided at the hill. There is a special lane for those who wish for a slower ride. This is a must-do experience for all ages. Children must be at least 36″ tall. Helmets are recommended. After tubing, stop in the Lodge and enjoy hot chocolate, cider, and snacks in front of a roaring fire. Howelsen is a training ground for ski and snowboard Olympians. Keep and eye on the hill – you’re sure to see future Olympians! Phone: 800.922.2722 Visit Site

Snowshoeing Steamboat

There are two options to enjoy the Yampa valley via snowshoes.

One is to snowshoe on the ski mountain. Snowshoe Rentals are available in the Information Center at the base of the gondola. You do not have to have a lift ticket, and you can showshoe up to the top of the gondola and enjoy lunch and breathtaking views of the valley. The Steamboat Ambassadors conduct a free guided snowshoe tour IF you purchase a lift ticket. Tours depart from the Information Center at the base of the Gondola daily at 1:00pm. You ride the gondola up and snowshoe mid-mountain areas. Phone: 877.237.2628 Visit Site

The second option is to rent snowshoes from Ski Haus and enjoy snowshoeing whever you like for $10 per day. The friendly folks at Ski Haus will suggest scenic hikes, from beginner to aerobic levels. (Ski Haus also offers some of the finest and newest ski and snowboard rental equipment at very competitive prices. Locals love Ski Haus. phone: 970.879.0385 / 800.932.3019 Visit Site

Ice Climbing with Rocky Mountain Ventures

If you enjoy the mountains, don’t miss this exhilarating opportunity. Come experience ice climbing on a frozen waterfall in a spectacular winter setting. RMV is the only permitted guided Ice Climbing outfitter in Steamboat. Fun for all ages (and great pictures to take home!) Phone: 970.870.8440 Visit Site

No experience necessary /Beginner-Intermediate Toprope Ice Climbing
Ages 13 & up /Morning or Afternoon
Includes snack and hot drink /Transportation provided

Waterside Day Spa

Last but certainly not least, we recommend a relaxing Spa Treatment after a full day of fun in Steamboat. There are several spas in town, but we love this one. Located in the beautiful Waterside Village overlooking the Yampa River and Howelsen Hill, Waterside Day Spa and Salon is Steamboat Springs premier mountain spa retreat in the majestic Colorado Rocky mountains. Choose from luxurious and relaxing massage and body treatments, creative and trendy hair and nail services or put together a complete package that rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. Knowledgeable and “pamper-oriented” staff make this the best spa in town, hands down. Phone: 970.872.0271 Visit Site

What’s Going on Over the Holidays?

November 8th, 2009 No Comments

Steamboat is a magical place over the holidays. If you are considering spending Christmas in Steamboat, here’s some encouragement…

Bud Light will be rockin’ the ‘Boat with their Free Concert Series December 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Bands play right at the base of the ski area, where skiers and riders as well as folks who don’t hit the mountain can all enjoy great music. The featured band for December 23rd is the Platinum Selling Band, Big Head Todd and the Monsters. BHT will be playing from 4-7pm and promises a great show.

The U.S. Olympic Trials will be held in Steamboat – “Ski Town, U.S.A.” and will include Nordic combined races at historic Howelsen Hill on the morning of December 23rd. The men’s and women’s moguls on the Voo Doo trail at the Steamboat Ski Area that same afternoon. The aerials event will close out the festivities on the morning of December 24th.

The evening of December 31st is a spectacular evening for all. Bring the family to the base area of the mountain and enjoy the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. The Steamboat Ski and Snowboard School treats tourists and locals to spectacular on-snow parade down the mountain, lit only by torches. In conjunction with the torchlight parades, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky providing a perfect ending to the evening. This event is free and open to the public; the best viewing is in Gondola Square. The parade begins at 7:00pm.

Dining reservations (including sleigh ride dinners) are highly encouraged during the holidays. The Steamboat Dining Guide is a great reference for planning a special meal!

Later in the evening party goers can choose from several fun events throughout town. Local restaurants, resort hotels and bars will offer opportunities to make this New Year’s Eve memorable! Lots of parties to choose from, casual to dressy. Upon your arrival, check The Steamboat Today paper for a listing of all the festivities!

Fora complete list of festivities visit the Steamboat Ski Resort website.

“Local’s Stash” (of info) -The mornings of December 25th and January 1st are always great days to ski, as the crowds are still inside!

Steamboat – New Face for the Base Area

November 1st, 2009 1 Comment

The Steamboat Ski Area is giving an attractive facelift to the base area. The One Steamboat Place development is almost finished, the Wildhorse Gondola is under construction, and there are nearly $2.5 million in on-mountain improvements taking place.

One Steamboat Place is adjacent to the Steamboat gondola at the base area. It’s a 450,000-square-foot, ski-in, ski-out destination with shops, restaurants, pools, and a spa. It is scheduled to open in December with 80 residences. Chad Fleischer, a former U.S. Ski Team superstar, is opening a shop in the building as well.

The on-mountain improvements are all geared to make your trip more enjoyable. One major improvement is the expansion of The Kids’ Vacation Center, with an addition of nearly 3,000 square feet. New kiosks help with check-in and improve security. There’s also a convenient drop off in the parking garage of One Steamboat Place, making it easy to get the little guys off to class on time.

The Ski & Snowboard School ticket office has a new look as well. Now located on the main plaza level of One Steamboat Place, almost 4,000 square feet of space lessens lines and makes your experience virtually hassle free.

Steamboat is also upgrading their snowmaking system, which covers nearly 400 acres of top-to-bottom terrain. Steamboat’s snowmaking system includes more than 300 hydrants, four pump houses, 121 high-efficiency guns, and a state-of-the-art digital operating system.

Take these impressive improvements, coupled with great jet service right into the Steamboat/Hayden airport and you have a hassle-free ski vacation. And, of course, if you need quality accommodations, Sky Run has several properties to choose from – cozy ski-in/ski-out condos to large luxury homes.

Steamboat is a great choice this year for your ski vacation!

SKYRUN vacation rentals | STEAMBOAT colorado

Sharing cool stuff about Steamboat, CO

Striking Gold In Vancouver and in Our Hearts

Winter Carnival – 97 Years of Tradition and Fun!

Cowboys and Skis …yeehaaa

A Local’s “Secret Stash” of Great Dining

Ski Movies 2009