Why Steamboat?
Steamboat Springs is a picturesque, three-hour drive into the mountains from Denver. This proximity to, yet isolation from, a major city provides the balance that mountain people generally seek. Those traveling to Steamboat have the option of flying into Denver and making the drive to Steamboat or flying directly into the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (Hayden--about 22 miles from Steamboat). The Hayden connection hosts 5 major airlines: American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, and United. Direct Service is available from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, Newark, New York City, Minneapolis, and Denver.
From its first settlement forward, Steamboat Springs has a rich history as a ranching and farming community. Steamboat’s transition to ski town, to world-class resort is an interesting story of its own, that begins with a need to get around in the abundance of snow and one Norwegian immigrant with ski expertise.
There are many ski areas in Colorado, but more and more people are choosing Steamboat as the place to live, ski, and ride. Steamboat is located in northwest Colorado, far from the busy I-70 corridor of Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek. As a result, Steamboat boasts shorter lift lines and more room on the slopes. Steamboat is famous for champagne powder and ski days termed “epic” for the thigh-high powder accumulations that can occur overnight.
Steamboat Springs is known as Ski Town USA. We are a friendly community with sportsmen and athletes of all varieties and all levels. Steamboat has indeed developed a tremendous athletic training program in our Winter Sports Club, which has produced more skiers and riders in the Winter Olympics than any other community in the United States.
We have quickly grown into a year-round resort, and our community events calendar is full. Summer and fall are eventful seasons in Steamboat. Locals and visitors gather up and down the Yampa River for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. The river area restaurants are a big attraction for patio dining with great food and music and glowing sunsets on the water. The mountains remain popular in the summer and fall where the hikers, runners, and mountain bikers hit the trails. Between the assorted bloom of wild flowers in the summer and the bold burst of changing leaves in the fall, Steamboat is a paradise of fragrance and color.
The arts are alive and well in Steamboat Springs. We have a thriving music, dance, fine art, and culinary community. Summer and fall host a myriad of events in which to participate as artist or spectator.
In response to the increasing population and the changing needs of a diversifying community, Steamboat schools have developed into a system with options and opportunities. Schools in Steamboat offer educational formats in both public and private venues. We also have a thriving college, offering community classes, transfer-credit core curriculum courses, and several associate degree programs.
Is Steamboat the right place for you? I wouldn’t doubt it, but feel free to contact me about a visit. We can look at property options, and you can tryout the Steamboat life for yourself.
