Nestled within the Yampa Valley of northwestern Colorado, the lovely ski town of Steamboat Springs has set itself apart from the state’s larger resort destinations. With authentic, small-town charm and history (including the country’s oldest operating ski area), there’s a community feel in Steamboat that’s more classic western town than tourist village. It’s also a little more secluded—and a lot less crowded—than places like Vail and Aspen. But that’s part of its appeal.
Best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, light and fluffy Champagne Powder®, and award-winning resort, Steamboat has earned its nickname, “Ski Town USA.” But this laid-back mountain town is more than just an idyllic winter sports destination.
The historic downtown area is home to dozens of excellent bars and restaurants, cool local shops, and a family-friendly rec center showcasing one of the town’s original hot springs. The cozy resort village boasts incredible après-ski spots along with fine dining restaurants, shops, and a scenic gondola that takes you up Mt. Werner for amazing views of the valley below. And the surrounding countryside offers miles of stunning landscapes waiting to be explored.
In warmer months, Steamboat offers a wide range of fun outdoor activities, including wildflower hikes along mountain and valley trails, asphalt and off-road biking, trout fishing in the Yampa River, rafting and kayaking, and more. And throughout the year, the town plays host to a variety of annual festivals and events such as the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Art in the Park, OktoberWest®, and the Steamboat Winter Carnival. So, there’s never a bad time to visit!
If you’re dreaming of your own Steamboat vacation, our experienced Residence Manager is happy to help you bring the dream to life. In the meantime, he’s sharing his own ideal short-and-sweet itinerary for three perfect days of fun and adventure in this historic Colorado mountain town.
DAY 1: On the Mountain
Your first day in Steamboat calls for an early morning start and a full-day adventure on the mountain. Grab a quick breakfast in the fully stocked kitchen of your Equity Estates home, then walk to the base village for a ride up on one of the lifts or gondolas.
The Christie Peak Express offers two stops, including one at the top of Mt. Werner, while the Wild Blue Gondola and Steamboat Gondola will get you to different points on the mountain. Wild Blue, the newest of the resort’s gondolas, is also billed as the longest and fastest in the country, getting guests to the top of Sunshine Peak in just 13 minutes.
Whichever way you get up the mountain, the real thrill comes once you’re there. With over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, 165 trails, and averaging over 30 feet of snow each winter, there’s an adventure for every skill level and interest—whether you’re looking for long, smooth runs on waist-deep powder, tree skiing through perfectly spaced aspens, guided snowshoe hikes, or a few hours trying out the resort’s three well-designed terrain parks.
In warmer months, the area offers different thrills—scenic gondola rides, hiking and mountain biking, guided tours, horseback riding, and stunning views for miles. It’s easy to spend a day outdoors and on the mountain in Steamboat whatever the season.
For a delicious and well-deserved après-ski or post-exploration treat, hit up local favorite TBar (which bills itself as a “five-star dive bar”) or the upbeat Los Locos, for a few light bites and creative cocktails to relax after your day on the mountain. TBar’s unique peanut butter panini and Cuban flatbread are definite must-tries, and you can’t go wrong with Los Locos’ asada and shredded carnitas tacos.
That night, round out a long day of good fun and good food with a late dinner at The Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails. Choose from over a dozen small plate dishes to share (the bison carpaccio, crispy potatoes, and lettuce wraps are especially good) or try the unbelievably delicious miso black cod or fried chicken entrees.
DAY 2: Out on the Town
Day two is less about adventure and more about seeing the sights and getting a feel for life in Steamboat Springs. Kick off the day by making the short drive over to downtown Steamboat where you can park and explore on foot.
If art’s your thing, drop into some of Steamboat’s top galleries for a look at local and international displays: Jace Romick, the colorful Oehme Graphics, Solar Flare Glasswork, and the Zandee Gallery are just a few favorites. Or spend an hour or two at the Steamboat Art Museum and Tread of Pioneers Museum.
You can also pick up great gifts and souvenirs from some of the cool boutiques and indie shops around town. The unique F.M. Light & Sons is the place to go for all things western—clothes, boots, hats, and kitschy knick-knacks. Embellishments of Steamboat Springs offers fair trade goods, creative gifts, fashion, and more in a comfy space that’s made for browsing. And Off the Beaten Path Bookstore is a friendly, must-visit shop for anyone who loves good books and good coffee.
If you happen to be in Steamboat on a Saturday (from early June through late September), you also won’t want to miss the Main Street Steamboat Farmer’s Market—with over 150 vendors and local artisans selling everything from produce, baked goods, jewelry, home goods, and more.
When you need mid-day refueling, stop in at Salt & Lime for creative tacos and other Mexican specialties. The space is both cool and casual, and the food can’t be beat. We recommend starting with the chips, salsa, and loaded guacamole (naturally!) and then diving into the mouthwatering barbacoa, chicken tinga tacos, or bison burritos for truly delicious Mexico-meets-Colorado flavors.
Once you’ve taken in the sights, sounds, and flavors of downtown, head over to the lovely Yampa River Botanic Park. Free and open daily April through November, this beautiful six-acre greenspace features ponds, picture-perfect annual and perennial gardens, easy walking paths, and plenty of places to just sit and take in the scenery. Or you can continue your Steamboat Springs exploration with a stroll through the resort’s mountain village to check out the interesting shops and sights there.
For dinner, we’ll have reservations for you at the riverfront Aurum Food & Wine restaurant. Dine on shared plates of braised meatballs and lemon-anchovy grilled artichokes, dig into the Colorado lamb chops or shrimp & grits, and treat yourself to the decadent salted butterscotch affogato for dessert. You’ll be glad you did!
DAY 3: Nonstop Adventure
Wrap up your Steamboat Springs vacation with a day of epic outdoor adventuring.
In the morning, bundle up and head out early for an unforgettable, half-day dog sledding excursion, gliding through miles of remote trails or along the icy banks of the Yampa River. Surrounded by stunning views of snow-covered wilderness and rugged mountains, you’ll have the option of sitting back and enjoying the ride or picking up the reins and learning to mush from your experienced guide. You’ll also stop for photos and light snacks and have time to pet and snuggle the friendly tail-wagging dog team—making it a truly unique vacation experience.
In summer months, trade land for water with a scenic, half-day rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River. Covering five-miles of mellow, class II rapids, with opportunities to stop and take a dip in the water or explore the riverbank, it’s an excellent, family-friendly way to soak up the sun and experience the natural beauty of the area’s canyons, looming mountains, and surrounding forests.
For lunch, hit up the Range Food Hall at Steamboat’s base camp for a steaming bowl of ramen from Sunshine Bowl or a classic grinder from Why Not Sandwich Shop before heading back up the mountain for another afternoon of skiing or hiking.
After adventuring, pay a visit to the family-friendly Old Town Hot Springs for a relaxing soak and firsthand experience of how Steamboat got its name, followed by a cozy cocktail or glass of wine on the patio at your Equity Estates home.
That night, dine in style at upscale-casual Primrose, where you can feast on chilled chili prawns from the raw bar, hand-cut black angus steak, or the globally inspired braised rabbit. Add a house-special Primrose cocktail or local craft beer on draft to accompany the meal and save room at the end for the huckleberry Dutch baby or warm baked cookie dessert—a delicious way to wrap up an unforgettable Colorado vacation.
At Home in Steamboat Springs with Equity Estates
Our spacious Steamboat Springs residence is a modern, three-story townhome tucked within a quiet residential community just three blocks from the base village of the Steamboat Ski Resort. Boasting over 3,000-square-feet of luxurious, open-floorplan living space, with cozy seating areas, sleek, spa-like bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and large picture windows that fill the home with natural light, it’s the perfect spot to come home to after a day out adventuring.
Enjoy close proximity to the many shops, restaurants, and attractions located nearby. Relax with an end-of-day cocktail or warm beverage on the home’s covered balcony. Cozy up in front of the dramatic slate tile fireplace in the great room. Or hang out in the large multi-purpose family/game room on the lower level (with its own convenient mini kitchen).
Your Residence Manager will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Your unforgettable Steamboat Springs mountain getaway awaits!
