Mini Tour

Winter with a Western Flair

     Popularly known as "Ski Town USA," Steamboat Springs offers a winter season that is distinctly flavored with abundant snowfall and down-home, Western hospitality. This month's AAA Mini Tour travels a 125-mile loop in northwestern Colorado for picturesque mountain drives and a variety of winter activities. Allow approximately two and a half hours driving time.
     Begin the tour in Kremmling and head northwest on US 40. The 52-mile, scenic drive from Kremmling to Steamboat Springs climbs Muddy Pass (el. 8722 ft.) and Rabbit Ears Pass (el. 9426 ft.). US 40 then drops into the Yampa River Valley and enters the town of Steamboat Springs.
     Archeologists have found evidence suggesting that the nomadic Ute Indians spent summers in the Yampa Valley fishing, hunting and enjoying the hot mineral springs as early as the 14th century. The naming of Steamboat Springs is said to have occurred in 1865 when three French fur trappers traveling down the Yampa River heard the chugging sound of a natural mineral spring and mistook it for a steamboat's engine. More than one hundred fifty natural springs still exist in the area.
     While on a hunting trip in 1874, James Crawford discovered the Yampa Valley and became Steamboat Springs' first permanent settler. It was not until 1914 that Norwegian native, Carl Howelsen (nicknamed the "Flying Norseman") introduced skiing and ski jumping to the town.
     Since then, skiing and tourism have become major factors in Steamboat's economy and way of life. The five-peak ski area has grown to include 20 lifts, 142 trails and seven on-mountain restaurants. With trails to suit every ability level, the terrain is classified as 13 percent beginner, 56 percent intermediate and 31 percent advanced. Each season, the area accumulates an average of approximately 30 feet of "champagne powder" snow-a term coined in Steamboat Springs by local rancher and skier, Jack McElroy, in the 1950s.
     The 2000/01 season opened November 22 and runs through April 15. Like most ski areas, Steamboat offers lower rates during the early and late "value seasons." However, during the regular ski season, special deals are still available. Since its inception in 1972, a popular favorite is Steamboat's "Kids' Ski Free" program where children ages 12 and under ski free the same number of days as their parents when a parent purchases a five-or-more-day lift ticket. New this season is the Kids' Vacation Center's (KVC) one-stop check-in area that allows parents to purchase clinics, equipment rentals and lift tickets for children in the KVC program all in one location.
     Aside from downhill skiing, there's plenty to do off the slopes in Steamboat, including ice skating at the indoor Howelsen Ice Arena, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, tubing and horseback riding.
     During the week of February 5-11, The 88th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is taking place. Hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the U.S., the carnival is the time of year when locals, ranchers, cowboys and snow-lovers turn out to celebrate this small, Northwest Colorado community. Activities include racing, ski jumping, chariot racing, a parade and fireworks.
     If you're interested in the history of the area, visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum (8th and Oak Streets). The museum showcases a 1908 Queen-Anne style Victorian home with regional artifacts, memorabilia and Western life collections, as well as a Colorado Ute Indians exhibit.
     After a day of winter activities, visitors can relax in one of the local natural hot springs. The Steamboat Health and Recreation Center offers hot springs swimming pools and a full service health club, as well as a water slide for kids. To enjoy a more rustic experience in a mountainous outdoor setting, take a trip up to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, six miles above town. For those without a four-wheel drive vehicle, local tour companies provide transportation to the springs.
     In the evening, you can dine on-mountain at Ragnar's for a unique experience. Getting to the restaurant is half the fun, as guests are whisked up the peak on the Silver Bullet gondola before taking a Snowcat-drawn sleigh ride under the stars. The five-course, continental cuisine and spectacular views are enjoyed while listening to live piano music. The package is available Thursday through Saturday nights; reservations are required.
     Another fun way to spend an evening is dinner at the Western BBQ at the top of the gondola. This fun-filled family event features live country music and dancing and is offered Tuesday through Saturday evenings mid-December through early April.
     Leaving Steamboat Springs, the tour now takes SR 131 south to Toponas. This relaxing drive passes numerous farms and ranches as it rolls through the valley between the White River National Forest to the west and Routt National Forest to the east. Just past the town of Oak Creek, the road winds through a stretch of narrow, scenic canyon. Emerging from the canyon, you will again travel through wide-open ranch land, passing the small communities of Phippsburg and Yampa.
     At Toponas, turn left (east) on Hwy. 134 for the 27-mile drive that includes Gore Pass (el. 9,750 ft.). When the highway reaches U.S. 40, travel south to return to Kremmling, completing the loop and concluding this western-winter Mini Tour.

For More Information

     Stop by or call your nearest AAA office for hotel reservations, TourBooks and maps.

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.
www.steamboat.com; 970-879-6111

Steamboat Springs Chamber
970-879-0880

Tread of Pioneers Museum
970-879-2214

Steamboat Springs Health & Recreation Center
970-879-1828

Strawberry Park Hot Springs
970-879-0342

Ragnar's and Western BBQ Reservations
970-871-5150

    

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