We can’t decide what we love most about Steamboat Springs--the perfect snow, the cowboy charm, or the fact that planning a trip here is about as easy as it can be. Here’s how to get your fill of powder without an avalanche of planning.

Friday: Gear Up for a Whirlwind
Getting around in Steamboat is so easy that you don't need a car. Free shuttles abound, and the two major areas you'll want to explore--downtown and the mountain--are both walkable and easy to navigate.

Instead of renting a car, fly into Hayden, a small, friendly airport, and hop on an Alpine Taxi shuttle for a scenic 20-minute ride into town. Round-trip fare is $47.30 per person.

You'll find lodging to fit every taste and budget. ResortQuest condominiums and townhomes make a cozy base camp for groups and families, with ample space and a place to cook. But for utter convenience, you can't beat the Sheraton. Rooms here start at $239 this time of year.

above, left: Lined with cute shops, Steamboat's Western main drag is said to be just wide enough for a stagecoach to turn around. above, right: Rent a pair of snowshoes for $5, and take a walk on Howelsen Hill, a small mountain where the local kids practice.

Get settled, and then call Black Tie Ski Rentals. They'll bring your gear to you and pick it up at the end of your trip. Packages start at $33 a day for skis, boots, and poles. You can even rent bibs and jackets.

Now hop on a shuttle for a 10-minute ride to scout out the shops along the main drag. Don't miss F.M. Light & Sons, which has been selling Stetsons and boots for more than a century. Take home a local specialty: a Routt County Woolens blanket, made from the wool of locally raised sheep.

Walk to dinner at Old Town Pub, a local favorite. You're in the Wild West, so try the buffalo burger ($7.95), leaner than beef, but just as juicy.