LODGING/TRANSPORTATION
Steamboat Central Reservations:
Book lodging, ski lessons, restaurant reservations, and tubing and lift
tickets with one call. You’ll get a real person on the line who can help
you make tough choices, such as whether to spend an afternoon
snowshoeing or at the spa. Visit their Web site to study up before you
go. 1-800-922-2722 or www.steamboat.com
ResortQuest: For groups or big families who need some space,
this company rents great condos and townhomes. With a fireplace, an
outdoor grill, and a fully equipped kitchen, they feel just like home
(for some of us, maybe even better). Free shuttles run regularly to the
mountain, and if you make an appointment, a driver will take you
anywhere in town. toll-free 1-866-841-5386 or
www.resortqueststeamboat.com
Alpine Taxi: Get door-to-door service and a relaxing 20-minute
ride from the Hayden airport. They’ll arrange transportation to town and
back to the airport when you leave for $47.30 ($23.65 ages 6 and up and
seniors; ages 5 and under free with a paying adult). Beats lugging your
gear and driving in snow. 1-800-343-7433 or www.alpinetaxi.com
DINING
Old Town Pub: This classic local hangout has been a hotel,
hospital, dance hall, post office, and more in its 100-year history. Now
it’s just a great place to grab a burger and rub fleece-covered elbows
with locals. (970) 879-2101
Winona’s: This local breakfast and lunch spot makes great huevos
rancheros, Texas toast, and delicious blueberry granola pancakes. Open
Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m.-1 p.m. (970) 879-2483
Café Diva: This cozy little bistro has a four-page wine list and
makes a wonderful date spot. Ask for the corner table, with little
cushions. Not appropriate for young children. (970) 871-0508 or
www.cafediva.com
Double Z Barbecue: Plates at this local dive are piled high with
heaps of barbecued pork and beef ribs. If you’re feeling brave, order
the Rocky Mountain Oysters. (970) 879-0849
Off the Beaten Path: Warm up with a cappuccino ($2.25 and up) or
a chicken pot pie ($6.95) in this cozy cafe, wine bar, and bookstore.
Enjoy the view of Howelsen Hill. (970) 879-6830
SHOPPING
The Fiber Exchange: Find exotic imported
yarns and locally produced wool in this great little knitting,
crocheting, weaving, and rug hooking shop. Inquire about lessons. (970)
879-9090 or www.thefiberexchange.com
F.M. Light & Sons: A Steamboat fixture for more than a century,
this store sells the best of the West: Stetson hats, Routt County
Woolens blankets, made from the wool of locally raised sheep, and trendy
Old Gringo cowboy boots. (970) 879-1822 or www.fmlight.com
Chez Nous: Shop here for the latest in contemporary looks from
New York and L.A.. (970) 879-6995
ACTIVITIES
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs: A
20-minute drive from Steamboat, these natural hot springs make a
beautiful escape and a relaxing way to soothe sore muscles after a day
on the slopes. Admission is $10 adults, $5 ages 3-17, and $3 ages 3-12.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-midnight Friday
and Saturday. Children under 18 not admitted after dark because clothing
is optional then. To visit, a 4x4 vehicle is required; shuttle service
is strongly recommended. Sweet Pea Tours provides packages with
round-trip transportation and admission for $30 ($12 for kids). Rides
start at 10:30 a.m., noon, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, and 9 p.m., and total trip
time is about 3 hours. Once there, you’ll find primitive changing rooms,
flush toilets, and a very limited concession stand. Tip: Go before dusk,
because clothing is optional after dark. Hot Springs: (970) 879-0342 or
www.strawberryhotsprings.com Sweet Pea Tours: (970) 879-5820
Night Tubing: Zoom down the bunny slopes on an inflatable donut.
Dress warm, and make reservations early because this activity books up
quickly. Pick an hour-long session starting at 4:30, 5:45, 7, and 8:15
p.m. daily. (An additional 9:15 session will be added during peak
season.) Pick up your tickets at Steamboat Ski & Sport in the Sheraton.
(970) 871-5359
Backdoor Sports: Stop in for $5 snow shoe rentals. You can walk
right out of the shop, cross a creek, and shoe it up Howelsen Hill.
(970) 879-6249
Snow Report: (970) 879-7300 or www.steamboat.com/snowreport
