Steamboat Springs is nestled in the northwest Colorado Rockies and is considered an ultimate ski vacation town, with facilities for downhill skiing. It is also a well-established ranching area. However, there are no steamboats in this town. The steam in the name comes from several area geothermal hot springs, two of which are public.

Steamboat Springs Lodging

The lodgings in this area range from bed and breakfasts and a wide price range of hotels, to spacious vacation home rentals. Some are only blocks from a ski area and many advertise ski season specials. A number of vacation home rentals sleep up to 8 people.

Things to do in Steamboat Springs

Skiing
The obvious first choice for a winter vacation in this town is downhill skiing. Steamboat Ski Resort has 141 trails and champagne snow for winter and spring skiing. Mount Werner is part of the resort area of Steamboat Springs and offers snowboarding and skiing. The Howelsen Ski Area is the oldest in Colorado and is also used as an Olympic training area.

Hotsprings
This is where the steam in steamboat comes into a vacation. Strawberry Park Natural Hot springs is about 7 miles from the downtown area and is considered a notable hot spring for relaxing and enjoying the soothing effects of the warm water, especially in the cold winter. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle or a tour is the best way to access this location in the wintertime.

Ranch Vacation
Saddleback Ranch has year round activities for nearby vacationers on its 8,000 acre working cattle ranch that is located 14 miles west of Steamboat Springs. Winter activities include horseback riding, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides and a tubing hill.

Day Spa
After a day of skiing or as a day off from skiing, consider the pampering treatment at a day spa like All Season Wellness Day Spa or Emerald Moon Massage. There are a variety of massage and spa services to choose from with knowledgeable, trained therapists.

Cross Country Skiing and Ice Fishing
About 22 miles outside of Steamboat Springs is Steamboat Lake State Park, which offers cross country skiing and ice fishing activities in the winter.

Museum
For those interested in history, including the founding and history of this location and the surrounding area, pay a visit to the Tread of Pioneers Museum, located at the corner of 8th and Oak Street in Steamboat Springs.
Whether vacationers are there for the skiing, the snow or for relaxation, there are many activities to keep them busy. Steamboat Springs lodging allows access to a variety of things to do, including one of the most popular - relaxing and doing nothing at all.