Steamboat Resort

I really enjoyed my visit to Steamboat. The village is the perfect size and there are several great patios with fire pits and deck chairs like Timber and Torch to watch skiers coming down the mountain. As a non-skier, I still had a lot of fun during my trip here. Riding the gondola is worth it for the stunning views of the Yampa Valley, and you have to experience sunset from the Oasis sundeck at Thunderhead lodge. The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the food at The Range Food Hall. My pizza was okay at best, very salty, and it simply took forever to arrive despite only a few people in the restaurant.

A visit to town took about 20 minutes on the free bus, and there were plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to try. We ate at Mambo Italiano and although higher priced, it was some of the best Italian food I've ever eaten. Check out Schmiggity's for their live karaoke band which was excellent and a lot of fun.

I visited Steamboat for the first time this past April and really enjoyed this resort all around. They have two highspeed gondolas that make getting up onto the slopes quick and easy. The runs are really nice and wide, and although it was quiet when I was there, we were still hitting fresh groomed runs at 10:30am.

For those in lessons, they have a whole area dedicated to the SnowSport School which gives the instructors a private space to teach whether in group or private lessons. Lots of dining options either on the mountain, at the base or a quick drive into town. Town is more of a locals vibe with cute shops, nightlife and restaurants that are bit more affordable.

Lastly, there is a significant amount of lodging, which allows for more competitive pricing depending on your budget. Don't be afraid to stay on the shuttle route. You can stay in some beautiful places within a short FREE shuttle ride to the base. Lastly, if you can fly into Hayden I would recommend doing so. If you drive from Denver it is around 3 hours, and it takes you through some high passes that some drivers may not be comfortable with.