Steamboat Local Guide, Part Two
If snowshoeing or hiking is more your speed, you can start on foot right in town and follow signs to Fish Creek Falls for some beautiful hiking trails that lead to waterfall views. If you are a mountain biking junkie who wants to get some riding in during winter, most of Steamboat’s local bike shops rent fat tire snow bikes. You can head to Emerald Mountain in the winter to hit single track, groomed fat bike trails. If you happen to find yourself in Steamboat in the beginning of February, make sure you check out the annual Winter Carnival festivities. Created by locals as a way to celebrate winter during the middle of the season, visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, fireworks, and a real “skijoring” competition right on Main Street.
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So you have skied, snowshoed, hiked, biked, and hopped in the hot springs. You will need some great food to refuel! As far as great restaurants go in resort towns, Steamboat is no exception. While Steamboat has a traditional Western downtown area surrounding Main Street, you can start off with Apres right on the mountain base and hit up Rye. An indoor/outdoor establishment, complete with outdoor firepits, Rye has a great whiskey and wine menu. During the winter season, Rye has a happy hour that runs from 2pm-5pm, offering $4 draft beers, a selection of $4 glasses of wine, and $5 “Jack and Cokes” for the mixed-drink aficionado. Delicious small plates and sandwiches are also featured at this tasty establishment.
After hitting Apres, you can make the short drive or bus ride down to the greater Main Street area of Steamboat Springs. For a more upscale option, don’t miss out on Table 79 Foodbar, located right in town on Lincoln Ave. and offering a chef’s counter so you can watch your contemporary American cuisine be prepared. If you’re craving a pasta night, Mambo Italiano is located just down the street and offers housemade pastas as well as seasonal Italian dishes. If you want to take a morning or two to sleep in and let the kids skip ski school, you can’t miss out on legendary local café, Freshies. A few minutes drive off of Main Street but on your way to the resort from downtown, Freshies has some of the best breakfast/brunch options imaginable. Be sure to share one of the homemade cinnamon rolls for the table and come with an appetite!
With great beginner to expert ski runs, a laundry list of off-hill activity options, and great dining, make sure you add Steamboat to your ski vacation wishlist.
References:
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Steamboat Springs Chamber: https://www.steamboatchamber.com/events/annual-events/steamboat-winter-carnival/
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Steamboat Ski Resort: www.steamboat.com
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Ski Town, U.S.A.: www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs
