Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
POP 10,115 / ELEV 6695FT
Forget about the posturing snow bunnies in Aspen and Vail. 'Steamboat,' as it's frequently
truncated, is Colorado's down-to-earth ski town, a place where hitting the slopes isn't an
attitude-packed dog-and-pony show.
The town itself, situated in the shadow of Mt Werner, might be less of a rancher's hub
than a resort destination, but locals still regard flashy developments and instant-rise condos
with disdain - before tipping their hat, hopping into their pick-up and rumbling away. Des-
pite the sprawling Steamboat Village, built to service skiers, the core of the town retains
some of its original low-rise charm and the natural setting is lovely. Summer is almost as
popular as winter, with hiking, backpacking, white-water rafting, mountain biking and a
host of other outdoor activities.
Steamboat Springs consists of two major areas: the relatively regular grid of central Old
Town, which straddles US 40, and the newer warren of winding streets at Steamboat Vil-
lage, centered around the Mt Werner ski area southeast of town. Only the former of these is
worth wandering around by foot. US 40 is known as Lincoln Ave through Old Town.
