The 2018 Winter Olympics will kick off in PyeongChang, South Korea in February. Steamboat Springs has produced more Olympians than any other town in North America.
Howelsen Hill and the ski jumps can be seen from Ninth and Lincoln (the heart of downtown). In 1913, Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian, arrived in Steamboat Springs and introduced ski jumping and recreational skiing to the townspeople. Before, Howelsen’s arrival, skiing was merely a means of transportation in the winter.
Both ski jumps pictured here. Used for training future Olympians.
Carl Howelson introduced Steamboat to ski jumping in 1913. This 90 meter jump was built in 1950.
Very short History of Steamboat Springs:
First occupants of the area were the Yampatika Ute Native Americans, followed by trappers in the early 1800’s. Steamboat Springs got its name because of the chugging sound coming from the released gasses of the mineral springs. When the railroad was built in 1908, dynamite blasting silenced the sound forever.
Steamboat hosts Winter Carnival in February with skiing competitions, chariot races, street events with horsemen pulling skiers down Lincoln Avenue, ski joring, and Lighted Man skiing down Howelson Hill.
Ranching became the primary industry as well as mining of gold, silver and coal ore.
Today, Steamboat Springs, a down-to-earth, Western town, boasts 48 restaurants, 53 shops, 12 galleries, 2 museums, and 1 beautiful river.
Activities: Every month something happening.
Bucking Rainbow Outfitters for White Water Rafting, outdoor clothing, gifts and fly fishing. BRO has access to over 60 miles of Colorado’s trout streams.
Fly fishing guide service and equipment.
Outlaw Mountain coaster, courtesy of Steamboat website.
Outlaw Mountain Coaster:
With 6,280 feet of track, the coaster is the longest one built in North America. Sleds run along a tubular rail system. Riders take the sled up the mountain and gravity zips them down. The coaster is open year-round, although non-snow months are limited hours. Fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children (at least 38 ” tall).
Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works, 11 miles west of town, offers shuttle service from Steamboat hotels/condos. Tours travel through ranch land where wildlife is plentiful.
Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works, photo courtesy of Grizzle-T website.
Steamboat Springs Ski Resort:
Steamboat Springs Visitor’s Center, located between downtown and the ski area.
Steamboat Springs Ski Resort has 165 named runs, 18 lifts and 2,965 acres of mountain.
Stampede Run at the base of Steamboat Springs Ski Area.
The eight-passenger gondola will take you to the top of Mt. Werner for a fee of $25.00. You can enjoy the views from the Thunderhead lodge and have lunch at Hazie’s or Stoker.
Steamboat Ski Area’s Gondola.
Bruce just finished running gates at Steamboat Springs Ski Area.
Shopping:
F. M. Light & Sons, outfitting the West since 1905. Family owned for five generations, same location on main street Steamboat Springs.
Horse mannequin in front of F. M. Light & Sons store. You can climb up and have your picture taken.
A great store for fun stuff. I bought a cool bag here.
Socks, socks and more socks. I bought the grandkids some warm sockies.
All things olive oil + a wine shop with local wines.
Inside the Elevated Olive shop
Discover Steamboat Springs for great skiing and so many other winter and year-round activities.
About the Author:
In 2010, Annie Coburn created FAB Senior Travel, a blog for mature and adventurous travelers. Her blog features travel articles from contributors as well as her own travels. Annie has published five travel books targeting the greatest cities on earth: Walk Paris, Walk Beijing, Walk London, Walk NYC, and Ellie’s Grand Adventure. She recently spent seven-months living and traveling in South America.
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Website: http:// www.fabseniortravel.com
