STEAMBOAT SPRINGS IS SKI TOWN USA!
Steamboat is known as Ski Town USA because we have sent over 60 athletes to compete in the Olympics; more than any other town in the United States. Steamboat's name stems from early settlers who heard the sound of hot water springs and thought they sounded like old Steam engines. With over 100 natural mineral springs the town is a nature lover's dream. The excess hot water from the Heart pool spring at the Old Town Health and Recreation Center is piped under Lincoln Avenue (our main street) into the Yampa River at Dr. Rich Weiss Park. The natural hot water pool in the river is an enjoyable place for the kids to play or kayakers to take a short break.

The early American Indians first settled the Yampa Valley in the 1800's. It wasn't until 1875 that the white settlers moved in and named the area; it incorporated in 1900. Steamboat is truly an old western community that keeps pace with the trends, architecture, culture, cuisine, luxury, and amenities of a thriving metropolis. Its Western traditions of working ranches, warm hospitality, caring locals, community fundraisers, pubs, boutiques, fantastic schools, and world class skiing set us apart from every other ski area in the world. You will see most of the locals wearing casual unassuming attire. "Steamboat casual" is often the dress for most dinner parties. Steamboat time can mean 15 minutes late or a no-show if it's a powder day.

For the locals I know it's a lifestyle of family, friends, and quality living. Many locals have relocated here from all over the US and world to find a place not just to call home but also the people, the places, the activities, and the opportunities Steamboat offers to us all is what makes Steamboat home. For me living here and raising our kids in Steamboat is like living a dream: The Steamboat Dream. Its not uncommon for us to go water skiing at Steamboat Lake and have a short delay due to a cattle drive; I sure didn't have that in the City. I have never questioned the safety of bike riding to town, hiking a trail alone, or walking downtown at night. I have heard people say they couldn't tell you where to find their front door key. I wouldn't recommend unlocked doors, but if you take the leap of faith to leave where you reside now, you may wonder what took so long after you settle in here.

My family moved to the boat in 1998. We have experienced a quality of life that cannot match any place I have ever lived or visited. Raising our children here in a loving supportive community will give them the kind of foundation which will make them life long learners and achievers. The small town living with big city amenities and world class skiing out my back door, make this home a truly God blessed experience for us.

In 1912 Carl Howelsen brought skiing to Steamboat. We now have two ski areas. Our big mountain area is the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation often just called: The Mountain. It is actually a mountain range. A few of the better known peaks at the mountain are Mount Warner, Pioneer Ridge, and Storm Peak. Howelsen Hill is the smaller ski area located across the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat Springs. It offers year round training for many Olympic hopefuls and locals. Lighted Man is a common attraction and a local tradition on the Hill during the evening festivities of Winter Carnival. If you have never experienced a week of Winter Carnival in Steamboat Springs you have to put it on your "To-Do" list. Many who have experienced Steamboat Skiing will tell you that it's the best skiing they have ever experienced. The lack of water in many of our large storms cause what we refer to as Champagne Powder because it is light and fluffy. My kids believe it keeps the snow snakes from grabbing their skis and board. In the trees it is not uncommon to find untracked powder up to your waist - even at noon. Last count there was over 160 trails, 3,668 vertical feet (second highest vertical rise in Colorado), and almost 3,000 skiable acres at the mountain (Steamboat Ski Area). Base elevation is 6,900 feet and summit elevation is 10,568 feet. The average annual snowfall is 334". The mountain opens in mid November and closes in mid April for skiing. The terrain is 14% beginner; 42% intermediate; and 44% advanced. If you like a variety of steep runs, groomers, trees, bumps, meadows, treed bowls, a three mile long run (aptly named Why Not); and the longest Superpipe in North America, you will love skiing here and living the Steamboat Dream.

In addition to world class skiing and people we offer a diverse lifestyle of activities to fit every personality. Some of the activities include: fly fishing, golfing, horse back riding, boating, kayaking, movies, hot air ballooning, four wheeling, hunting, hockey, softball, outdoor concerts, tennis, mountain climbing, canoeing, hiking, rafting, dining, tubing, mountain biking, shopping, spa treatments, hang gliding, ice climbing, shooting, dancing, symphony, theatre, paved walking trails, road biking, cross-country skiing, motorcycling, water and snow skiing and riding, and more!

The heritage, character, and history of Steamboat create the Yampa Valley Curse. Locals say once you have lived here you can never leave. Some have tried to, but they come back. Grass is sometimes greener (or snow is sometimes deeper) on the other side, but the Steamboat Dream and the Yampa Valley Curse will hold you in bliss. Steamboat Springs is located just three hours from Denver; three hours from Grand Junction; and one and a half hour from Vail. The closest airport is right here in Steamboat Springs for numerous types of smaller aircraft. 27 miles away in Hayden is Yampa Valley Regional airport where large commercial aircraft from many cities offer non-stop flights.



Here are some Steamboat Springs statistics:

Elevation: 6,728 feet in town;
Land area of the city is 10.1 square miles;
Population: >10,000

2005-2006 statistics show:
* Median resident age is 32.4 years.
* Median household income: $54,700.
* White Non-Hispanic population; 94.7%.
* 52% of population over age 25 have a bachelor's degree.
* Married: 44.9% - Never Married: 42.6% (Over age 15).
* 6.3% foreign born.
* Area code: 970
* In 2000 the median real estate property tax average was $1,517.
* Common Industries: construction; accommodation & food services; health care; professional, scientific and technical services; educational services; real estate & rental and leasing.
* Most snowfall occurs in March.
* In 2000; Steamboat Springs High school had 631 students; SS Middle School had 493 students; two elementary schools combined had 764 students. There are also several private schools including a boarding school.
* 8 banks with branches in Steamboat and numerous lending institutions.
* Your Realtor: Michelle Diehl - Century 21 Ski Town Associates? Getting you where you want to go-on time! Isn?t it time you lived the Steamboatdream.com.


Information contained was gathered from numerous; however, it is not guaranteed and should be used at your own risk. Opinion statements are my own and should not be used as documented facts. I love it here what can I say...