Where to Eat and Sleep in Steamboat Springs

Like many scenic mountain towns, Steamboat Springs is in the midst of a significant renaissance. Under the banner of an effort called Steamboat Unbridled, it is estimated that more than $1 billion will be invested in improvements to the area within the next several years.

Travelers will benefit from as many as 7,000 new “beds” (hotel industry lingo for rooms) within the ski resort as well as new restaurants, shops and a transformation of the Steamboat/Hayden Airport.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of great places to stay and enjoy the clean mountain air.

A Grand Solution

My first pick for lodging will always be the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel & Condominiums, particularly with kids in tow. Located in the heart of all the action, guests have the opportunity to incorporate all on-mountain resort and hotel charges directly onto their hotel bill.

Whether you are signing the kids up for lessons, purchasing new gear or dining in the hotel, all charges go directly onto one bill. It means not having to carry cash or credit cards on the slope and my older kids like knowing they can sign for their own goods throughout the day.

• Guests dine at Chaps, a Western-themed mountain bar and grill at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel filled with cowboy paraphernalia, including a number of authentic cowboy chaps, turn-of-the-century photos and western memorabilia.
• Steamboat/Larry Pierce

The massive porte-cochere entry to the hotel is quite dramatic and certainly makes the kids feel as though they have arrived. It’s a hotel-condo hybrid, so reserve a traditional hotel-type room or spread out in a multi-room accommodation—whichever choice suits your family size and style. Amenities abound, so take a break from the slopes and enjoy the spa and fitness facility then soak in the heated pool and hot tubs.

Condo Ease

Staying in a condo makes it easy to snack, have a meal at home and allows a little more privacy than individual hotel rooms. There are numerous condominiums to choose from, both on and off the slopes. Popular choices for families include:

• Elk Run Townhomes–Designed for vacationing families, the units sleep 10 and is just three blocks from the gondola.
  

• Trappeur’s Lodge–Two blocks from the gondola with one- to four-bedroom condos, heated pools and hot tubs and après ski hot chocolate and cookies.

• Snowflower Condos at the Steamboat Gondola–Just 75 steps to the gondola, shops and the Kids’ Vacation Center. It provides studios, as well as two- and four-bedroom condos.

• Trappeur's Crossing is conveniently located a mere two blocks from the gondola and is a good option for people looking for a home-away-from-home experience while visiting.
• Courtesy of ResortQuest

For more information: www.ResortQuestSteamboat.com

Dine Around

You can’t help but work up an appetite after a day on the slopes or an afternoon of hiking and biking. With more than 100 bars and restaurants to choose from, no one will go to bed hungry.

Après ski. We love stopping for a refresher before heading for home, particularly during sunny spring skiing season. There is no better place than the casual Slopeside Grill to relax, have a drink and snack and watch skiers end the day with smiles on their faces. Tel. 970-879-2916.

On the mountain. Families get a kick out of popping on the gondola to participate in Steamboat’s Original Western Style BBQ Buffet. It’s all you can eat every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The whole family will enjoy the views from Western BBQ as well as a chance to do some foot stompin’ to the sounds of a live country and western band. Kids under 5 years old are free. Reservations are a must. Tel. 877-783-2628.

Family fiesta. La Montana has been a Steamboat tradition for more than 20 years. This award-winning Southwestern and Mexican restaurant is among my favorites for its casual atmosphere and more than 20 styles of tasty margaritas from which to choose. The menu offers a range of options including stuffed shrimp with jalapeño hollandaise and tender elk loin. A kid’s menu is also available. Spacious and conveniently located near the gondola, the place fills quickly, so call for reservations. Tel. 970-879-5800.