Daytripper: Steamboat Springs
For a breakfast fit for champions: Steamboat Grand
Spend a slow morning over a mouthwatering breakfast—and plenty of it—at The Cabin restaurant, which brings a bit of nature indoors by using aspen trees as décor. A few must-taste favorites include concoctions from the egg station, the house-made granola, and the daily chef’s special that features delicacies like pumpkin-and-pecan French toast. 2300 Mt. Werner Circle. steamboatgrand.com
For an unforgettable après-ski hour: The Truffle Pig
This restaurant gets the recipe just right for fare after a rigorous day on the slopes—crunchy french fries spiced to perfection, succulent pork and creamy fondue. Insider’s tip: Order anything with the word “truffle” or “pig” in it, and you won’t be disappointed. 2250 Apres Ski Way. trufflepigrestaurant.com
For the ultimate tête-à-tête: Cafe Diva
Delight your inner foodie at this cozy spot that serves up eclectic combinations. Don’t skip the appetizers—the camembert and wild mushroom crispy roll with tart-cherry chutney and a pistachio-sage pesto makes taste buds swoon. Just be sure to get your name on the books ahead of time. 1855 Ski Time Square Drive. cafediva.com
For a dose of culture: Steamboat Art Museum
Pop into this small, elegant (and free) museum while you’re strolling through downtown and enjoy a few quiet moments surrounded by beautiful artworks, photography and worthwhile traveling exhibits. 801 Lincoln Avenue. steamboatartmuseum.org
For soothing weary bones: Old Town Hot Springs
No matter the day’s adventures, nothing beats a soak in warm mineral pools that invite total surrender. Choose from one of eight newly remodeled pools, ranging in temperature from 98 to 103 degrees F, at this historic hot springs, once a gathering place for Ute Indians. 136 Lincoln Avenue. steamboathotsprings.org
FOR A FULL DAY
STAY For one of Colorado’s best dude ranch experiences, hang your hat at The Home Ranch in Clark, which sits just north of Steamboat in the Elk River Valley. The luxurious ranch offers the perfect balance of high-style amenities and down-home hospitality—and with 1,500 acres of aspen groves to traverse on cross-country skis, you won’t feel the need to mingle with the ski crowds.
SHOP Lose yourself along Lincoln Avenue on a brisk winter afternoon—and do a little holiday shopping inside one of Steamboat’s many quaint shops: Kali’s Boutique for hip clothing; Overland for cozy sheepskin rugs, shoes and accessories; and Wild Horse Gallery for a range of art and sculpture to love.
DO If you’ve conquered all of the ski runs, then head into the backwoods with Steamboat Powdercats, a company that delivers you via snowcat to your desired terrain. Or for a more downbeat activity, check out Howelsen Ice Arena, an Olympic-sized rink that lets you twirl and glide to your heart’s content.
