Take a Cruise on Steamboat
Written: Jun 19 '01 (Updated Jun 29 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Local flavor, variety of cruising runs,fewer crowds, less expensive
Cons: Few expert areas, less glamor than other Colorado resorts.
The Bottom Line: Good place for a family ski vacation. Less expensive than the I-70 Colorado resorts.
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| timmount's Full Review: Steamboat |
Getting There
If you are flying into Steamboat there are three options. 1. Fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car. The drive from Denver is beautiful but will take you 3-4 hours depending on traffic and weather. You will have to contend with Denver Airport with it's unwieldy size and horrible baggage handling problems. Renting a car takes 30-40 minutes longer than most airports due to the rental area being miles from the terminal.
2.Fly to Eagle/Vail, an airport that is growing in size in proportion to the frustrations experienced at DIA. You will pay 20% more to fly to Eagle/Vail but it is 100 miles west of Denver and puts you much closer to Steamboat being 1 hour or so from the resort. There are several major carriers that fly into Eagle/Vail using Boeing 757's. The service is reliable and the rental cars are only 200-300 feet from where you exit the airplane.
3.Fly to Steamboat itself (Hayden). If you are going in a group this makes alot of sense but with a family you will pay 50% more to fly the extra 80 miles into Steamboat proper. This airport is subject to more weather delays which
may cost you 1/2 a day of valuable vacation time.
My recommendation is to fly into Eagle/Vail and to rent a car. I find having a car in Steamboat to be advantageous since the ski area is 10 miles from the town with its stores, restaurants, and activities.
Town of Steamboat
They have tried hard to maintain an original flavor to this old ranching town of about 20,000. Many of the "Mom and Pop" restaurants that were here 20 years ago still are busying and serving the same towns people they did way back when. They have preserved many of the older motels and stores and have resisted the appeal of the clone stores found in other resorts. Many restaurants are unique to STeamboat. We had great Seafood in "The yacht Club" along with excellent service although I am at a loss to figure out where the yachts are anchored in this landlocked town.
There are other excellent places in which to eat ranging from down home cooking to 4 star cuisine. There is a good variety of stores but to find the upscale shoppes you will need to turn back to I-70 80 miles away. The same applies for the art galleries although 1 truly exception gallery is in the Sheraton.
Ski Area
Succinctly this is a cruising mountain with wide open intermediate runs. There is a good beginner area for people to learn but the upper part of the mountain is all "blue".
There is a nice "bowl" in the back to of the mountain that is lower intermediate grade allowing less proficient skiers to enjoy "tree skiing". There are some expert runs but no areas that will make your palms sweat.
This is a great mountain for family skiing with the wide open slopes allowing groups to ski together without getting lost around a turn. The restaurants on the mountain are focused on family atmosphere with the prices less than at other major resorts. The "on mountain" facilities are esthetically pleasing but don't expect marble in the bathrooms or carpeting in the dining areas. The people were all friendly and helpful.
Hotels
We stayed in the Steamboat Grand (which is about what they charge a night)resort hotel located directly across the street from the Gondola. The hotel is a monolithic structure of cement and steel built as a condo hotel. The rooms were large and newly furnished but there was a long walk from your room to the foyer. Other hotels include the Sheraton located right at the gondola building.
This was just redecorated and I didn't have an opportunity to see the rooms. To the east of the Gondola area is a large variety of condominiums that are serviced by buses.
Summary
Steamboat is great for family skiing with lower lift prices, more affordable housing right at the ski area, and a less intimidating atmosphere than found at Vail, Beaver Creek, or Aspen. It is reasonably easy to get to and the people are friendly. The skiing is focused at intermediate level and there is plenty variety to keep you occupied all week.
Recommended:
Yes
Level of Experience Needed: Beginner
Best Time to Visit: February
Best Suited For: Families
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Epinions.com ID:
timmount
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Hard core skier, business owner in the medical field
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