Winter “must dos” in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs Winter — *Steamboat Springs Ski Resort*

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a special destination located about 3hrs from Denver. Steamboat is the ultimate spot for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. It also has a vibrant downtown. Winter is my favorite time to visit Steamboat as it’s so cozy and magical. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Winter!

Take a dip in Strawberry Hot Springs

Strawberry Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with several different temperature pools located a 20 minutes drive from downtown Steamboat. Reservations are required per person and fill up quickly. If you are planning a trip & want to go, snag your reservation ASAP. The cost is $20 per person and you must bring cash + pay and show your reservation at the entrance. I personally enjoy going during the daytime hours during winter because the snow around the hot springs is gorgeous. However, if you get a clear evening the stars are incredible to view from the comfort of the hot springs. Clothing is optional at night and minors are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed ever and they will not let you keep them in your car while swimming.

Strawberry Hot Springs. Steamboat Springs, CO

Enjoy the BEST fresh baked pastries & toast

Nothing is better than cozying up with a cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry (or avocado toast) on a snowy winter morning. Smell That Bread serves INCREDIBLE freshly baked pastries, loaves of bread, and several unique toasts Thursday-Monday. This is my favorite bakery in all of Colorado. Go early if you want the best selection. This is a popular place in the morning, for obvious reasons!

Enjoy a glass of wine at the cutest art gallery

The Standard Western Art Gallery & Drink is the perfect place to relax and get warm in the winter. This art gallery sells beautiful western pieces as well as classy jewelry. They have a full wine & beer bar with fantastic selections. The owners and handful of locals that spend time at the Standard are so kind and a pleasure to converse with. Grab a glass, view the art, and meet some new friends. If you are lucky the owner’s sweet Grant Pyrenees dog may be there to keep you company!

Standard Western Art + Drink. Steamboat Springs, CO

Ski, Snowboard, or just spend time at Steamboat Springs Resort.

Steamboat Springs Resort is notorious for getting massive dumps of snow in the winter. There is a very good chance you will get a powder day while you are here! Currently, Steamboat is undergoing a $200 million mountain enhancement which will make it the 2nd largest ski resort in Colorado. There are tons of restaurants and things to do right at the base. As far as skiing goes, my favorite runs on the mountain are the hike-up runs at the top of Mt. Werner. Once you take Morningside lift up, you go right then start the 5-minute hike up. Over here there are out-of-boundary blacks & double blacks with buttery fresh snow (I’m no expert skier and I can do these!). The absolute best hang-out spot on the mountain is the Umbrella Bar at Rendezvous Lodge. Umbrella bar blasts the music and has awesome vibes, drinks, and fun people. It gets really busy post lunch, so go around 11 if you want a table as it’s a tiny place. Steamboat also offers night skiing Thursday-Sunday on the front side of the mountain. It is included in the Ikon pass (you won’t be charged another day if you already skied during the day) and it is incredibly fun It also is way less crowded than during the day.

Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. Steamboat Springs, CO

Embrace Après Ski (Even if you don’t ski)

Après Ski: French for “after skiing.” It encompasses any or all of the entertaining, social, anti-social, musical or non-musical activities you do after the day's skiing is done! Steamboat has several great spots for Après Ski, but my favorite go-to is T Bar! It’s at the base a little bit up the mountain and has outdoor tables/hangout areas, music, yummy food, and good vibes! Grab a few pitchers and make some new friends. Another popular place to check out if T Bar is too busy is Double Diamonds Bar (or DoubleD’s). This one is at the base of the mountain and all inside.

Head to downtown for a Happy Hour Crawl

Steamboat is a popular place during winter which means weekends can be hard to snag dinner reservations. After several trips to Steamboat and a friend moving there, we have found that the best deal in the town is to hop around to try different places during Happy Hour! This also decreases the prices of your meals and lets you try several places around the ‘boat! Some of the best Happy Hours in town are:

Bésame - 4:00 to 5:30 Daily. Featuring 50% off cocktails, 30% off tapas, $6 house wine, and $4 draft beers.

The Laundry Restaurant - 4:30-5:30 Daily. Discounted bites, tacos, cocktails, 1/2 price straight pours, and wine/beer.

Aurum - 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Daily. TONS of deals for this normally rather pricey place.

Sale & Lime - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Daily. $8 margaritas, $4 tacos, & $32 margarita pitchers.

Steamboat is my favorite mountain town in Colorado and I hope you get a chance to enjoy it!!!