Snow falling on Stetsons - Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Sunset, Nov, 1997 by Laura Finnegan

In an unheated tepee, we hurry into our swimsuits before plunging into the bubbling hot springs; their temperature ranges up to 105 [degrees]. The water hisses as it cascades into the chain of deep pools, sending up a pale mist that blows across the dark waters enveloping us. White crystals blown off the snowy trees land softly on our hair and settle onto the hat of one cowboy who's refused to part with his Stetson. The end of another day in Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat planner

ATTRACTIONS AROUND TOWN

Shopping ranges from Western wear at F. M. Light & Sons (830 Lincoln Ave.) to galleries like the Steamboat Art Company (903 Lincoln). Hot-air ballooning, ice fishing, and sleigh rides are among area attractions. Several tour companies offer van trips to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. For complete information on tours, lodging, and dining, call the chamber resort association at (800) 922-2722.

SKIING & SOAKING

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. Legendary for deep snow and light powder. The opening of new Morningside Park and the first phase of Pioneer Ridge adds 430 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain.

The children's program is excellent. With a five-day (or longer) adult lift ticket, one child skis free. Reduced-rate teen tickets, multiday passes. Season runs November 22-April 12.

* Cost: Lift ticket $48 ($215 for five days), $28 ages 12 and under.

* Contact: (970) 879-6111; snow report, 879-7300.

* FYI: Base elevation is 6,900 feet, vertical drop is 3,668 feet. The Cowboy Downhill event is slated for January 20. The Billy Kidd Performance Center offers intensive coaching on racing, challenging terrain, and snowboarding; $160-$200 per day (discount for children). Call 879-6111, ext. 543.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs. A series of three natural hot springs pools in a lovely setting in winter.

* When: 10 A.M.-midnight daily.

* Where: Drive 7 miles north of Steamboat Springs on County Rd. 36 (Strawberry Park Rd.). The road ends at the springs.

* Cost: $2-$10.

* Contact: 879-0342.

* FYI: The road in is steep, narrow, icy, and open only to four-wheel-drive vehicles in winter, so it's advisable to take a van tour with Sweet Pea Tours, which offers three tours daily; $25, $10 ages 6-12. 879-5820.

LODGING

A host of lodges and condos are clustered on the ski hill, with a number of inns in town. For reservations, call (800) 922-2722.

Sheraton Steamboat Resort and Conference Center. Just about as close as you can get to the downhill action, it's right at the base area, with all the amenities (pool, hot tub, saunas, massage center, fitness center, ski valet). There are 316 units, including some condos.

* Where: 2200 Village Inn Ct.

* Cost: $105-$365 standard rooms, $289-$799 suites, $169-$799 condos: discount packages available.

* Contact: (800) 848-8878.

Vista Verde Ranch. A dude ranch in summer, it becomes a cross-country ski resort in winter, with a system of set trails and knowledgeable guides to take you into the backcountry. Other options: horseback rides, bobsled rides, hot tubbing, gym workouts. The ranch has eight cabins and three lodge rooms, rustic-looking outside, handsome and well-appointed inside.