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Started By
Message
Steamboat Springs 2021 thread
Posted on 2/11/21 at 12:21 am
Posted on 2/11/21 at 12:21 am
Skiers and Riders....
I thought it would be prudent to start a standalone thread for this resort, given the large # of posts in the main ski thread related to Steamboat.
For those that have been recently or are here right now, please offer your advice based on your experience here. Many people can’t afford a large rental home or ski-in-ski-out lodging, so please avoid the “that’s the only way to go” responses.
::: THE MOUNTAIN ITSELF :::
- Steamboat Springs trail map (PDF)
- Outlaw Mountain Coaster
- Terrain Parks (3 of them)
- There are mask Nazis everywhere
- Read up on your parking options
- Upper lifts can close from high winds
- Ride the Tomahawk run at least once
::: PLAY :::
-Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Night skiing
::: EAT :::
Marcia & Joe’s (legit Jamaican)
Talay Thai (takeout only; kick arse)
- E3 Chop House for a $$$$ dinner
- per Junkyard Hog: “ Have enjoyed meals at Salt and Lime, Oar House, Mazzola’s, Apres Burger, Paramount, Freshies, Laundry, and Creekside Cafe”
::: SLEEP :::
I thought it would be prudent to start a standalone thread for this resort, given the large # of posts in the main ski thread related to Steamboat.
For those that have been recently or are here right now, please offer your advice based on your experience here. Many people can’t afford a large rental home or ski-in-ski-out lodging, so please avoid the “that’s the only way to go” responses.
::: THE MOUNTAIN ITSELF :::
- Steamboat Springs trail map (PDF)
- Outlaw Mountain Coaster
- Terrain Parks (3 of them)
- There are mask Nazis everywhere
- Read up on your parking options
- Upper lifts can close from high winds
- Ride the Tomahawk run at least once
::: PLAY :::
-Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Night skiing
::: EAT :::
Marcia & Joe’s (legit Jamaican)
Talay Thai (takeout only; kick arse)
- E3 Chop House for a $$$$ dinner
- per Junkyard Hog: “ Have enjoyed meals at Salt and Lime, Oar House, Mazzola’s, Apres Burger, Paramount, Freshies, Laundry, and Creekside Cafe”
::: SLEEP :::
This post was edited on 2/11/21 at 11:12 am
5
Posted on 2/11/21 at 8:48 am to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
We are here right now. Staying at Emerald Lodge. Flying home this afternoon.
Have enjoyed meals at Salt and Lime, Oar House, Mazzola’s, Apres Burger, Paramount, Freshies, Laundry, and Creekside Cafe.
Been pretty crowded, especially yesterday, after getting some fresh powder.
Have enjoyed meals at Salt and Lime, Oar House, Mazzola’s, Apres Burger, Paramount, Freshies, Laundry, and Creekside Cafe.
Been pretty crowded, especially yesterday, after getting some fresh powder.
Posted on 2/11/21 at 11:12 am to Junkyard Hog
Thank you
Posted on 2/11/21 at 11:31 am to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Will be tracking this thread as we have a trip planned for NYE 2021. Will be our first trip to Steamboat. We currently have a reservation in the Torian Plum Plaza building. Anybody have any experience staying there?
Posted on 2/11/21 at 1:38 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Waiting in the airport now. Stayed in a house in the landings on windward way (5 minute walk to base).
Ate:
Thai place on Main Street, so-so.
Apres burger bistro, very good burgers.
O’Neill’s tavern, also very good.
Back door grill, highly recommended.
Did a sleigh ride/dinner that was overpriced. I’d skip this.
Grizzle T dog sledding was a hit with the kids yesterday. You get to mush your own team.
Got a fair amount of snow while here and the only day I felt the crowds were too bad was Sunday, but winds had half the lifts shut down so that funneled everyone to certain spots on the mountain.
Great trip, hope to make it back next year.
ETA: HGG was correct about the masks. You’ll be called out if you aren’t wearing them in the lift lines or at the top of the lifts. Only towards the end of the day when no one was around would the lift attendants not say anything.
Ate:
Thai place on Main Street, so-so.
Apres burger bistro, very good burgers.
O’Neill’s tavern, also very good.
Back door grill, highly recommended.
Did a sleigh ride/dinner that was overpriced. I’d skip this.
Grizzle T dog sledding was a hit with the kids yesterday. You get to mush your own team.
Got a fair amount of snow while here and the only day I felt the crowds were too bad was Sunday, but winds had half the lifts shut down so that funneled everyone to certain spots on the mountain.
Great trip, hope to make it back next year.
ETA: HGG was correct about the masks. You’ll be called out if you aren’t wearing them in the lift lines or at the top of the lifts. Only towards the end of the day when no one was around would the lift attendants not say anything.
This post was edited on 2/11/21 at 1:40 pm
Posted on 2/11/21 at 2:02 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
I've been twice.
Flew into Denver and drove once. Flew into Hayden once.
Hayden is a much easier trip. It does cost a bit more, but I would spend my extra money on this versus other things.
If flying in to Hayden, the shuttle from the airport is sufficient. No need for a rental or personal shuttle.
::: THE MOUNTAIN ITSELF :::
It's one of my favorite mountains because it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Plus, the town and the mountain are family oriented. Add in that champagne powder, and it's hard to have a bad trip to Steamboat.
The mountain does a good job of providing some natural separation, which minimizes the overlap of skill levels.
There are areas of mostly greens, areas of mostly blues, and areas of mostly advanced terrain.
However, there's also usually at least one "easy way down" for beginners that find themselves over their heads.
If you are intermediate rider, you're gonna love the sunshine express lift. You can spend the whole trip there and still have fun.
Advanced riders will still enjoy sunshine, but storm peak, pony and morningside lifts will still be able to offer whatever it is that appeals to you most.
Trees, Chutes, Steeps, Carving groomers, Moguls.
::: EAT :::
I wish I could offer more info on this area, but sadly I can't. I didn't plan either of the trips to this area and don't remember specific details.
One trip, we had sandwiches and cliff bars for lunch, and I was happy with that.
One trip, we ate at the on-mountain lodges, and it wasn't any better or worse than any other resort (just more expensive than the homeade sandwiches
).
On my second trip, we would usually stop by one of the bars at the base of the mountain at the end of the day. And I remember they had a great local beer selection. With the growth of the craft beer industry, it can only be better now than it was then.
::: SLEEP :::
It almost doesn't matter where you stay. The Steamboat Springs Transit makes it very convenient.
You can ride the bus to the lifts, to the grocery store, to dinner.
I'd try to find a condo on the "Purple Line" or "Green Line", close to or on the bus route, and within your budget.
https://steamboatsprings.net/166/Transit
If SISO is your style, you have lots of options.
Bear Claw Condos for instance... you can actually ski into your room if you want to.
Just pull up the Google Maps of the Steamboat Ski area and pick your poison.
Flew into Denver and drove once. Flew into Hayden once.
Hayden is a much easier trip. It does cost a bit more, but I would spend my extra money on this versus other things.
If flying in to Hayden, the shuttle from the airport is sufficient. No need for a rental or personal shuttle.
::: THE MOUNTAIN ITSELF :::
It's one of my favorite mountains because it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Plus, the town and the mountain are family oriented. Add in that champagne powder, and it's hard to have a bad trip to Steamboat.
The mountain does a good job of providing some natural separation, which minimizes the overlap of skill levels.
There are areas of mostly greens, areas of mostly blues, and areas of mostly advanced terrain.
However, there's also usually at least one "easy way down" for beginners that find themselves over their heads.
If you are intermediate rider, you're gonna love the sunshine express lift. You can spend the whole trip there and still have fun.
Advanced riders will still enjoy sunshine, but storm peak, pony and morningside lifts will still be able to offer whatever it is that appeals to you most.
Trees, Chutes, Steeps, Carving groomers, Moguls.
::: EAT :::
I wish I could offer more info on this area, but sadly I can't. I didn't plan either of the trips to this area and don't remember specific details.
One trip, we had sandwiches and cliff bars for lunch, and I was happy with that.
One trip, we ate at the on-mountain lodges, and it wasn't any better or worse than any other resort (just more expensive than the homeade sandwiches
). On my second trip, we would usually stop by one of the bars at the base of the mountain at the end of the day. And I remember they had a great local beer selection. With the growth of the craft beer industry, it can only be better now than it was then.
::: SLEEP :::
It almost doesn't matter where you stay. The Steamboat Springs Transit makes it very convenient.
You can ride the bus to the lifts, to the grocery store, to dinner.
I'd try to find a condo on the "Purple Line" or "Green Line", close to or on the bus route, and within your budget.
https://steamboatsprings.net/166/Transit
If SISO is your style, you have lots of options.
Bear Claw Condos for instance... you can actually ski into your room if you want to.
Just pull up the Google Maps of the Steamboat Ski area and pick your poison.
Posted on 2/11/21 at 8:05 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Currently on my 4th trip to Steamboat in the past 5 years. Full disclosure, I do my trips as cheap as possible so we can do multiple ski trips each season. We have stayed at Rabbit Ears and twice at Quality Inn and Suites. If you just need a budget friendly bear bones stay both are fine with Quality having a better breakfast and the indoor pool is nice. Currently we are at the new Residence Inn as I had some free nights. It is a step up from the other two and is right next to Safeway which makes getting groceries nice as we bring a sack lunch on the mountain.
Learn how to use the free bus system as it will take you anywhere you want and is very easy. Can’t really recommend any restaurants as we normally just get pizza and eat in or make sandwiches. Honestly our trips are about being on the mountain as we go from the lifts opening until they close and then are exhausted at night.
I will add the liquor story next to City Market has a great selection of craft beer.
Steamboat is very family friendly and used to not be too crowded but with Southwest starting direct flights to Hayden and more people buying the Ikon pass, it has gotten more crowded
Learn how to use the free bus system as it will take you anywhere you want and is very easy. Can’t really recommend any restaurants as we normally just get pizza and eat in or make sandwiches. Honestly our trips are about being on the mountain as we go from the lifts opening until they close and then are exhausted at night.
I will add the liquor story next to City Market has a great selection of craft beer.
Steamboat is very family friendly and used to not be too crowded but with Southwest starting direct flights to Hayden and more people buying the Ikon pass, it has gotten more crowded
Posted on 2/11/21 at 9:38 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
I was in Steamboat from Jan. 22 - 31 in a house. First time at Steamboat and I skied 8 out of 9 days.
Make sure you have dinner reservations on Friday or Saturday nights. With limited occupancy, it is hard to get a table on those weekend nights.
Ate at Slopeside grill first night. Casual, bar food. Great loaded fries and hamburgers. Easy to get in on a Friday night. Great drinks and service.
On Saturday night (our second night), we waited near Salt & Lime and tried their outdoor bar for drinks. Worst margarita that I've ever tasted. If you can't make a good margarita, I won't eat at your Mexican restaurant, so we passed and we ate at Otto Pint. Simulated wood fired (not real wood) pizza and good drinks and service.
Third night, enjoyed burgers at Apres Burgers, not far from our house. Good gourmet burgers, limited bar menu.
Fourth night, ate Mexican food at Fiesta Jalisco, a local hole in the wall joint. Great Margs and decedent food. Large portions (including Margs) and reasonable prices. Located in a shopping center.
Fifth night, ordered pizza delivery from Beau Jos. Great delivery service and pizza.
Sixth night, ate Italian food at Mazzolas. Great Italian food and good service. Decent wine list, but a little overpriced wines.
Seventh night, ate at Aurum. Expensive, but good food. The scallops were great. Great drinks and service. Probably our best meal.
Eighth night, bought fresh steaks at Steamboat Meat & Seafood and grilled at home. Good ribeyes and filets.
Our last night, we made reservations and ate at Otto Pint again. Didn't get pizza and ordered rack of lamb. Ok, very small portion (4 racks) with very little meat. Service was poor, but drinks were good. Disappointing finish after our earlier visit.
On the Mountain, ate at Rendezvous Ski House. Great chili and drinks. Make reservations on the weekend, because of limited occupancy or you will have to wait in line to get in at noon.
Also ate soup at Last Chance at the base area. Great clam chowder and Louisiana girl behind the register.
Had drinks apres skiing at Saddle at Sheraton. Great drinks, fire pit and view.
Enjoyed night skiing on Saturday night. Night skiing is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Limited runs (really only 2-3 runs), but fun experience for an hour or two. Price included with day lift tickets.
We stocked up on breakfast foods at City Market and liquor at Central Park Liquor. Great prices on liquor at Central Park Liquor. These places are next door to each other. Also, there is a small mountain grocery store called Wild Plum near the base. Also has a liquor store. Prices are a little higher there, but convenient.
On the weekend on the Gondola, make sure to sign up for the virtual Gondola line and it will save your 20 -30 minutes in line. You text a number and they put you in the que. Only on Friday - Sunday.
Great ski rentals with Powder Pursuits near the base. Got $40/day rate (with a 30% discount that got me to $40) on demo skis. Great quality and service. They let me keep my skis for the entire 9 days, but only paid for the days I used. Good deal.
On our only day off, we went horseback riding at Saddleback Ranch. They picked us up and dropped us off at our house. About a 2 hour horseback ride and the entire trip took about 3.5 hours, including the shuttle. Cost about $100 per person. They also do snow mobile and tubing. Really nice guides.
Flew in and out of Hayden from Dallas on Southwest. $180 R/T per person. Stopped in Denver on the outbound flight, but only 20 minute flight from Denver to Hayden. Direct 1.5 hour flight from Hayden to Dallas on the return. R/T Shuttle from airport to our house was $60 per person with 10% discount.
Overall, great trip. Since we skied so long, my daughter and I bought IKon season pass. Cheaper than $200/day lift ticket for 8 days. I don't think you can buy walk up daily lift tickets, but you need to check. Ikon app allows you to track your skiing and keep up with everyone that you put in your group. Also, kept track of lifts, runs, miles skied and mph on fastest run of the day. I skied almost 130 miles in 8 days and my daughter skied almost 150 miles, according to the app.
Steamboat has gotten 46 inches of snow in the last 6 days (maybe more since I last checked). We had decent snow and no icy patches. We had about 20 inches in 9 days from 1/22 - 1/31.
Also, masks strictly enforced in the mountain base area. Need to wear in the lift line, but you can take off while on the lift and skiing. I wore a neck gaiter, so it wasn't too bad.
Enjoy your skiing and let me know if you have any questions. I would go back, especially if Southwest keeps flying there.
Make sure you have dinner reservations on Friday or Saturday nights. With limited occupancy, it is hard to get a table on those weekend nights.
Ate at Slopeside grill first night. Casual, bar food. Great loaded fries and hamburgers. Easy to get in on a Friday night. Great drinks and service.
On Saturday night (our second night), we waited near Salt & Lime and tried their outdoor bar for drinks. Worst margarita that I've ever tasted. If you can't make a good margarita, I won't eat at your Mexican restaurant, so we passed and we ate at Otto Pint. Simulated wood fired (not real wood) pizza and good drinks and service.
Third night, enjoyed burgers at Apres Burgers, not far from our house. Good gourmet burgers, limited bar menu.
Fourth night, ate Mexican food at Fiesta Jalisco, a local hole in the wall joint. Great Margs and decedent food. Large portions (including Margs) and reasonable prices. Located in a shopping center.
Fifth night, ordered pizza delivery from Beau Jos. Great delivery service and pizza.
Sixth night, ate Italian food at Mazzolas. Great Italian food and good service. Decent wine list, but a little overpriced wines.
Seventh night, ate at Aurum. Expensive, but good food. The scallops were great. Great drinks and service. Probably our best meal.
Eighth night, bought fresh steaks at Steamboat Meat & Seafood and grilled at home. Good ribeyes and filets.
Our last night, we made reservations and ate at Otto Pint again. Didn't get pizza and ordered rack of lamb. Ok, very small portion (4 racks) with very little meat. Service was poor, but drinks were good. Disappointing finish after our earlier visit.
On the Mountain, ate at Rendezvous Ski House. Great chili and drinks. Make reservations on the weekend, because of limited occupancy or you will have to wait in line to get in at noon.
Also ate soup at Last Chance at the base area. Great clam chowder and Louisiana girl behind the register.
Had drinks apres skiing at Saddle at Sheraton. Great drinks, fire pit and view.
Enjoyed night skiing on Saturday night. Night skiing is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Limited runs (really only 2-3 runs), but fun experience for an hour or two. Price included with day lift tickets.
We stocked up on breakfast foods at City Market and liquor at Central Park Liquor. Great prices on liquor at Central Park Liquor. These places are next door to each other. Also, there is a small mountain grocery store called Wild Plum near the base. Also has a liquor store. Prices are a little higher there, but convenient.
On the weekend on the Gondola, make sure to sign up for the virtual Gondola line and it will save your 20 -30 minutes in line. You text a number and they put you in the que. Only on Friday - Sunday.
Great ski rentals with Powder Pursuits near the base. Got $40/day rate (with a 30% discount that got me to $40) on demo skis. Great quality and service. They let me keep my skis for the entire 9 days, but only paid for the days I used. Good deal.
On our only day off, we went horseback riding at Saddleback Ranch. They picked us up and dropped us off at our house. About a 2 hour horseback ride and the entire trip took about 3.5 hours, including the shuttle. Cost about $100 per person. They also do snow mobile and tubing. Really nice guides.
Flew in and out of Hayden from Dallas on Southwest. $180 R/T per person. Stopped in Denver on the outbound flight, but only 20 minute flight from Denver to Hayden. Direct 1.5 hour flight from Hayden to Dallas on the return. R/T Shuttle from airport to our house was $60 per person with 10% discount.
Overall, great trip. Since we skied so long, my daughter and I bought IKon season pass. Cheaper than $200/day lift ticket for 8 days. I don't think you can buy walk up daily lift tickets, but you need to check. Ikon app allows you to track your skiing and keep up with everyone that you put in your group. Also, kept track of lifts, runs, miles skied and mph on fastest run of the day. I skied almost 130 miles in 8 days and my daughter skied almost 150 miles, according to the app.
Steamboat has gotten 46 inches of snow in the last 6 days (maybe more since I last checked). We had decent snow and no icy patches. We had about 20 inches in 9 days from 1/22 - 1/31.
Also, masks strictly enforced in the mountain base area. Need to wear in the lift line, but you can take off while on the lift and skiing. I wore a neck gaiter, so it wasn't too bad.
Enjoy your skiing and let me know if you have any questions. I would go back, especially if Southwest keeps flying there.
This post was edited on 2/11/21 at 9:41 pm
Posted on 2/11/21 at 9:47 pm to WacoTiger
that’s awesome info! Thank you! Posted on 2/11/21 at 9:49 pm to SnowAubie
quote:
We have stayed at Rabbit Ears
I stayed at rabbit ears last year (guys trip) and would’ve been content to do so this year, but no vacancy when I booked. It was under $100 per night last year and right by the bus stop. When I pointed it out to my wife this year she asked if the beds took quarters to make them vibrate...
Posted on 2/11/21 at 10:45 pm to wareagle47
Torian Plum is where my people stay. Been there 6 times over the last 10-15 years
Ski in, ski out convenience. Hot tub convenience. Ski rental convenience. Ski locker next to slope convenience
Close to good eats and drinks, and you can trust your adolescent kids to get back and forth w or w/o you
I skied plenty resorts and mountains in the last 25 years, and we settled on Steamboat and Park City
Steamboat is the most convenient and relaxing
Ski in, ski out convenience. Hot tub convenience. Ski rental convenience. Ski locker next to slope convenience
Close to good eats and drinks, and you can trust your adolescent kids to get back and forth w or w/o you
I skied plenty resorts and mountains in the last 25 years, and we settled on Steamboat and Park City
Steamboat is the most convenient and relaxing
Posted on 2/11/21 at 11:26 pm to WacoTiger
Posted on 2/11/21 at 11:28 pm to iwantacooler
Rabbit Ears is a steamboat institution.
Not me in the pic...
Not me in the pic...
Posted on 2/12/21 at 6:54 am to wahoocs
quote:
Torian Plum
That’s where we’re staying this trip.
Posted on 2/12/21 at 8:35 am to WacoTiger
We have done Steamboat the past three years. This year we are doing Summit/Eagle County, but this thread is making me regret that decision.
Here are my thoughts.
Salt and Lime must have had an off night when you went because I never had a bad margarita there. It is the best mexican in SS by far in my opinion.
Paramount is the best lunch you will do in the base area.
Everything at Saddleback Ranch is worth doing. Horseback riding, snow mobiling, tubing, etc. Most of the people that work there are family and are awesome people. The combo tubing/sleigh ride/diner is a lot of fun. It is long and the food is only average, but it's a great wholesome family experience. They do have good beer and wine available which makes up for the average food.
Grizzle T is a blast. If you ever considered dog sledding, to it.
Mambo(Italian) is really good, but small and reservations are a must.
I never stayed at Torian Plum but have friends who have. They loved it. Great location.
The restaurants in the lodge at the top of the Gondola are pretty good for lodge food.
Seek out Taco Beast on the mountain.
Here are my thoughts.
Salt and Lime must have had an off night when you went because I never had a bad margarita there. It is the best mexican in SS by far in my opinion.
Paramount is the best lunch you will do in the base area.
Everything at Saddleback Ranch is worth doing. Horseback riding, snow mobiling, tubing, etc. Most of the people that work there are family and are awesome people. The combo tubing/sleigh ride/diner is a lot of fun. It is long and the food is only average, but it's a great wholesome family experience. They do have good beer and wine available which makes up for the average food.
Grizzle T is a blast. If you ever considered dog sledding, to it.
Mambo(Italian) is really good, but small and reservations are a must.
I never stayed at Torian Plum but have friends who have. They loved it. Great location.
The restaurants in the lodge at the top of the Gondola are pretty good for lodge food.
Seek out Taco Beast on the mountain.
Posted on 2/15/21 at 3:12 pm to Junkyard Hog
What are current capacity limits at restaurants, etc?
Posted on 2/15/21 at 3:30 pm to cbtullis
25%
Posted on 2/15/21 at 5:08 pm to Caymus
Slopeside did not disappoint last night. We had 3 tables full of kids and adults. Probably 25-30 people total.
The slopes have definitely not disappointed the past 2 and half days. Snow and crowd have been epic.
The slopes have definitely not disappointed the past 2 and half days. Snow and crowd have been epic.
Posted on 2/16/21 at 10:45 pm to tgrbaitn08
Nice! U with the group from thibodaux?
Posted on 2/17/21 at 10:22 am to bushwacker
quote:
Nice! U with the group from thibodaux?
No but I know a few of them in that group. Big group from Laffy and Nola.
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