Unforgettable Winter Adventures in Steamboat Springs with a Twist

In March 2023, we visited Steamboat Springs, Colorado, which is a dazzling winter wonderland offering an array of adventures, delicious cuisine, and relaxation. As a family that loves to ski, we were thrilled to embark on this trip. However, things took an unexpected turn when our oldest son, Connor, broke his foot a week before the trip. Though it limited our skiing, we embraced the situation and uncovered unique experiences, great dining options, and some winter fun that made the trip truly unforgettable.

Despite his setback, our week in Steamboat Springs was filled with laughter, exploration, and memorable moments. Let us take you on a journey through our adventures, the delightful culinary finds, rejuvenating hot springs, and exhilarating snowmobiling experiences.

Thrilling Yet Limited Skiing

Of course, one cannot mention Steamboat Springs without talking about skiing. The town boasts over 2,965 acres of skiable terrain, a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. However, given Connor's injury, our skiing was significantly reduced—still, we couldn’t resist a few runs on the mountain!

We stayed at a VRBO slopeside, and the town was just a short drive away, making it convenient to head back and forth. The resort itself has a village at the base with a festive atmosphere, featuring bands or DJs, shops, restaurants, and ice skating.

The three of us had a blast carving our way through the powdery trails while soaking in the crisp mountain air and stunning snowy vistas.

We even took breaks at the various on-mountain food spots-Rendezvous, Four Points, or Thunderhead to warm up with hot chocolate and share stories of our skiing adventures so far. Our oldest was able to ride the Steamboat Gondola in his boot and scooter up to Thunderhead to eat with us at Stoker Bar and Restaurant. We actually found Steamboat very handicap-friendly.

We were blessed with LOTS of snow!

At Thunderhead, two of us rode the gondola down while the other two skied down.

Delicious Dining Experiences

With skiing on a limited agenda, we redirected our energy towards exploring the culinary scene in Steamboat Springs. The town is bustling with a variety of eateries, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, making it a food lover's haven.

We quickly discovered several fantastic restaurants with happy hours that suited our budget perfectly. A few of our favorites were Salt and Lime with their delicious tacos, Mountain Tap Brewery, where we ate in a gondola, Winona's for breakfast (best cinnamon roll I have ever had), and Power Day Donuts.

We went to some great shops downtown as well, like Ohana, an adorable gift shop and my favorite, and Off The Beaten Path Bookstore and Cafe.

At Mountain Tap Brewery, eating in the gondola

Relaxing at Strawberry Springs Hot Springs

After a few days of exploration and dining, we decided to unwind at the Strawberry Springs Hot Springs. It turned out to be the perfect retreat for achy ski muscles and sore feet.

The serene setting of the natural hot springs, surrounded by towering pines, created an enchanting atmosphere. Connor, though unable to ski, enjoyed a relaxing soak with the rest of us, bringing smiles and giggles as we chatted in the warm waters and in the icy pool they have as well.

We spent hours sinking into the different pools, each offering a varying temperature and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. The experience was truly rejuvenating, allowing us to recuperate while enjoying time together.

The Strawberry Springs experience deepened our appreciation for nature and highlighted the relaxing aspects of our snowy getaway—perfect for travelers seeking comfort and serenity.

We also visited Old Town Hot Springs, which was right downtown. This was nice as well, but it had more of a pool-like feel, with a climbing wall and slides. There was some construction going on as well, so I think there will be more to come.

Exciting Snowmobiling Adventure

In keeping with our adventurous spirit, Reed and I signed up for a guided tour of the scenic mountain trails, which turned out to be a highlight of our trip!

The guided tour provided a unique perspective of the winter landscape, and it was thrilling to ride through the snow-laden wilderness.

The exhilaration of zooming through the woods, with the wind rushing past our cheeks, was simply unbeatable. We even got to take a break at several picturesque spots where we marveled at the gorgeous vistas before us.

Conclusion

Our week in Steamboat Springs may not have gone precisely as planned, with Connor’s broken foot altering our skiing itinerary. However, it turned out to be a delightful journey filled with unexpected adventures.

From indulging in delicious cuisine at vibrant local restaurants to soaking in the delightful hot springs and exploring snowy trails on snowmobiles, our experience highlighted the richness of winter adventures beyond just skiing.

Steamboat Springs is truly a treasure for families, offering something for everyone—even when plans change unexpectedly.

As we left the charming town filled with heartfelt memories and laughter, we knew we would return to retake those slopes and create even more unforgettable experiences. So, if you're a family traveler or even a casual adventurer, don’t hesitate to visit this winter paradise, and remember to embrace whatever twists come your way!