Steamboat Springs is one of Southwest Airlines’ new seasonal destinations. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs has 169 trails for skiing, 2,965 skiable acres, 18 lifts, and its 10-year average snow is 319”. Here you can ski, snowboard, or take snowmobile tours.
But there is so much more. You’ll find hot springs and geysers, hot air balloon rides, and horseback riding at Saddleback Range. You can go hiking or biking along the Yampa River Core Trail, or go kayaking and canoeing. Or how about fly fishing for rainbows?
If you like to live on the wild side, you’ll love the Outlaw Mountain Coaster – the longest coaster in North America at more than 6,280 linear feet. The track near Christie Peak Express descends more than 400 vertical feet, rises up to 40 feet above the ground, and features dips, waves, and 360-degree turns. I feel nauseous.
Steamboat and the Yampa Valley stay true to their Western roots even today. You’re just as likely to have breakfast next to a cowboy as you are a tourist. Main Street is extra wide to accommodate cattle drives. Working ranches surround the town. Stay at a local guest ranch to experience the Yampa Valley. Ride horseback and drive cattle for a day, and enjoy a genuine, home-cooked meal. At night, far from the city lights, the stars shine bright.
The Southwest flight to Steamboat Springs (Hayden) can be reached from Wichita with one easy connection in Denver. The service begins December 19 and will operate through April 5, 2021. And on Southwest, your skis travel free.
For year-round service, fly United through Denver or American through Dallas.
Use these helpful sites to start planning your trip:
Photos courtesy of Trip Advisor
