Après Rad: Steamboat Resort
Northern Colorado is best known for expanses of open range and a funky character. It should then come as no surprise that the area's biggest ski resort - Steamboat - describes itself as a ranching town with a ski problem. With some of the deepest snow totals in the state, and brilliantly light champagne powder, the skiing is bound to be good, but the nightlife and après scene are defined by never-ending celebrations of winter and American cowboy culture.
Steamboat's Winter Carnival has been around for 106 years and was started by the Winter Sports Club as a way to get the town out of the winter blues. It involves fireworks, neon-lit ski jumping at night, and shovel races and is the definition of a cowboy ski party.
Steamboat is a ranching town with a skiing problem.
When the Carnival isn't running, there are plenty of other haunts around to frequent. Here are some of our favorites.
Lighting up the night, one ski jump at a time. Walter Wood Photo.
Strawberry Hot Springs: After drowning in champagne powder there is nothing better than to rejuvenate those muscles with a warm bath or a hot-tub. Jumping into a natural hot spring is mind blowing, so take advantage of this fountain of youth before heading into town to check out the local watering holes.
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Schmiggity's: When it comes to live music, Schmiggitys is the place to be. This locals bar essentially turns into a cowboy disco once the sun goes down, with plenty of local and traveling acts gracing the stage here. Daily happy hour is 7-9, which lines up nicely with a soak at the Hot Springs.
Los Locos Mtn Tacos: If you're looking to add a south-of-the-border twist to your apres session, Los Locos has you covered. With the best margaritas and nachos in town, this tiny taco joint will fill you up after a bottomless pow day.
Just a typical weekday in downtown Steamboat. Walter Wood Photo.
Back Door Grill: What's a ski town without a classic burger joint? Enter the Back Door Grill, Steamboat's solution to the burger problem. Located out of the back door of a local business, with just a tiny to-go window, their hand-cut fries and creatively classic burgers will leave you wanting nothing more.
Slopeside Bar & Grill: Nestled just above the ski area base, Slopeside Bar & Grill is the laid-back, easy, and family-friendly place to grab some beers or classic pub fare after a memorable day on the mountain. Check in for live music Thursday and Friday afternoons.
