Ever been to Aspen? If you have had the pleasure of splurging on this ritzy ski town chances are you may have said it’s a one-time occurrence.
Despite being popular, it’s commonly noted amongst visitors that Aspen is missing a key ingredient for the perfect getaway.
With premium price points, travelers rightfully expect to receive the full package. As nice as Aspen may be, what it’s missing is a sense of authenticity and small town charm.
Not every traveler wants to be force-fed spurious village vibes that can come across not only as cheesy but contrived.
That’s where Colorado’s other delightful mountain towns come into play.
There may be no better option for you this winter than Steamboat Springs, as you’ll feel right at home, whether perusing charming downtown streets or hitting the slopes at one of many upscale resorts.
Plus, getting here couldn’t be easier.
Colorado’s Down-Home Mountain Town
Some places try a little too hard to appeal to tourists, while others present themselves in their birthday suits just as they are.
Steamboat Springs is a natural beauty and doesn’t have to put in any extra effort to lure tourists. Despite not being a household name, this snowy mountain town is actually quite busy, especially in winter, as a top ski destination.
But it’s not just mountainsides blanketed in snow that are the real draw; it’s the welcoming locals and small town charm of rustic lodges, old-timey streets, and cozy cafes and dive bars without the overload of national chain eyesores.
The town center is very walkable, even in wintertime. Take a nice stroll along Main Street for a mix of everything – art galleries, unique shops, cafes, bars, and locals favorite eateries like Ore House at Pine Grove set in a revamped barn.
Steamboat Springs’ Ritzy Resorts And Skiing Hotspots
It’s tough to vacation in places like Aspen without splurging. Truth be told, years ago, I had a trip to Aspen booked but ultimately canceled because the bills were racking up before I even took off.
Steamboat Springs is a nice alternative where you don’t have to overpay for food and accommodations.
While resorts here can still be pricey, depending on when you book, they’re often still half of what Aspen charges for its resorts.
Take the Sheraton Steamboat Resorts Villas, for example. You could make a last-minute booking for just $153, but obviously prices go up during the holidays., so expect the $200’s at least.
If ritzy resorts aren’t your jam you can also opt for historic inns and lodges like the unmissable Rabbit Ears Motel, highly rated Nordic Lodge, or numerous rentals on Airbnb and similar platforms.
A majority of tourists aren’t here to solely enjoy the down-home charm and gorgeous scenery; they’re here to hit the slopes!
Steamboat Springs is very family-friendly, so you’ll commonly see the whole fam out enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
USA Today actually reported Steamboat Springs receives more snow than any ski resort town and has some of the best powder conditions statewide.
You may have noticed to the word “spring” in Steamboat Springs. When it’s time to warm up make sure to check out nearby Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs or more centrally located Old Town Hot Springs.
Ample Nonstop Flights Across The Country
One of the best reasons to fly into Colorado’s mountains for a winter escape is to avoid the hassle of using tire chains and driving at a sloth’s pace through the slick, winding roads.
Steamboat Springs makes it easy. To some this town is a hidden gem, but it’s actually well-equipped with convenient flights across the nation.
Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) is just half an hour from downtown Steamboat and does have Uber too, making getting around even easier.
Albeit it is a small town, it begs the question of how many drivers are available at any given time.
According to the town’s official website, this is the full list of cities with direct flights to Steamboat Springs this winter:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas/Ft.Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DEN)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (IAH)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)
- Nashville (BNA)
- Newark (EWR)
- San Diego (SAN)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
For a full winter flight schedule, click here.
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