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Home  >  Blog  >  Mum’s gone to Colorado: There’s more to Steamboat than skiing.

Mum’s gone to Colorado: There’s more to Steamboat than skiing.

Trish Burgess Posted on21/03/201604/05/2016 Colorado, Skiing, Steamboat Springs, United States 11 Comments

Visitors can’t get enough of Steamboat in winter or summer as there is so much to do in the mountains whatever the weather. The town is geared up for tourists with ample accommodation and restaurants so it’s no surprise that it’s a draw for travellers, who revel in its wild west ambience.

One of the highlights of the calendar is the Winter Carnival, an event now in its 101st year and a chance for the town to celebrate its heritage. We were lucky to be in town during the carnival and what struck us was the level of community involvement. What began a century ago as a chance for residents to try and shrug off the hardships of winter, has become a showcase, in particular, for the town’s young athletes.

I don’t think many places in the world shut off their main street, saddle up the horses and tow little children along on skis or have a parade where a band play as they ski down the road. Lincoln Avenue is the location for many of the street events: anyone fancy Nordic Sprint, donkey jump or the adult shovel race? The rest of the fun happens at the Howelsen Hill ski area, with particular focus on the numerous ski jumps.

Night Extravaganza during the Winter Carnival.

Dougie and I caught the hotel shuttle into town to see the Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill. The whole town had gathered at the base of the ski jumps, wrapped up against the freezing temperatures, to support their children, who, in their hundreds, were involved in the nighttime exhibition of their skills. From teeny toddlers upwards, the kids came careering down the mountainside, many of them waving flares, as their families cheered. It was absolutely incredible and certainly put my hesitant green run efforts to shame.

Here’s a very short clip of some of the children on the jumps:

The older children soared through fiery hoops and the famous Lighted Man came hurtling down the slopes, lit with flares and LED lights to encouraging whoops from the crowd. The evening ended with an impressive firework display which crackled across the sky. What a night!

As an antidote to all that excitement, and to soothe our aching limbs after four days of skiing, we took a trip to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a short drive from Steamboat. Its position on the Continental Divide means that this area of the Rockies is bubbling. My experience of hot springs is limited to Iceland and I remember the Blue Lagoon as a fascinating place but in a peculiarly industrialised setting, linked as it is to the geothermal power station next door. Rules were quite strict there: a good scrub in the showers was mandatory before entering the water.

In Strawberry Park, everything is so much more relaxed. Saunter down the path to the pools, change in a tipi if you like or just throw your clothes on a seat before deciding which of the natural pools, of varying temperatures up to 102 degrees F, you would like to wallow in. This place is off-grid, so no hairdryers or socket to charge your phone. Instead, let the hot steamy water work its magic whilst you soak up the utterly beautiful scenery. Once the sun goes down, it’s adults only and swimsuits are optional. Bring a torch if you really want to see what you’re doing….

Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Colorado
Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Other posts about our trip to Colorado:
Flying high to Denver
Learning to ski at Winter Park
Where to eat in Winter Park
Skiing in Steamboat Springs


This trip was organised for us by the resorts of Winter Park and Steamboat Springs. Accommodation, ski rental, lessons and lift passes were complimentary as were my flights and some meals. Dougie paid for his own flights.

Travel Monkey

 

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11 Comments

  1. Nana Go-Go Reply
    22/03/2016 at 7:47 pm

    Love reading about your travels to the places I'll never get to, though I would love to go to Colorado to see my friend PomPom!!Another great post, Trish. x

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      27/03/2016 at 4:46 pm

      Thank you Nana – I am a very lucky lady, so I'm making the most of it while I can. Hope you get to see Pom Pom xx

  2. Sarah Reply
    26/03/2016 at 6:43 am

    Those natural springs look fabulous!! I want to go too!!! 🙂

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      27/03/2016 at 4:49 pm

      Oh Sarah they really were idyllic. Perfect weather and the best way to end the holiday.

  3. Older Single Mum Reply
    28/03/2016 at 9:56 pm

    I've loved these skiing posts and pics – amazing, inspiring and so different from Europe. Stunning 🙂

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      31/03/2016 at 1:59 pm

      I have to pinch myself to know that it really happened. Such a wonderful experience.

  4. Ting Dalton Reply
    05/04/2016 at 3:45 pm

    I love the idea of all the children showcasing the children's talents – the flares just look brilliant. And the hot springs, I love how at night no children are allowed. Did you dare to bare? 🙂 Have really enjoyed your Steamboat posts Trish, it looks such a wonderful trip. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes

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