Steamboat Getaways

Few resorts can boast of the name recognition that Steamboat enjoys. The town of Steamboat Springs has produced a record 69 Olympians as of 2006, with more sure to follow. The town itself, although it has now grown to some 10,000 souls, is still a real ranching town, despite a number of upscale additions over the years. While not all of the cowboys in town are real, there are real cowboys.

Take care of your appetite at several places around the mountain. Thunderhead at the top of the Gondola serves breakfast and lunch, lunch is available at Rendezvous Saddle, and Four Points Hut on Storm Peak is perfect for a quick bite or hot soup. There are several choices at the Gondola Base. In the evening, sit down to a family-style Western barbecue at the top of the Gondola. Or enjoy an elegant and romantic evening at Hazie's or Ragnar's, both with gourmet food and prix fixe menus.

In addition to mountainside dining you'll find plenty of choices down in town, ranging from the traditional burgers and beer to great steaks and fine wines. There are an abundance of retail shops, boutiques, and galleries to browse. Soak in a hot spring, or do some fly fishing. Horseback riding is just as much fun in the winter as the summer. Look down on it all from a hot air balloon or a helicopter. In short, there's no end of things to do once you click out of your bindings.