You cannot get bored playing in the champagne powder of Steamboat Springs, but your legs might appreciate a day off the skis. There are many outdoor adventures to be explored in the Steamboat winter wonderland that are guaranteed to be fun for the entire family. Here are the top 5 suggestions:
Dog sledding
Dog sledding is the best way to blend with nature and experience the beautiful snow covered back country around Steamboat Springs. Leave your skies and boards behind for a day and join the Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works team for a real winter adventure. This local company offers a variety of trips with options for anybody in your family. You choose between driving your own team of Alaskan Huskies or riding as a passenger in a guide driven sled. The Alaskan Huskies are friendly, energetic, properly conditioned and these dogs can run over 150 miles a day across some of the most unforgiving frozen terrain on earth. The terrain by Steamboat Springs is very similar to the world's most famous sledding destinations like Alaska and Yukon Canada with pristine, groomed trails snaking through the heart of mountain ranches, offering amazing scenery along with the occasional elk, coyote or other animal sightings.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is an exciting alternative to skiing and snowboarding and Steambat Springs has some of the best sledding terrain in the country. Tours will take you through the Yampa Valley offering memorable views of the Flat Tops Mountains, the Sleeping Giant, Rabbit Ears Pass, Buffalo Pass, the Upper Elk River Valley and many more. You can choose between private or group tours with a knowledgeable guide or if you feel confident in your snowmobiling skills you can rent a snowmobile for an unguided adventure. Some of the more popular places in town for booking a trip are Rabbit Ears Motorsports LLC, Steamboat Snowmobile and High Mountain Snowmobile Tours.
Snowshoeing
Snow shoeing is a great way to experience the serenity of the snowy mountains. There are numerous outfitters in town that provide guided tours customized for any skill level. The nordic centers at Howelson Hill and Steamboat ski mountain have designated areas with daily groomed trails for snowshoers to enjoy. If you are looking for a true adventure Steamboat Backcountry Adventures offers daily snowshoe tours through the beautiful quiet trails on Rabbit Ears Pass.
Ice climbing for beginners
If skiing the steeps is not adventurous enough for you, try ice climbing. No experience necessary. Rocky Mountain Venturesprovides you with the perfect opportunity to give this exciting sport a try while in town. Fish Creek is a spectacular place to try your skills at ice climbing. Great for beginners or those interested in trying ice climbing, all climbing equipment and instruction is provided by knowledgeable guides. They will give you instruction on ice axe and crampon technique and set-up a climbing top-rope on a pre-set anchor - just like in climbing gyms, only on ice. Climbers can climb as high as they want and be lowered whenever they please. This is sure to be a great learning experience on a 200 foot waterfall in the beautiful Fish Creek canyon. If you're lucky, you might even get to see the water flowing behind the ice.
Horseback riding
You did not experience the true soul of Steamboat Springs if you did not take on a some sort of horse back adventure. Reconnect with your family and your animal-loving side and take a journey through the snow covered Yampa Valley on top of a four-legged friend. There are many world class ranches in the area accustomed to accompanying all riding levels on all types of adventurous trail rides. Some of the popular ranches include Saddleback Ranch, Vista Verde Guest Ranch, and Del's Triangle 3 Ranch.
