It is the dog days of summer in Steamboat Springs. Hot sunny days, bluebird sky, daylight until 9 p.m. Even with the crisp, cool evenings, the best thing to do on a hot day is take a splash.
My favorite spot (mostly for the kids), but the big kids will appreciate this spot too, is the ‘beach’ at the ski area. Snowmelt from the mountain runs into Burgess Creek, which is the main creek at the base of the mountain where all of the liveliness, activities, bars, restaurants and gondola unfold. The brilliance of opening up the creek, with beautiful rock structures making it into a low wading swimming pool for kids was the saving grace to the best splashing area around. Tons of sand was brought in, literally making it a ‘beach’ on the ski area.
This is definitely my ‘go to’ activity to bring my kids on a hot day. It’s also my ‘go to’ activity to bring my visiting adult friends to sip on adult beverages on a hot day. Kids or no kids, everyone loves it. Parents can relax and kick back on the adirondak chairs that line the creek and beach area while kids play in the water. The water is only about ankle/mid thigh deep, so it’s the perfect depth to let your kids splash and play freely. My kids and I bring sand buckets, shovels and all the beach toys to keep us busy for a few hours. I’m not kidding you, it’s like a day on the beach for the kids except we trade the salt water for fresh snow melt, waves for mountain views, towels for adirondak chairs. Similarity is the sand beneath your toes and Jimmy Buffet cover songs by the local band playing in the background.
Bring a picnic or order out from the base area restaurants. Pack a cooler of cold refreshments and call it a day cooling off at the Steamboat ‘beach.’
Parents, you will thank me later for this fun filled, laid back, easy kid activity. Everyone’s relaxed.
*Side note, bring lots of water and sunscreen as there is not much shade.
