Share the article
Have you ever been to Aspen? If you’ve had the pleasure of exploring this chic ski town, chances are you’ve said it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Despite its popularity, it is often noted among visitors that Aspen is missing a key ingredient for the perfect getaway.
With premium pricing, travelers rightly expect to receive the full package. As beautiful as Aspen is, what it lacks is a sense of authenticity and small-town charm.
Not every traveler wants to be foisted on with fake village vibes that can come across as not only cheesy but also contrived.
That’s where Colorado’s other beautiful mountain towns come into play.
There may not be a better option for you this winter than steamboat springs, you’ll feel right at home, whether you’re walking the charming streets of downtown or hitting the slopes at one of the many luxury resorts.
Plus, come here couldn’t be easier.
Colorado’s Down-Home Mountain Town
Some places try a little too hard to attract tourists, while others present themselves as they are in their birthday suits.
Steamboat Springs is a natural beauty and doesn’t need to put in any extra effort to attract tourists. Despite not being a household name, this snowy mountain town is quite busy as a top ski destination, especially in winter.
But it’s not just snow-covered mountain slopes that are the real draw; it’s the welcoming locals and small-town charm, of rustic lodges, old-fashioned streets and cozy cafes and dive bars without the excess of eyesores of the national chain.
The city center is very walkable, even in winter. 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 in Pine Grove located in a renovated barn.
The chic resorts and ski hotspots of Steamboat Springs
It’s hard to vacation in places like Aspen without spending too much money. To be honest, I had booked a trip to Aspen years ago, but ultimately canceled because the bills were mounting before I even left.
Steamboat Springs is a nice alternative where you don’t have to pay too much for food and accommodation.
While resorts here can still be pricey, depending on when you book, they are often still half of what Aspen charges for its resorts.
Take the Sheraton Steamboat Resorts VillasFor example. You could make a last-minute booking for as little as $153, but prices obviously go up during the holidays, so expect to pay at least $200.
If fancy resorts aren’t your thing, you can also opt for historic inns and lodges, like the unmissable ones Rabbit Ears Motelhighly rated Nordic Lodgeor countless rentals on Airbnb and similar platforms.
The majority of tourists are not just here to enjoy the homely charm and beautiful scenery; they’re here to hit the slopes!
Steamboat Springs is very family-friendly, so you’ll often see the whole family enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
In fact, USA Today reported that Steamboat Springs gets more snow than any ski area and has some of the best powder conditions statewide.
You may have noticed the word “spring” in Steamboat Springs. When it’s time to warm up, make sure you check nearby Strawberry park natural hot springs or more centrally located Hot springs in the old town.
Spacious non-stop flights throughout the country
One of the best reasons to fly into the Colorado mountains for a winter vacation is to avoid the hassle of using tire chains and drive at a lazy pace along the slick, winding roads.
Steamboat Springs makes it easy. To some, this city is a hidden gem, but it is actually well equipped with convenient flights across the country.
Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) is just half an hour from downtown Steamboat and also has Uber travel around even easier.
Although it is a small city, it begs the question of how many drivers are available at any given time.
According to the city’s official website, this is the complete 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 complete winter flight schedule, click here.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
