Anyone who loves to ski will have heard of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. After all, it's known as "Ski Town USA" because so many Olympic athletes have lived and trained in the area.

In fact, the local educational system has evolved to accommodate the demands of the super elite by having coaches identify the truly talented in their midst and get them into a "ski schedule" at a young age. If good enough to qualify for this program, students attend classes only in the mornings as the afternoons are reserved for training on the slopes. Keep in mind this option is only open to the very best athletes in the country. However, with ski school open to kids of ALL abilities as young as three, many Colorado children quite literally can't remember a time when they didn't stand on skis that were pointed down mountains. So all the kids might give you a skills complex.

With that said, the beauty of Steamboat for the REST of us who only get to play in snow for a week or two a year is that the resort is well suited for all abilities and has a good record of consistent snow-fall. In fact, it touts the consistency of its "champagne powder", and I must admit. Skiing here is lovely.

Also smaller than some of the other towns with ski resorts closer to Denver, Steamboat Springs is a quaint place with a Western downtown that seemed more tasteful than touristy to me. (The year-round population is still under 10,000.) I mean, sure you can find shops to buy a "Ski Town USA" baseball cap, but there's nothing gaudy or "clearance priced" about the storefronts... even when there is a sale.

Do you want to take a day off from physical activity? You can rest up by visiting inexpensive, leisurely attractions like the Tread of Pioneers Museum located at 800 Oak Street. It's open all year from 11-5, Tuesday-Saturday. Further details at www.treadofpioneers.org. ${QuickSuggestions} Privately owned vacation homes like Ski View Haus (www.skiviewhaus.com) often offer a private hot tub/sauna and are located close to the ski resort. This is a way to get great luxury accommodation with amazing views at an affordable rate for a fabulous family vacation in both the winter and the summer.

For smaller groups, condos abound as well as regular hotels.

While not exactly an epicenter of nightlife, there's plenty to keep kids busy in the evenings. Dinner sleigh rides, tubing, and hot springs are activities to be enjoyed by all. Or, perhaps, the adults would prefer a morning massage at a local spa while the kids are in ski school?

Speaking of ski school... In my opinion, the trick to enjoying snow sports is simply learning how to be comfortable on the slopes. Steamboat Springs offers an array of excellent classes for little ones through teenagers at what can be an amazing value. Private lessons are also available at all levels, so it doesn't matter if you're just trying to keep your balance or learning how to navigate bumps. The resort has a teacher who can help you.

The gondola that was originally "weight tested" by loading down its cars with beer (!!!) is a fast and pleasant ride to the top of the mountain.

Few lifts take groups to a point without multiple ability runs back down, so the advanced skier can choose a black while his partner goes green with the promise to meet at the same point at bottom.

Did I mention the fabulous snow?

Oh... yeah... On weekdays, Steamboat's rarely crowded.

This is an amazing family resort.
${BestWay} We had a car, which is perfect if you aren't in a "ski-in/ski-out" facility.

While I should say no where is a long way from anything in Steamboat Springs, your own vehicle gives you flexibility when seeking out evening entertainment like tubing at a local ranch or just going to the movies.

However, public transport in Steamboat Springs is FREE. Most hotels/condos also offer bus lifts to the ski resort.

Denver is 180 miles away if that's the airport you have to use, but Hayden with its airport is closer if you want to just get a shuttle into town.
From journal Stellar Steamboat Springs