| Ski Town USA is getting rowdy. In Steamboat | | | | thousands of miles of wide-open backcountry. For |
| Springs, Colorado, the approaching ski season is in | | | | most of us, our playtime is limited and we would |
| the air. Just driving down the main drag, you can | | | | rather not spend it en route. From Steamboat, |
| see and feel the difference. Gear swaps and | | | | the Pass and endless snowmobiling is a mere |
| sales, classes at the rec center specifically | | | | twelve miles east. Riding is as simple as parking in |
| designed to get your skiing legs back, and my | | | | one of the several lots lining the highway and |
| personal favorite- the roller-blade inspired | | | | unloading your sled. For destination travelers who |
| "roller-skis" that dedicated souls all over town are | | | | have a healthy budget to spend in satisfying their |
| using to cruise up and down the cement slopes. | | | | snowmobiling appetite, an airport lies thirty |
| There is no denying it- this is a ski town. But | | | | minutes west of town and Steamboat has plenty |
| there's another snow sport that has a strong and | | | | of accommodations to suit any tastes. |
| growing presence in Steamboat. It's one that may | | | | The diversity of the terrain is tremendous. |
| not be noticed as you pass through. In garages all | | | | Beginners have groomed trails. Intermediate riders |
| over town tune-ups and repairs are being | | | | have single track and hills with varying degrees of |
| performed, snowmobiles are being prepped. | | | | steepness. The people out there with a death |
| Snowmobiling has been gaining momentum as one | | | | wish- they have cliffs. And everyone gets to |
| of the area's most popular winter activities. And | | | | enjoy countless open meadows on powder days. |
| slednecks, (defined by the Urban Dictionary as "a | | | | This assortment brings a wide array of |
| person from a mountain state that tears it up on | | | | experience levels to the Pass. It's also a wonderful |
| a snowmobile") are enthusiastic about the promise | | | | fit for commercial tours. Guided tours blend |
| of another epic season here in northwest | | | | excitement and safety. They also help to ensure |
| Colorado. Skiers and snowmobilers alike await the | | | | the proliferation of snowmobiling by introducing |
| snow. | | | | people to the sport. Some of these newcomers |
| A central reason for the prevelance of | | | | will become addicts and, like the rest of us, spend |
| snowmobiling in this area is Rabbit Ears Pass, in | | | | lots of money supporting their habit and the |
| the Routt National Forest. The Pass is the | | | | industry. |
| snowmobile Mecca of Colorado. X-games | | | | Finally, the white fluffy icing on the proverbial |
| competitors frequent the area and the longest | | | | cake. The delectable snow. Aptly icknamed |
| snowmobile jump in history was recorded there. | | | | "champagne powder", the snow that falls on the |
| If you were to sit on the summit and get out | | | | Yampa Valley is renowned for being lighter than |
| your binoculars you would be able to spot | | | | that of other regions in Colorado. Lighter snow |
| numerous enthusiasts enjoying the area. On the | | | | intensifies that floating feeling, the ultimate perk of |
| highway's edge there are trailers of all sizes and | | | | snow sports. Sure, speed has some allure, and |
| shapes. In the distance are guided tours that | | | | leaning into an impeccably carved turn can feel like |
| resemble ants on a march as they zoom up and | | | | cheating the laws of physics, but to float is |
| down the hills. And hopefully, if you know where | | | | undeniably divine. |
| the pros hang out, you'll catch some wild jumps | | | | Next time you and your family pack your |
| and cliff dropping. Rabbit Ears Pass is simply a | | | | sweaters and mittens and head for the |
| phenomenal area to ride. If offers a sublime | | | | mountains, consider Steamboat Springs as a |
| combination of accessabily, diverse terrain and an | | | | destination. The exceptional ski resort draws a |
| abundance of snow. | | | | crowd all on its own, but the availability of many |
| Accessibility is foremost. Poor access makes | | | | other snow sports makes this town unique. Trek |
| great terrain useless. This is why a crowded and | | | | off the beaten path and into the wilderness on a |
| expensive ski resort is more popular than the | | | | snowmobile and return with tales to tell. |