We’ve been there before, yet this was our first family-friendly trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We’ve been planning this trip with our friends The Martins for well over a year and we were thrilled that it actually happened… we made it! I always love sharing our travels with you on the blog… such a fun way to recap + revisit some of our most treasureed memories and adventures and a reminder to us all to TAKE THE TRIP. Life is short so get out there and explore!
Travel
If you’re a Southwest lover like us [I’ve shared how to get a free companion pass here], you’re in luck as they fly directly into Hayden, Colorado, a mere 30-minute drive right next to the Steamboat Springs town and adjacent resort. Before, we had to use another airline to get that close OR fly into Denver and then make the 3 hour drive into the mountains = so save yourself some time + effort and fly into HDN = happy wife, happy life and much less whiney children [and husbands for that matter].
We used a local Steamboat Springs Central Transportation shuttle service you can book online to secure our to-and-from the airport transportation. Convenient, constabtly running and they’ll pick you up and drop you off = cannot recommend them enough.
Accommodations
This trip, Jeff did most of the major detail planning [yes he is good like that because of his attention to detail][ and found this convenient townhome in the Ironwood Complex. In terms of proximity to the village, rentals, ski lifts, restaurants, etc, it was PERFECT. Sure, the decor/furniture/fixtures could stand an update, but it made for an easy escape and one that we could truly ski in and out of each day = FANTASTIC for our big group of 9.
Activities + Ski School
Since this was the first time any of our kids were going to ski/snowboard, we went the professional route and scheduled full-day private instruction. Yes, it’s pricey, BUT worth it’s weight in gold in that we dropped them off at 9AM and by the time we met up for lunch at 1PM, my girls were already heading down the bunny slopes with their instructor Mr. Kurt. He was INCREDIBLE with them… giving them all the tools on ski lifts, putting on/taking off their skis, teaching them how to be on the lookout for others on the mountain and definitely help calem their fears. Our main goal for this first trip was to get them enjoying skiing and it went so well.
That afternoon, Jeff and I skiied with them and their instructor at the Steamboat Springs all new ski school facility and it was absolutely remarkable. Lots of opportunities for them to work on their skills, take the mini bunny lifts, perfecting new skills [oh yes the famous pizza move] and it made for a fun day together.
The next day we were all able to ski together as a family = a true dream come true for Jeff and I and I know we cannot wait to take them back for another ski adventure soon. I think they’ve caught the bug!
Restaurants
Primrose | A new find for this trip was Primrose and hands down it was my favorite place we ate in Steamboat. The atmosphere, ambiance, food and drinks were exceptional… lively for large crowds and plenty of good stuff for the kids to enjoy as well. Highlights from what we ordered include the oysters, seafood bisque, the chilean sea bass and the local lamb bucatini [seen below].
Aurum | Another highly recommended winner for dinner was this eclectic, very cool and trendy place in the heart of the Steamboat city village. There is a yurt and firepit outside to enjoy the atmosphere and we loved the intimate dining room upstairs [perfect for loud parties like us-HAHA]. The parker house rolls, duck wings, crispy brussel sprouts, and elk loin were all favorites we tasted.
The Truffle Pig | This has become a trusted treasure when in Steamboat… it’s right off the lower mountain ski lift and it’s really, really good. Not only is it convenient, but you’ll walk out full from amazing food, but feeling good after a few afternoon cocktails, too. Their aperol spritz are the best and trust me when I tell you to order the truffle fries, BBQ sandwich and the bacon wrapped dates.
Brooklynn’s Pizzeria | Let’s be honest… some nights your best-laid plans take a dramatic turn when everyone is wiped out from the slopes. That happened to us the 2nd night we were in town and pizza delivery came through for the rescue. They have a ton of specialty pizzas, sandwiches, wings, grinders and more… easy and a crowd favorite from our crew!
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