Last Minute Sale! Save 50% off remaining Steamboat condos 12/12-01/04/09

The Steamboat Ski Resort is open, top-to-bottom; the snowflakes are blanketing Steamboat Springs; and ResortQuest has announced 50% off our remaining Steamboat condos for 3 or more night stays, 12/12-01/04/2009! There has NEVER been a better time to take a ski vacation. It's time to spoil your family with a white Christmas!

Check-out some of ResortQuest's featured vacation rentals that are available over the Christmas/New Year's holiday season: Featured Vacation Rentals...


Don't look past Trappeur's Crossing Resort's BRAND NEW Bear Lodge! These condos have just been completed and are available to vacationers for the first time this December. Some of these condos even feature PRIVATE HOT TUBS!

Bear Lodge condominiums are the ultimate in luxury accommodation. They are decorated in an elegant mountain style with fine furnishings from around the world. The grand living-rooms feature dining tables large enough for the entire family and a beautiful stone fireplace. The kitchens are outfitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and kitchenware to make any gourmet feel at home. Fully integrated sound systems and flat screen TV/DVDs are standard throughout each room. All bathrooms have oiled rubbed-bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors, while the master bathrooms are appointed with double vanities and jetted bathtubs. Several condos additionally offer a spacious private patio with outdoor stone fireplace and your very own hot-tub. When the weather is warm, you can dine outside. Other amenities include complimentary in-room high-speed wireless Internet, jetted tubs baths, an in-room washer and dryer, private ski-lockers, central air conditioning and private heated underground parking.

Can't come this December? Check-out the other ResortQuest Steamboat vacation deals...

Budget Travel Magazine Names ResortQuest.com one of the best travel websites

The November 2008 issue of "Budget Travel Magazine" names http://www.resortquest.com/ a top Web site for Vacation Rentals.

Introduction to best sites article from Budget Travel Magazine:

The Best Sites to Search: Websites often feature owner-posted rentals alongside lodgings listed by management companies, hotels, and B&Bs. The sheer number of properties can be daunting. While the industry has little regulation—and fraud, though extremely rare, can occur—here are six trustworthy sites for listings from serious owners.

...and the reference to http://www.resortquest.com/

ResortQuest.com This is technically an international management company with exclusive access to 20,000 individually owned properties. The majority of listings are in 55 major resort areas in North America, which means the site is heavy on ski and beach vacation spots. For 30,000 more rentals throughout Europe, click over to ResortQuest's partner site interhomeusa.com.

Take ResortQuest Steamboat's 5 Second Website Test!

At ResortQuest Steamboat, we are constantly trying to improve our website. I stumbled across this fun tool tonight that asks people to complete a Five Second Test on our website. Help us out, and take the test - it will literally only take 5 seconds!

• Take the ResortQuest Steamboat 5 Second Test

The five second test is a simple usability test that helps you measure the effectiveness of your user interfaces.

ResortQuest Certified Gold in Steamboat Sustainable Business Program

"ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals Goes For Green & Wins Gold!" Today, ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals was awarded Gold Certification status in the Steamboat Springs Chamber’s Sustainable Business Program.

The Sustainable Business Certification requires that a business demonstrate a reduction in energy usage, a plan to reduce, recycle and reuse as much of their waste stream as is feasible, and to put in place water conservation practices. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of policies, practices and purchasing habits is undertaken so that improvements can be identified.

“Perhaps the most notable achievement in ResortQuest’s sustainable business action plan is the program they have put in place for guests to recycle in the units”, said Lyn Halliday, President of Environmental Solutions Unltd LLC and the consultant on the project. “They have overcome many barriers that a large scale property management company faces when implementing an in-unit recycling initiative.”

This ski season, ResortQuest Steamboat is launching a Green Housekeeping and Recycling Program. Each of ResortQuest’s 300+ vacation rentals will have recycling receptacles which will be collected daily by a special Green Team. Paper, paperboard, plastics 1-7, glass, tin, and aluminum will all be stored and collected separately from non-recyclable trash in containers and recycling centers provided by the company.

• Guest recycling and trash is collected on a daily basis
• Towel and linen re-use program
• Post-departure thermostat temperature control
• Small appliances unplugged when not in use
• Eliminate daily newspaper delivery and transfer to guest request program
• ...more about Green Housekeeping and Recycling Program...

Other recent Green initiatives include:

• ResortQuest is trialling paper Green-Key electronic keys which are made of renewable resources and are recyclable.
• Vacation homes will now be stocked with Thymes Eucalyptus recyclable paper bottles for individual in-room shampoo, conditioner and lotion. They take the place of a multitude of small plastic bottles which generated a great deal of non-recyclable waste.
• ResortQuest is transitioning to Cascades North River recycled tissue paper products and walnut shell kitchen scrubbing sponges.
• Guest information on sustainable practices is included in the check-in packages.
• Guests are welcomed to their vacation home with a delectable gift of chocolate confectionary created by Yepello Chocolates & Confections, hand-made in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

We are especially proud to partner with Yepello Chocolates not only because their products are exquisite, but because they also employ sustainable business practices by using recycled and recyclable packaging, as well as soy-based colorings. Furthermore, Yepello chocolates use locally grown products, such as local lavender for their Lavender Vanilla truffles, and local honey for their Cashew Honey truffles.

Many of the standard sustainability practices such as reducing their carbon footprint by changing light bulbs to more energy efficient types, improving building efficiencies, purchasing green products, are also now in place at over 300 units managed by ResortQuest Steamboat.

"Our eco quest is something that will be ongoing and we hope to be one of the leaders in our industry in this regard”, said Peggy Rogers, the ResortQuest’s Property Manager at Trappeur’s Crossing Resort.

Over 50 businesses in the Yampa Valley have enrolled in the Chamber’s Sustainability Program, launched in 2007. For more information please visit http://www.steamboatchamber.com/

We are proud of our progress. However... We are also the first to admit that we have a long way to go. Green practices are evolving and improving, and we are endeavoring to evolve and improve with them.

$99 Flights to Steamboat Springs!

Delta, Continental and American Air Lines have just announced some unbeatable airfares to Steamboat Springs. Fly to Steamboat for as little as $99!

With the 2008/2009 season just weeks away and temperatures and snow falling; so are winter airfares into Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. ®

Delta Air Lines is featuring a $119* each way, based on roundtrip purchase, from Atlanta and New York’s LaGuardia to the Steamboat Springs Airport - Steamboat/Hayden Airport (HDN). Continental Airlines is offering a $99* each way, based on roundtrip purchase, from Houston to Steamboat Springs. American Airlines announced a Winter Ski Promotion for flights from Chicago to the Steamboat/Hayden Airport, valid for airfares between December 18, 2008 and February 28, 2009. Last ticket date is November 26, 2008. For details, contact ResortQuest Steamboat's Flight Desk at (866) 546-7421.

Valid on the daily nonstop flights from Houston, Continental’s special fares must be booked between November 7th and December 7th; and are valid for travel starting January 7, 2009 through March 30, 2009. Available only on the daily nonstop flights from Atlanta and the Saturday nonstop flight from New York-LaGuardia, Delta’s fares require a 21-day advance purchase and are valid for travel from December 20th to March 28th.

The special fares may be booked either separately or along with all-inclusive lodging packages through ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals and our Flight Desk. Check-out ResortQuest's 3-2-1 Steamboat Lodging Package. Together with these flights, a 2008/2009 Steamboat ski vacation is unbeatable!

The Ski Season is upon us! And so are the vacation deals!!

"When you're having a bad time with the economy, why not come up here and ski?" said Ryan Burke, from Denver as he sipped a beer at the opening of Loveland Ski Resort yesterday.


Loveland and A-Basin are the first ski resorts to open in Colorado and in North America this season. A-Basin opened one lift on an 18-inch base of mostly manmade snow, it said on its website. Loveland also reported one lift open with an 18-inch base.

The Steamboat Ski Resort is just over 5 weeks away from opening. We have already had two snowfalls. Last weekend's dusting of snow is still capping Storm Peak. Winter has taken it's grip on Steamboat Springs!

With all this doom and gloom around, it's great to see people out enjoying my favorite past-time! You too deserve to enjoy a ski vacation. And there has never been a better time to book! The deals are abundant!!!!

At ResortQuest Steamboat, we are offering up to 30% off Steamboat lodging and up to 20% off Steamboat Springs Lift Tickets.

• 20% off 2-nights or 30% off 3-night (or more!) stays between 11/20-12/19/08
• 10% off 5-nights (or more!) for stays between 12/19-01/03/09 or 02/13-02/21/09
• 20% off 4-nights or 25% off 5-nights (or more!) for stays between 01/04-02/12/09 or 02/22-03/12/09
• 20% off 5-nights (or more!) for stays between 03/13-03/28/09
• ResortQuest's vacation specialists will book your discounted lift tickets once your lodging has been confirmed. Save 10-20% off!
• View all ResortQuest Steamboat vacation deals and specials...

ResortQuest Steamboat has dramatically reduced rates for the Holiday Season, 12/19-12/26/2008. Rates have been discounted by as much as 50%. Check-out some of these incredible savings:

Torian Plum Condominiums

• 2 Bedroom condo was $1249, NOW $849 (Save 33%!)
• 3 Bedroom condo was $1749, NOW $1249 (Save 29%!)

Trappeur’s Crossing Resort – Timberline Lodge

• 1 Bedroom condo was $599, NOW $349 (Save 42%!)
• 2 Bedroom was $899, NOW $549 (Save 39%!)
• 4 Bedroom condo was $1299, NOW $799 (Save 39%!)

Meadows at EagleRidge

• 2 Bedroom was $729, NOW $339 (Save 54%!!)
• 3 Bedroom was $929 NOW $449 (Save 52%!!)

Plus! you can save an additional 10-15% off 5-nights (or more!) for stays between 12/19-01/03/09.

If this is not the year for you to travel to Steamboat Springs, be sure to check out all of the other amazing travel deals and discounts at www.ResortQuest.com.

Frontier Airlines Announces Steamboat Springs Flights

Frontier Airlines today announced the newest city in its Rocky Mountain expansion. On Dec. 18, 2008, Frontier will begin daily nonstop service between Denver and Steamboat Springs/Hayden Airport (HDN), CO. Plus! Frontier Airlines is offering double miles for travel between Denver and Steamboat Springs from December 18, 2008 to January 31, 2009. (learn more about Frontier double miles deal)

To book your Steamboat Flights, contact ResortQuest Steamboat's airline experts at our Steamboat Flights Desk: (866) 546 7421. ...More about Frontier Flights to Steamboat Springs.

Frontier will serve Steamboat Springs with its fleet of 10 Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by Lynx Aviation, asubsidiary of Frontier Holdings Inc.

"With Frontier's new service, skiers and snowboarders from across the country have convenient travel options to reach Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A. and its legendary Champagne Powder snow this winter," said Rob Perlman, vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat.

With the addition of Frontier, Steamboat Springs further solidifies its position as being the most conveniently accessed ski resort in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Steamboat offers travelers non-stop jet service from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark/NYC and Salt Lake City on American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United Airlines -- and now Frontier! All service is direct into the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden (HDN), just 22 miles/35kms from the ski area. The Steamboat/Hayden Airport is linked to lodging in Steamboat by two local shuttle companies, Alpine Taxi and Storm Mountain Express.

The presence of Frontier Airlines, a lower-cost airline, may put pricing pressure on other carriers. American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines offer nonstop flights to YVRA during ski season.

To book your Steamboat Flights, contact ResortQuest Steamboat's experts at our Steamboat Flights Desk: (866) 546 7421

Kids fly free to Steamboat! Plus Kids Ski & Rent Free!!

Steamboat Springs has long been renowned as one of the friendliest towns in Colorado - and Kid friendly too! The Kids Fly Free, Kids Ski Free and Kids Rent Free programs have certainly ensured that, year after year, the Steamboat Ski Resort is voted by SKI Magazine Readers: "No. One Family Resort in the West"

When you book your Steamboat ski vacation early -- by November 3, 2008 -- your kids can fly free in the the Steamboat/Hayden Airport on United, American or Northwest Airlines. Each parent who books a minimum two-night lodging package through ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals—including lodging, lift tickets, and roundtrip Steamboat flights—for midweek travel December 2-12 (United only) or January 4-February 13 (dates may vary per airline) can bring one child along on a free air fare basis. MORE: Kids Fly Free terms and conditions. Call ResortQuest Steamboat's Steamboat Flight Desk at (866) 546-7421 today to get a quote on Kids Fly Free tickets to Steamboat Springs!

Kids (under 12) ski free when parents or grandparents purchase a 5-day or more Steamboat lift tickets. Kids also rent free when parents or grandparents purchase the Kids Rent Free ski / snowboard 5-day (or more) rental package through Terry Sports (which can be booked with your ski vacation package at ResortQuest!)

ResortQuest Steamboat is additionally offering an unbeatable EarlyBird lodging deal: Save up to 30% of your Steamboat Ski Vacation. There has never been a better time to spend your family vacation in Steamboat Springs!

Steamboat Springs Featured on CNN.com

Fall is descending on Steamboat. The mornings are crisp and cool; the nights a little cooler; the days are pleasantly hot. Everyone may have returned to school, said good bye to summer and believe that winter is just around the corner. But, Steamboat Springs summer activities are still in full swing. Our breathtaking landscape is beckoning you to come and explore it on foot, by bike, with golf clubs over your shoulder or on horseback.

This past weekend we are lucky enough to have a travel writer really discover the beauty of Steamboat Springs and proclaim it to the world. Last week, Marnie Hunter posted an article to www.cnn.com, "Embracing outdoorsiness in the Colorado Rockies"

Their Steamboat Springs adventure included hiking up to the top of the Steamboat Ski Resort gondola, horseback riding Saddleback Ranch, and soaking in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs:

"Located about seven miles from downtown Steamboat, the facility is made up of a series of handmade masonry pools tucked into the natural landscape. The hot spring water is blended with cool creek water to fill the two large hot pools, the hottest of which is kept at around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Massage treatments are offered in rustic cottages on the property.

"We parked our strained muscles in the hot pools for some intriguing people-watching. A variety of fellow tourists pool-hopped with an occasional dip in the large cold creek water pool. Some of the bathers -- like the man in the string bikini bottoms "reading" and people-watching as the light dwindled -- appeared to be regular spring soakers. After dark, the facility is adults only and clothing is optional, but we didn't hang around to see who opted out."
...Read the complete CNN.com article about Steamboat Springs

If you are looking to escape to Steamboat before Old Man Winter takes hold, check-out ResortQuest's unbelievable last minute travel deals - save up to 30% off.

Here are some of our latest travel news and tips:

• Top 10 Reasons to Fall In Love with Steamboat Springs
• Best of Steamboat's Natural Hot Springs
• Wild West Air Fest Labor Day Celebrations
• Free Tickets to Steamboat Brewer's Festival , September 20, 2008

Steamboat Wine Festival - Lodging includes 2 Free Tickets

The Steamboat Wine Festival is just weeks away. This renowned Steamboat Springs event is perhaps my favorite weekend in the summer (followed a close second by the Balloon Rodeo weekend!).

In addition to the huge line-up of events (Grand tasting, Stroll of Steamboat, Wine Makers Dinners and seminars) the wine festival organizers have just announced that TV Chef Dave Martin will be featured at the 2008 Wine Festival at Steamboat. Among other venues, Chef Dave will be featured at the Friday night BubbleQ (Champagne bubbles + beer bubbles + BBQ = BubbleQ!). If you've seen Dave's work on TV just wait to try it in person! And, the setting on the Yampa River is truly inspiring.

A handful of the Steamboat Wine Festival events are getting close to sold out. And, most 2007 events did sell out. Ensure your spot at the Festival and buy tickets in advance on-line or contact ResortQuest Steamboat's Concierge for assistance. Ordering your tickets before July 18th will give you the insider's tip on the best way to experience the Stroll of Steamboat.

If you haven't booked your Steamboat Springs lodging, you can't afford to miss the following deal:

Save up to 20% off your Steamboat Wine Festival lodging. PLUS! Receive two FREE tickets (valued at $65 each!) to the wine festival’s most popular event, The Grand Tasting, Saturday August 2nd.

• Stay 2 nights and receive two tickets to The Grand Tasting*
• Stay 3 nights and receive 15% off lodging, plus two tickets to The Grand Tasting*
• Stay 4 (or more!) nights and receive 20% off lodging, plus two tickets to The Grand Tasting*

PLUS! Torian Plum and Trappeur’s Crossing Resort guests are invited to an intimate, private wine tasting featuring artisan cheeses provided by Steamboat’s renowned Vino/Vidalia Market – Thursday July 31, 4-6pm.

To book the Steamoat Wine Festival Package, call ResortQuest at 800-795-8606 and mention “DBMSWF.” Full details can be found at: http://www.resortqueststeamboat.com/steamboat-wine-festival/

Yee haw! Steamboat Springs Rodeo kicks off the summer!

This morning, I was driving around Steamboat Springs, running errands and flicking radio stations. I landed, and stayed tuned to the local country music station. I recognized the song enough to be able to sing the chorus...

Windows down, the smell of the rodeo grounds (horses!) drifted across to me, and I thought "How perfect! A song about the rodeo, just as I take my first whiff of that unique smell of Steamboat in the summertime!"

Yee haw! Rodeo fever is taking over our town. Just today, The Steamboat Pilot published an article about the rodeo: "Crowds flocked to the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena at Howelsen Hill early and often, swarming the rodeo grounds before the Friday and Saturday shows last week, packing the main grandstands both nights."

"The stock was lively, the action was fast, the jokes were family friendly and from top to bottom it made for a great opening weekend — almost too great, announcer John Shipley said."

"The rodeo rode into town last week and kicked off at 6 p.m. with live entertainment and a barbecue, just as it will do today and Saturday. The real show got under way at 7:30, again is it will this weekend. Shipley and the rodeo organizers and support crew didn’t file out with the crowd about 10 p.m., however. Instead, the whole team stayed on until 12:45 a.m., making sure every last competitor who signed up got a chance in the ring."

If this doesn't coax you into your cowboy boots, chaps and hats, perhaps the entry fees will!
$8 for children; $15 for adults. For more information, visit http://www.steamboatprorodeo.com/

What better way to spend ResortQuest Steamboat Springs "Choose Your Own Steamboat Adventure" $100 gift certificate! You'd cover the whole family and still have money left over for BBQ, burgers, brats, ribs, and so much more!!!

Affordable Summer Travel in Steamboat Springs

I just received a google alert about an article posted in www.cnn.com, headlined "Affordable summer travel for families." Steamboat Springs got a mention!

Interestingly, ResortQuest Steamboat's lodging properties are in fact more affordable than many of the Steamboat hotels mentioned, yet more luxurious and with many more amenities!

With ResortQuest's Choose Your Own Steamboat Adventure lodging package, you save up to 20% off lodging, plus you will receive a Steamboat Springs chamber gift certificate at check-in that you can use, just like cash, at just about every business in Steamboat -- spas, bars, shops, restaurants, and any activity!

For example:

1) For Family of 4:
Trappeur's Crossing Resort, Trappeur's Lodge: 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo:
(Remember that Trappeur's Crossing Resort was just voted as one of the World's Best Hotels by Expedia's Insider's Select )

• Best deal: Stay 5 nights, arriving on Sunday this summer and pay only:
  $186.50/night* + receive $100 "I love Steamboat" gift certificate
• Most you will pay: Stay 5 nights during 4th of July week:
  $199/night* + receive $100 "I love Steamboat" gift certificate

2) For two families traveling together:

Trappeur's Crossing Resort, Emerald Lodge: 4 Bedroom, 4Bathroom Condo (sleeps 9):
(Emerald Lodge is a PLATINUM rated complex -- the ultimate in Steamboat luxury lodging! Brand new for the 2007/2008 winter, with central air conditioning).

• Best deal: Stay 5 nights, arriving on Sunday this summer and pay only:
  Best deal: $322.50/night* + receive $100 "I love Steamboat" gift certificate
  thats $161.20/night per family!!!
• Most you will pay: Stay 5 nights during 4th of July week:
  $335/night* + receive $100 "I love Steamboat" gift certificate
  thats $167.50/night per family!!!

Check out ResortQuest Steamboat's website where you can view rates, photos, maps and detailed descriptions of every single one of our Steamboat Springs condos.

* Nightly rates based on average of 5-night stay, with 20% off lodging. Weekend and weekday rates will be quoted at time of booking. Steamboat gift certificate delivered at check-in. Restrictions apply. Prices do not include taxes and fees.

Steamboat Springs Best Place To Live The Western Dream

At a recent Steamboat Springs Chamber Meeting I learned that American Cowboy Magzine, America's most widely read Western lifestyle magazine, officially recognized Steamboat Springs as one of the top 20 places to live the Western Dream. What I didn't know, was that, in fact, Steamboat ranked number 4!

American Cowboy rightly points out that it is hard to truly define the West -- and there are mixed meanings: " Opinions will vary, but whether you aim to wet a line in a wild river, enjoy a unique annual event, or explore living history in a place where it’s never been forgotten, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices," states Tom Wilmes, author of 20 Best Places To Live In The West in American Cowboy. "But a few remaining outposts of true Western spirit still thrive. Communities that celebrate their Western roots just in the way they go about their everyday affairs."

Here. Here. Steamboat local's will agree that what separates our town is the genuine hospitality and welcome feeling that every visitor to this town receives; the fact that, as you walk down Lincoln Avenue, everyone will nod, smile or perhaps even tip their hat to you (even better if they are wearing a cowboy hat!).

American Cowboy believes Steamboat Springs is one of the best places to live in the West because: Its reputation as Ski Town USA is certainly a draw, but few know that Steamboat Spring’s ranching roots run deeper than any amount of champagne powder. Cradled by a fertile valley of the Yampa River, the area was once the largest exporter of cattle in the West. Today you’ll find that history alive and well at events such as Cowboys’ Round Up Days, and the annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, both in July.

"The places we chose embody the magic and spirit that is the great American West, and we're thrilled to recognize each town for its commitment to honoring, celebrating, and preserving their Western history and heritage," said Bill Garrels, publisher of American Cowboy. "Whether you're looking for a new place to settle or the perfect place to vacation, these communities deliver top value in the form of adventure, culture, charm, natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness, and frontier history and tradition. This year's selections really offer something for everyone."

In celebration of Steamboat's praise, ResortQuest would like to recommend:

The TOP 10 ways to Live The Western Dream in Steamboat:

1. Horseback riding tour with local rancher and ski legend, Ray Heid
2. Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a day at Saddleback Ranch
3. Discover the Mt Zirkel Wilderness on horseback, followed by dinner at the Saloon
4. Raft & Ride at Elk River Ranch
5. Wagon Ride and Western Dinner on a Real Working Ranch
6. Do you have the pioneering spirit? Take a scenic road trip along the Flat Tops Trail
7. Shop for genuine cowboy hats and boots at F.M. Light & Sons
8. Yee Haw! Go to the Steamboat Summer Pro Rodeo
9. Visit the Tread of Pioneers History Museum
10. Wade through Steamboat's picturesque landscape and take a fly fishing trip
    ...Read entire article about Top 10 Ways to Lead the Western Dream
    ...and check-out the Best Western and Agricultural events in Steamboat Springs

The 24-Hours of Steamboat Re-named as The Rio Stampede

ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals is proud to sponsor the new '24 Hours of Stemboat' mountain bike race, which has now been re-named: The Steamboat Springs Rio Stampede. This weekend, The Steamboat Pilot & Today also announced that the endurance mountain biking race also is being moved to August 9 2008 to ensure the trails are dry after a record-breaking winter.

After four years of running as a 12- and 24-hour event, race directors decided to move the event to six- and 12-hour rides.

This Steamboat event has been a favorite not only among the greater mountain biking community, but also in the ResortQuest mountain biking community! ResortQuest has proudly sponsored the Ride For Deso mountain biking team since the inception of the 24 Hours of Steamboat. Many of our own staff have been members of the teams participating in the Corporate division, and have won this event year after year!

The team at ResortQuest, especially our mountain bikers, are excited about the new format and the new date. Many of our riders have commented on how hard it was to prepare for the event at a time of year when they were only able to actually scrape in a few rides on single-track. Being so close to the end of the ski season, there was little terrain open due to snowmelt.

Co-race director Katie Lind­quist reported to the Steamboat Pilot last week, “We really were putting a 24-hour race on for a handful of people. We want to grow the race and keep it hopping. This opened it up to a lot more people.”
Lindquist said she hopes the new changes to the endurance race will help the event draw between 300 and 400 racers.

Under the new format, competitors will be able to compete solo or on two- and three-person teams in the 12-hour race. Corporate teams of four or more riders also will be able to compete. There will be solo and two-person teams in the six-hour race.

“This has been a real good solution,” said Brad Cusenbary, a co-director for the race. “We made the decision not only for our trails but also for the racers. The great thing is this is such a hard race that racers will have a longer time to get their legs under them.”

For more information about the Steamboat Rio Stampede:

• ResortQuest Steamboat Rio Steampede Homepage
• Rio Stampede Homepage
• Steamboat Pilot & Today Article

Trappeur's Crossing Resort ranked as one of the WORLD'S BEST HOTELS!

Trappeur’s Crossing Resort Ranked as One of World’s Best Hotels on Expedia® Insiders’ Select™ List

Expedia® travelers have ranked ResortQuest Steamboat’s Trappeur’s Crossing Resort among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value. The full list represents about one percent of the nearly 80,000 hotel properties offered on Expedia.

“Delivering our guests superior service is a top priority at Trappeur’s Crossing Resort” said Peggy Rogers, Trappeur’s Crossing Resort Property Manager “We are pleased that our efforts have been acknowledged by Expedia travelers and look forward to extending our high level of service to even more guests. We are especially thrilled to be recognized as one of only three Expedia Insiders’ Select™ hotels in Colorado.”

Expedia has collected the insights of more travelers than any other online travel agency in the world. Drawing on Expedia’s hundreds of thousands of Traveler Opinions hotel reviews, combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of more than 400 Expedia employees in local markets worldwide, Expedia Insiders’ Select™ is an easy-to-browse list that provides travelers with a powerful way to find the perfect hotel using the trusted insight of other travelers like them. The list showcases the diverse selection of travel destinations and hotel properties.

For more informatio:

• Trappeur's Crossing Resort Lodging Information
• Trappeur's Crossing Resort Interactive Map & Virtual Tour
• www.expedia.com/insidersselect

Kayakers eagerly anticipate wild year on water

While many Steamboat Springs residents are ready to hit the hiking trails and break out the cargo shorts, kayakers are gearing up for a stupendous season on the river as their skiing brethren enjoyed on the mountain this winter.

“I’ve never seen the snow stick around so long,” Barry Smith said, owner of Mountain Sports Kayak School. “It’s like money in the bank, having all the snow up there [on the Steamboat Ski Resort]."

Kayaking nirvana isn’t solely the product of a tremendous amount of snow, though by nearly every measure, the new season is looking to be a monster. Helping guarantee that is late snow coupled with the slow onset of spring. Although snow is almost completely melted at lower elevations, the high country has a long way to go.

By last year’s standards, 2008 is unique for several reasons. Not only was 2007 a very low and slow year, the flow also came and went earlier than average. By any standards, though, this season should be unique. Boaters have been able to get on the water, though many popular creeks and runs aren’t yet accessible.

• Read complete Steamboat Today Article
• Check-out these Steamboat kayaking photos...

Need an excuse to come to Steamboat Springs to Kayak other than unbelievable kayaking? Check out ResortQuest Steamboat's summer lodging deals.

ResortQuest Steamboat Launches Virtual Lodging Tour!

ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals is proud to announce the launch of our Steamboat Springs lodging super tours. ResortQuest guests can now take a virtual walking tour of our lodging properties. Experience the pools, hot tubs, and meeting facilities. See for yourself just how close each resort is to the Steamboat Ski Area.

The launch of the Supertours ties into ResortQuest's commitment to their "At Your ReQuest" guest service program. ResortQuest's mission to be "At Your ReQuest" starts when you start planning your Steamboat Springs vacation.Our new website, www.resortqueststeamboat.com represents every single one of our vacation rentals. That's right! We feature photographs of every ResortQuest Steamboat condo and townhome. We present detailed bedding and amenity information; and we show their exact location using Google Maps.

Guests can now request their ideal lodging and take the guessing game out of vacation planning!

Spring Mountain Biking in Steamboat

Steamboat Springs locals have been under the impression that the only Steamboat biking that can be done at the moment is road biking. Being "mud season" the Steamboat Ski Area and Howelsen Hill trails are not yet clear of snow.

However, The Little Snake Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Craig (45 mins from Steamboat) confirms that there are dozens of miles of dry roads and single track waiting for riders west of Maybell.

For sections of genuine single track, Cedar Mountain offers a 3.5-mile route that climbs from 6,950 feet to 7,924 feet in elevation.

The Vermillion Bluffs/Sevenmile Ridge Trail measures 67 miles one-way and offers intermediate to advanced riding on a dirt road.

Riders might do well to break the 100-mile Yampa Valley Trail into pieces. If they want, Robison said, they could ride it all the way to the summit of Duffy Mountain.

For detailed mountain biking trail information, visit the Bureau of Land Management at:
http://www.blogger.com/www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/lsfo/programs/recreation/mtn_biking.html

Moose sightings in Steamboat

View the Steamboat Pilot Moose Signting Video

When Spring comes to Steamboat Springs, so do the animals. Just 3 blocks from ResortQuest's Trappeur's Crossing Resort, and two blocks from the Cascades Townhomes and Meadow's Condos, Steamboat locals were treated to the company of 3 moose, or more precisely, a moose, a calf and a yearling. The family of moose spent Tuesday grazing alongside Walton Creek, at the trailhead for the Yampa River Bike Trail.

Steamboat Restaurant Deals for Spring 2008

Steamboat Spring restaurants come in almost every flavor and price range, from gourmet Mexican, to chic sushi bars, to casual burger joints. With over 100 restaurants and bars to choose from, even the pickiest eaters will find plenty of delicious grub to fill up on. Best of all, in the Spring months, Steamboat Springs restaurants pay tribute to the hard working locals with unbeatable dining deals. No one’s stopping you from sampling these local favorite restaurants!

ResortQuest's BestOf Spring Dining Deals:

• Old Town Pub: The Old Town Pub is located in one of Steamboat's most historic buildings on Lincoln Ave, and has been one of the liveliest late night venues in Steamboat for over 100 years. Before you get your groove on, sample The Pub’s Prime Rib Night which includes 8oz cuts, vegetable and garlic mashed potatoes for $12.95 (Tuesdays). Or, stop by for Steamboat’s favorite Burger Night on Thursdays. All burgers are half-price from 5 to 10 p.m. Served at one temperature, with fries. Table fill quickly so come early!
  
• Mambo Italiano: Mambo Italiano is a family style Italian restaurant serving New York style pizza and authentic immigrant recipe pastas, plus Mambo’s Mojito’s and Martinis are legendary! This spring, enjoy two-for-one dinners Wednesdays at Mambo Italiano. Dinner starts at 5 p.m., dine-in only.
  
• Café Diva: During the Spring months, Steamboat Springs favorite fine dining restaurant, Café Diva, offers Date Night on Sundays.This special kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with appetizer, dinner and dessert for a flat fee of $27.95 per person. Located the Torian Plum, Cafe Diva combines an intimate, formal atmosphere with eclectic dining to provide Steamboat's premier dining experience. Their display wine cellar features over 300 wines to compliment the supreme meals. Chef Kate Van Rensselaer prepares a new menu each season focusing on the freshest market ingredients.

If these deals aren’t enough to satiate your appetite, check out Steamboat Springs’s Happy Hour Deals...

Or, take a look at the Steamboat Pilot local ads:

• Nightlife & Entertainment
• Steamboat Dining
• Steamboat Happy Hours

Steamboat Summer Video

Steamboat Springs: Even Better Without Snow!

The Steamboat Ski Resort has closed for the winter of 2008/2009. This was one for the record books; a season that will no doubt live on in our memories through stories told year after year. It’s the story of the ultimate four-wire winter where over 500 inches of snow fell at the summit and over 40 feet cascaded down at mid-mountain.

Thank you to everyone who visited Springs this season. We hope you enjoyed every flake of snow as much as we did. We hope to see you in 2008/2009!

I am the author of http://www.steamboatskibums.blogspot.com/. Now that the ski season has ended, I turn my blogging to Steamboat in the summertime. If you did ski Steamboat this winter, please feel free to return to the Steamboat Ski Bums blog and post your comments and experiences!

Summer in Steamboat Springs: Now it's time to come and see what Steamboat’s 500+ inches of powder snow turns into when it melts: a whitewater rafting, tubing, fly-fishing and wine-tasting paradise! Tee off on one of Steamboat's championship golf courses, take in a wild Western evening at the ProRodeo Series or discover our cultural side at the internationally acclaimed Strings in the Mountains Music Series, the Steamboat Wine Festival or at any one of the renowned summer festivals.

To celebrate the onset of summer in Steamboat, ResortQuest Steamboat Vacation Rentals has announced the following package:

Choose Your Own Steamboat Adventure!

When you book your Steamboat summer vacation with ResortQuest, not only can you pick your perfect vacation rental, but you can choose your own Steamboat Springs adventure.

Simply book one of the following packages and you will you will receive a $100 "I Love Steamboat" gift certificate to use towards shopping, dining, spas, bars or just about any of Steamboat's activities – it’s your choice!

And, the longer you stay, the more you save!

• Stay 2 nights and get a $50 “I Love Steamboat” Gift Certificate
• Stay 3 nights and get a $100 “I Love Steamboat” Gift Certificate
• Stay 4 nights and get 10% off plus a $100 “I Love Steamboat” Gift Certificate
• Stay 5 nights (or more!) and get 20% off plus a $100 “I Love Steamboat” Gift Certificate

To learn more, and to pick your perfect lodging, visit our website at ResortQuestSteamboat.com/adventure

Looking for some ideas about the perfect Steamboat Springs adventure?

Try this one: Romantic Adventure For Two!

Steamboat’s “Mud Season” (mid-April to mid-May) is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and take advantage of all of the “Local’s Appreciation Discounts” throughout Steamboat Springs.

Start your adventure riding from the Steamboat Ski Resort to downtown, along the picturesque Yampa River Core Trail. Take a leisurely ride around the back streets of Steamboat’s historic downtown, and wind your way up Steamboat Boulevard, past the magnificent homes that line the Rolling Stone Ranch Golf Club. Spend a lazy afternoon reading, napping and soaking in ResortQuest’s hot tubs.

Now’s the time to enjoy your “I love Steamboat” gift certificate! Before your 8:00 dinner reservations, spend Happy Hour (5-6:30pm) at Bistro C.V. where you can enjoy the superb wines and delectable small plates half price. Wander around the eclectic downtown Steamboat Springs Shops before you head back to the mountain for Date Night at Café Diva, undoubtedly one of Steamboat’s finest restaurants. Approximately $25 per person affords you an appetizer and entrée, and, if you have room, a desert to share with your date!

Looking for more adventures? Check-out ResortQuest's recommended adventures... (plus more coming soon!)
OR: Better yet! Post your own! Simply reply to this post and tell us your favorite Steamboat Springs Adventure!