5.30.2008

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

5.26.2008

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:

5.13.2008

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:

5.12.2008

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.

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




5.08.2008

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!