Steamboat Local Hugs Extreme World Record at X Games

"Some are comparing the situation to NFL players partaking in the Pro Bowl a week before the Super Bowl. But the Pro Bowl never paved the way for the Super Bowl."

The 14th edition of the Winter X Games kicks off today in Aspen, Colo., through the weekend and will feature every possible U.S. Olympian, those who were named to the halfpipe, snowboard cross and ski cross teams. They are the last major competition before the Vancouver Games.

Three out of every four years, the X Games are THE major competition for these athletes. That's why the planet's best still take part in the X Games in an Olympic year -- and plan on treating the event just as seriously as the Olympics. To wit, Shaun White to the Denver Post: "I can't really half-represent anything."
So you can plan on seeing those new double corks, and the even-newer Double McTwist. Prepare for crashes on the X course to be just as real as the one that threatened U.S. ski cross star Casey Puckett's season, and even more frequent since X Games ski/snowboard cross races feature six riders, as opposed to four in the Olympics.

World Record of  Different Kind at the X Games

Dagny McKinley, a Steamboat Springs resident, is trying to set a Guinness world record for most hugs in a 24-hour time frame. McKinley said she needed to embrace 5,001 people to set the record.

As of 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aspen time, the 36-year-old McKinley had embraced more than 2,400 people. She had until 8:30 a.m. Friday to accomplish the feat.

McKinley set up a booth near the bottom of the stairs leading to the superpipe, embracing any willing spectator. Some shied away, but most were all too willing to give her a hug and sign her sheet to document her feat.

So, why the X Games to fulfill this quota of hugs?
"I think Aspen, all in all, has been really welcoming of it," McKinley said. "I figured this would be an open crowd, kind of a younger crowd, open to hugging. It's been awesome from all ages."

Inn at Aspen in the heart of the action

ResortQuest's very own Inn at Aspen Hotel is in the absolute hub of all the action. The X Games are held at the Buttermilk Ski Area in Aspen and each year, ESPN books out the entire hotel as the staging ground for all the incredible action on the ground, on the web, on TV and across the world! The Inn is the only ski-in/ski-out lodging at Buttermilk Ski Resort.

Live your Olympic - or X Games - Dreams in Steamboat!

ResortQuest Steamboat invites you to stay with us and save 30% off lodging, and to live your Winter Olympic Dreams in our very own Ski Town USA!  This lodging package includes FREE $200 Gift Certificate to use on any of Steamboat's winter activities. Ski, skate, luge, twirl, luge - or tube - just like an Olympian in Steamboat!

Winter Carnival is Back in Steamboat Springs, CO Feb.3-7th

It’s time for the 97^th annual Winter Carnival and there will be no shortage of excitement. Ma, Pa and the Youngin’s, grab your cowboy hats and skiis and get ready for the next five days that are full to the brim with thrills, spills, street events (horses pulling kids on skiis!), racing, ski jumping, snowboard jams, soda pop slaloms, Olympian send off party, tubing party, pancake breakfasts and of course the Night Extravaganza with the Lighted Man.

One of the fabulous things about this carnival is that most events are designed for the spectators to become participators! See bottom of the article.

This is one of the West’s longest running winter carnivals and every year Steamboat makes it bigger and better. The festival began in 1914 as a way for the people to break up the long, cold and sometimes lengthy winters. They said good bye cold and hello fun! And the tradition of the Winter Carnival happening the second week of February every year regardless of the weather is continuing on!

Also remember to buy your $7 Winter Carnival Button that raises money for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. These are the people that support our children in winter sports and who have helped train Steamboat’s Winter Olympians!

Winter Carnival Schedule of events you don’t want to miss!

Wednesday Feb.3^rd: The Opening Ceremonies! Behold the Winter Carnival Queen and her court of attendants of Little Princesses and Grand Marshals. Location: Olympian Hall, 5:30 pm

Thursday, Feb. 4^th: From 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Howelson Hill, see the Dual Slalom Bicycle Race, these guys just can’t stay on their bikes, Ski Jumping from kids 11 and up and the Snowboarding Jam Session. You can try all these events! Sign up the night of! See bottom of article for sign up info!

Friday, Feb. 5^th: Catch the Nordic Jumping Jamboree as these guys fly high of the big ski jumps! 4:00 – 5:30pm at Howelson Hill.

And at 6:30-7:40 pm send our Olympians to Vancouver in style with an incredible Olympic Send-off Party! Watch the lighting of the Steamboat Olympic Torch, firework display and get close to 15 Olympians!!! Location: Courthouse Lawn.

Saturday, Feb. 6^th: 9:00am- Noon, Chaos will be ensuing on Main Street as the Street Events will be underway with the kid’s street slalom ski joring, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for childrenages 6-14, while there are also non-horse events for infants to 14-year-olds. Pre-registration required at the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association 970-879-0880.

6:30pm is the Night Extravaganza! See a brilliant fireworks, torchlight descent and the Lighted Man!

Sunday, Feb.7^th: 9:00am-11am More Street Events will be taking place with wild horses pulling brave skiers, doggies pulling the little ones in sleds and more chaos!

Don’t miss out on this Winter Carnival fun! Come to Steamboat and get great lodging deals from ResortQuest Steamboat.

See the SSWSC for a full schedule of events, and for a full schedule of the Street Events see the Steamboat Chamber.

See a Video of Steamboat’s Winter Carnvial Weekend Highlight from Good Morning America (2009).

What to do in Steamboat, Week of Jan 22-28

Here are our highlights of what's happening in Steamboat Springs in the upcoming week:

FRIDAY

Sounds of Seattle Tour — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m.

Take it back to the grunge age with a tribute act featuring the music of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Listen to songs by the tour’s Pearl Jam tribute band at www.myspace.com/soundsofseattle. FREE. Call 879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

Missed the Boat — Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill, 10 p.m.

Local folk-rock and bluegrass band Missed the Boat pairs original songs with a willingness to rock out on stage. Listen to songs by the group at www.myspace.com/missedtheboatband, and learn more about Missed the Boat at www.exploresteamboat.com/bands/missed-boat. FREE. Call 879-3773. 435 Lincoln Ave.

 

Zeut — The Tugboat Grill & Pub, 10 p.m.

Zeut incorporates world music rhythms, folk instrumentation and acoustic style into its take on pop rock music. Listen to the band at www.myspace.com/zeut. Pay $5 at the door. Call 879-7070. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

The Matt Clark Band — Old Town Pub, 10 p.m.

Matt Clark describes his band as “good, clean world rock.” He joins drummer Sherman Arnold and bassist Berenger Ouedraogo for “an original blend of rock, reggae, funk and blues.” Read more about Clark’s sound on page 16 of Explore Steamboat. Learn more about the group at www.myspace.com/mattclarkband. Cover to be determined. Call 879-2101. 600 Lincoln Ave.

SATURDAY

Yoga Day USA — The Yoga Center of Steamboat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kundalini yoga, Tibetan meditation, Yoga Nidra and breath awareness meditation are among the offerings at The Yoga Center of Steamboat on Yoga Day USA, a national celebration of yoga. Classes are offered for a $5 suggested donation or for $30 for the whole day. All proceeds will go to the Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center. Learn more about the event at http://www.yogacenterofsteamboat.com/ and learn more about Humble Ranch at http://www.humbletherapy.org/. Call 870-1522. 701 Yampa St.

Bluegrass Jam and Silent Auction — Depot Art Center, 6:30 p.m. to midnight

An annual benefit for Can Do Multiple Sclerosis — formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis — this bluegrass jam features local musicians in the bands Cornbread, 3Wire and Quarter Moon. An open jam will be included in the night of dancing and music. Proceeds from the event go toward Can Do, an organization devoted to the management of multiple sclerosis. Jimmie Heuga, who founded the organization, is scheduled to appear at the benefit, along with Olympic skiers Nelson Carmichael and Billy Kidd. Learn more about Can Do at http://www.mscando.org/ Admission is $20 at the door, and includes appetizers and drink tickets. Call 846-2333 for more information. 1001 13th St.

SUNDAY

Live trivia — Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 6:30 p.m.

Test your nonessential knowledge in four rounds of questions, with categories including sports, history, food and music. Call 871-6277. 628 Lincoln Ave.

Generous Sound System — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m

This show is part of Ghost Ranch Saloon’s Secret Stash Sunday series, a collection of occasional hip-hop and reggae shows on Sunday nights. Pay $5 at the door. Call 879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

MONDAY

Del The Funkyhomosapien — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m.

Originally known as Del tha Funkee Homosapien, this hip-hop act takes listeners through some of the smoothest rhymes available. The Oakland, Calif., native puts out constantly flowing lyrics about a variety of subjects in his solo work and has scored notable appearances on other projects, including verses with Gorillaz on the band’s hit, “Clint Eastwood.” Listen at www.myspace.com/delthefunkyhomosapien. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Advance tickets are available at Ghost Ranch Saloon, Pioneer Spirits and All That Jazz. Call 879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

WEDNESDAY

Little Laura & The Nude Blues Band — Depot Art Center, 7:30 p.m.

Local barebones blues group The Nude Blues Band plays stripped-down renditions of their favorite songs. The concert is part of the Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s Singer-Songwriter Series. Admission is $10 at the door; Arts Council members get in for $5. The nonprofit arts group will run a cash bar. Call 879-9008 for more information. 1001 13th St.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival — February 3-7, 2010

Lincoln Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Street Events and is closed to traffic as the City’s Parks and Recreation department hauls in more than 400 tons of snow both Saturday and Sunday mornings to cover the street for the impending fun. Steamboat Springs’ Winter Carnival is the oldest winter celebration in the West.

Traditional Carnival favorites include the snow sculpture contest downtown, ski races at Howelsen Hill, snow tubing and the pancake breakfast. Weekend activities include the Street Events on Lincoln Avenue, the Saturday Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill and the Diamond Hitch Parade on Sunday featuring the Steamboat Springs High School ski band, the world’s only marching band on skis. Local organizations participate and dress to the 2010 parade theme: “Livin’ the Dream.”

Steamboat Winter Olympian Send-Off Celebrations — February 5, 2010

Before Steamboat's top athletes leave on their Winter Olympic Games journey, Steamboat Springs plans to throw them one of the biggest parties our town has ever seen. The event will include Olympic stars, fireworks and a heart-stopping aerials show.

Steamboat has hosted two other Olympic send-offs in recent memory. In 2002, the event drew 5,000 people downtown before the Olympics in Salt Lake City, and in 2006 an estimated 10,000 people showed up at the rodeo grounds for a send-off for the Olympics in Turin, Italy. The event was anchored by a concert by Hootie & the Blowfish.

Live your Winter Olympic Dreams with ResortQuest's Special lodging package...

More Steamboat Winter Events.
 
Guests who check-in to ResortQuest Steamboat each week will be provided with a comprehensive 'Weekly Happenings' newsletter to ensure you don't miss out on any events and activities in Steamboat!

Olympic Games Update: Steamboat Lives Up to Ski Town USA Name

Steamboat Springs earned it's name as Ski Town USA® partly because in the last seven decades, Howelsen Hill and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club produced more Olympians than any other town in the U.S.A. the total climbing now to over fifty, hence the name Ski Town USA®

Today, as we expected, Steamboat locals - Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Billy Demong - will head up the 2010 U.S. Nordic Combined Team headed to the Olympics. The U.S. Ski Team also announced today that Steamboat Springs' own Taylor Fletcher and Park City, Utah, athlete Brett Camerota will round out the team that heads to Vancouver, British Columbia, in February.

Lodwick, who came out of retirement to compete in the 2008-09 season, became only the second American to be named to five Winter Olympic Teams (matching bobsledder Brian Shimer). The 33-year-old was on the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006 teams, along with this year's.

Live Your Olympic Dreams in Steamboat Springs!

ResortQuest Steamboat's team is gearing up to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Steamboat style. We'e offering our guests the chance to live their Olympic Dreams by including a gift certificate of $200 (in addition to 30% off lodging!) to be used at any of Steamboat's activity vendors. Armed with some spending money, our guests can ski, skate, spin, twirl, leap, luge (or tube) and experience the thrill of the winter Olympic sports for themselves. Check-out our Steamboat deals.

The History of "Steamboat Ski Town USA®"

The town’s moniker, Ski Town USA®, is appropriate considering its consistency in fortifying the US Ski Team, but it’s not where the term originally came from. The label was actually initiated by Bob Smith in 1950 to promote Steamboat High School’s marching ski band. In 1957 Universal-International filmed an 18-minute short film titled, "Ski Town USA" and five years later, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club used the title fo r a 29-page monograph. Whether it’s because Steamboat is home to the world’s only marching band on skis, training ground for Olympians, or because today’s locals claim they moved here for the Champagne Powder®, twenty odd years ago, and never left, Steamboat’s skiing tradition is tough to beat.

Yee haw! Steamboat Cowboy Downhill Re-cap

Skis, poles, snow and cowboy hats went flying over the gates on the sides of Stampede run at the Steamboat Ski Resort Tuesday afternoon, as 64 cowboys on skis and snowboards flew, tumbled or ran the final event of the 36th annual Cowboy Downhill.

The highlight of this spectacle is undoubtedly the final stampede, a chaotic mass event, sends every competitor down an obstacle-free hill — aside from the kicker — at the same time. Spectators yee haw and laugh histerically at the mass yard sale of cowboys and their ski equipment.

That’s the kind of carnage spectator Graham Dephoff’s three children said they hoped to see before the race. Finishing up the final weeks of a two-month visit to Steamboat from their home in Sydney, Australia, Dephoff’s 10-year-old daughter, Grace, said she hoped to see the riders “stack,” or crash. Renny, 5, and Rory, 7, hoped for lots of jumps followed by lots of falling. We hope to see you at next year's event!

• See full article in the Steamboay Pilot
• Steamboat Pilot Photo Gallery
• Steamboat Pilot Cowboy Downhill Video

First ResortQuest Treasure Hunt Clue Announced

The ResortQuest Treasure Hunt is underway! The first clue has been announed. Check-out our Treasure Hunt website for a new clue each day this week. If you want to win a 5-night ski vacation from March 3-6, 2010, start hunting!

• http://www.resortquest.com/vacation-treasure-hunt/#clues

Ride 'em Skis, Cowboy! Steamboat Cowboy Downhill Tomorrow

Steamboat Springs western brand is never more evident than at the annual Cowboy Downhill, when Cowboys and cowgirls from across the country make their way to Steamboat Spr­ings to com­pete at the Steamboat Ski Area’s Stampede run. At this event, rodeo champions exchange bucking broncos and bulls for a set of skis or a snowboard.

Experience levels vary - some of these exceptionally skiiled horsemen are strapping on skis for the first time! Get ready for all the thrills and spills, with cowboy hats and chaps going everywhere. There's a lot of hootin' and hollering, and plenty of "Yee Haws." Be prepared to belly laugh! Bring your camera because some of the action happens so fast, your snap shots will later reveal the true hilarity of stampeding cowboys on skis!

The Cowboy Downhill began 36 years ago when Billy Kidd and Larry Mahan, a six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, decided to put a few pro rodeo stars on skis. Hilarity ensued!

This year’s Cowboy Downhill features two events. In the first, participants race through a dual slalom course on skis or a snowboard, hit a jump, lasso a Steamboat Ambassador and saddle a horse before crossing the finish line. The second is an all-out, every-man-for-himself race to the bottom of Stampede.

Steamboat's Cowboy Downhill is scheduled to coincide with the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, which started Jan. 5. Participants must be members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association or a member of the Professional Bull Riders.

Several activities will be available in Gondola Square during the Cowboy Downhill event. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can check out the Community Agriculture Alliance’s informational booth. During that time, a 4-H farm animal petting zoo will be set up that also will include a clinic teaching visitors how to rope.
An awards ceremony will follow the Cowboy Downhill. Afterward, at about 5:30 p.m., a free concert featuring Reckless Kelly will begin in Gondola Square.

What: 36th annual Cowboy Downhill
When: 4 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Stampede run at Steamboat Ski Area
Cost: Free
Travel to Steamboat: Call today to get exceptional rates on two night stays. These deals are not published online - call for details.

Steamboat Weekly Happenings: January 15th – 22nd

Here are some upcoming events in Steamboat that are on the cheap and mostly free! And they are some of the locals favorite picks! Full schedules for each week are available at the Steamboat Pilot and our Steamboat Activities Calendar. If you are staying with ResortQuest make sure you grab the Concierge's activities of the week for the insider scoop on activities and events around Steamboat.

Tonight, Friday, Jan. 15th:

Ski Jam presents Keller Williams: The Steamboat Music Tent: 7 p.m. $15
One-man jam band and former Steamboat Springs resident Keller Williams comes back through town promoting his new album, “ODD,” a mash of acoustic styles, funk rhythms and wry lyrics. The solo show is part of the seventh annual Ski Jam music festival. Listen to Williams at www.myspace.com/kellerwillams. To learn more about Ski Jam, go to www.ski jam.net. Tickets for the show are $15 and are available at Steamboat Ski & Sport, All That Jazz and Christy Sports in Central Park Plaza; or online at http://www.skijam.net/. Call All That Jazz at 879-4422. The Music Tent is in the Knoll Parking Lot at the Steamboat Ski Area.

“Mine” Screening: Depot Art Center: 7 p.m. FREE
“Mine” is set in post-Katrina New Orleans and uses a documentary style to follow people trying to reunite with their pets in a city torn apart by natural disaster. Directed by Geralyn Pezanoski, “Mine” won the audience award for best documentary at the 2009 South by Southwest film festival. The event is part of the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s Third Friday foreign and independent film series. The screening also includes a short film and popcorn; the Arts Council will run a cash bar. Call 879-0240 or 879-9008. 1001 13th St.

Saturday, Jan. 16th:

Ski Jam presents The Molly Ringwalds: The Steamboat Music Tent: 7 p.m. $15
The Molly Ringwalds give an all-out tribute to the 1980s with each show, touching on all the hit songs from an excessively dance-worthy decade. To learn more about the annual festival, go to http://www.skijam.net/. Tickets are available at Steamboat Ski & Sport, All That Jazz and Christy Sports in Central Park Plaza; or online http://www.skijam.net/. Call All That Jazz at 879-4422 for ticket information. The Music Tent is in the Knoll Parking Lot at the Steamboat Ski Area.

DJ Also Starring : The Tap House Sports Bar and Grill: 10 p.m. FREE
Steamboat local DJ Also Starring spins a variety of styles. He also performs every Friday at The Tap House. Call 879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

Sunday, Jan. 17th:

Ski Jam presents Super Diamond: The Steamboat Music Tent: 7 p.m. $15
San Francisco tribute band Super Diamond does everything it can to put out extremely lush versions of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits. Tickets for the show are $15 and are available at Steamboat Ski & Sport, All That Jazz and Christy Sports in Central Park Plaza; or online at www.skijam.net. Call All That Jazz at 879-4422 for ticket information. The Music Tent is in the Knoll Parking Lot at Steamboat Ski Area.

Mama’s Boys Male Revue: Old Town Pub: 8:30 p.m. Cover TBA
The Mama’s Boys Male Revue provides singing and dancing renditions of Michael Jackson’s songs on its “Smooth Criminal Tour.” The all-male dance group, which promises “young good looks and washboard stomachs” on its Web site, is based in Las Vegas. Learn more at http://www.heaterproductions.com/. The show is open to ladies only and will be in a curtained-off dining room; the Old Town Pub bar area will be open to everyone. Call 879-2101 for more information. 600 Lincoln Ave.

Monday, Jan. 18th:

Acoustic Open Mic Night: The Boathouse Pub, 7 p.m. FREE
Local musicians Paul Geppert and Jay Roemer host an open mic night for acoustic music setups. This is a weekly event through the winter. Sign up starts at 7 p.m. Call 879-4797. 609 Yampa St.

Tuesday, Jan. 19th:

Bud Light Cowboy Downhill: Steamboat Ski Resort and Gondola Square:
4 pm: Cowboy Slalom Race: Which cowboy can finish first? Watch as these slick cowboys try to make it down the slope in one piece!
6 pm: Reckless Kelly :Gondola Square FREE Country rock group Reckless Kelly puts a raw edge any style of country music, packing intensity into its live shows. The band plays after the 36th annual Cowboy Downhill at the Steamboat Ski Area. Learn more about the band at www.myspace.com/recklesskelly. Call 879-6111. Gondola Square is at the base of Steamboat Ski Area.

Wednesday, Jan. 20th:

Live Trivia: The Tap House Sports Bar and Grill: 6:30 p.m. FREE
Answer questions on a variety of topics for a chance at Tap House gift cards. Call 879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

Thursday, Jan. 21st:

Rocky Mountain Campfire Show: Masonic Lodge: 7 p.m.
Local musician and storyteller David Moran gives the first of seven weekly campfire music performances at the Masonic Lodge above Wild Horse Gallery off Lincoln Avenue. The performance includes original Western songs, cowboy poetry, jokes and entertainment for all ages. Proceeds benefit the Colorado Grand Lodge’s child identification program; the program is an effort to provide an identification system for children to use if a child is abducted. Go to http://www.coloradofreemasons.org/ to learn more. Tickets to the campfire music performance are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The Masonic Lodge is at Lincoln Avenue and Eighth Street.

Sam Ayer: The Boathouse Pub: 9 p.m. FREE
Local musician Sam Ayer gives a soulful force to his covers of rock, country, R&B and more. Call 879-4797. 609 Yampa St.

Friday, Jan. 22nd:

Missed the Boat: Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill: 10 p.m.
Steamboat’s own, Missed the Boat, has recently recorded their debut album “Rollin”, and they have been stunning listeners at live shows and over the airwaves throughout Colorado with their unique Americana-Rock sound.Call 879-3773. 435 Lincoln Ave.

Steamboat Plans 2010 Olympic Send-Off Party: Send our Athletes to Vancouver in Style

February 5th, bring your party hats and get ready to support our hometown athletes in downtown Steamboat as we send them off to the 2010 Olympics! In less than a month these phenomenal athletes will be representing the U.S. in all realms of winter sports and Steamboat is putting on an Olympic size party!

The event is going to be staged at the Court House Lawn where you can mingle with the Olympic stars, see incredible fireworks display set off from the top of the Courthouse, and a fantastic aerials show. The aerials show is put on by Flying Aces Productions owned by former Steamboat Olympian Kris “Fuzz” Feddersen whose performers include current and former aerials and moguls skiers who will launch themselves in the night sky using trampolines all in the name of entertainment! A 20-foot tall “community cauldron” will be lit that night and will remain burning every evening while the Olympics are being held. The event is expecting 7,500 people and is going to be incorporated with the Winter Carnival (Feb. 3-7th) events. photo from statesman.com showing Jeret "Speedy " Peterson, and Lacy Schnoor after the Olympic Trials in December.

This is a special community celebration that reflects on our incredible American athletes as well as the programs like the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club who have supported these athletes along their sports careers and training.

In the spirit of the Olympics, ResortQuest Steamboat has an incredible Winter Olympic Games lodging package that will get you to Steamboat to celebrate the Olympics with the locals and you'll receive a $200 voucher for you and your guests to participate in any Steamboat Olympics activities! Experience Steamboat the way the Olympic athletes do!

Check out Steamboat's Jeret Pederson win his Olympic team spot.

ResortQuest has a Vacation Treasure Hunt Underway. Win a Ski Vacation for $1 a Day!

 ResortQuest's treasure hunt is for the intrepid value hunters who can successfully navigate the clues to win a chance at a 5+ night vacation for $1 a day at one of ResortQuest’s premier ski destinations: Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, CO, Park City, Utah, or Sun Valley, Idaho.

A treasure map icon will be hidden somewhere on the website of one of Resort Quest’s ski destinations. Each Tuesday, at Noon (CST), we will reveal the first clue for the new week's Vacation Treasure Hunt. As the clock ticks down, we will reveal additional clues to help you find the hidden Treasure Map... until that one lucky Treasure Seeker discovers and claims the prize! When you find the Treasure Map, click on the icon to discover which vacation rental is this week's Vacation Treasure, a special toll-free phone number to call, and the secret code you need to claim the Treasure!

Each and every week throughout the 2010 ski season — from January 19 to March 20 — we will hide a new Vacation Treasure Map for you to find. So, if you didn't win this week, don't despair... Check back next Tuesday for the new week's clue, and set out again on your quest. Next week could be your week to discover ResortQuest's Vacation Treasure!

So, next Tuesday, start your search for the treasure map (pictured).

• Play ResortQuest’s Vacation Treasure Hunt
• Official Contest Rules

It’s Game Night Every Night when you Stay with ResortQuest Steamboat!

Grab the family or your best buddies and challenge them to a Game Night! When you book a stay with ResortQuest Steamboat we will give you everything you need for the perfect Game Night, every night of your vacation! You will get 6 games, $50 dollars in pizza delivery gift certificates, and $25 for movie rentals plus 30% off your 5 + night stay. You’ll be playing unique games like Apples to Apples, Blokus, Blurt!, Telestrations, Things, and the classic UNO!

Vacation is all about having a good time and after a great day on the slopes more fun is to be had back at the condo.

To book your lodging with the Game Night special, call 866-634-9616 and use the Promo code: INTGAM. We want your ski vacation to be the best with ResortQuest vacation specials, luxurious lodging, and full amenities and services.
Check out a video of Blurt!

Steamboat Happenings: Upcoming events for Jan. 9th -15th

Here are some upcoming events in Steamboat that are on the cheap and mostly free! And they are some of the locals favorite picks! Full schedules for each week are available at the Steamboat Pilot and our Steamboat Activities Calendar. If you are staying with ResortQuest make sure you grab the Concierge's activities of the week for the insider scoop on activities and events around Steamboat.

SATURDAY Jan. 9th:

Jesse Christensen: Ghost Ranch Saloon: 5:30 -8 pm: FREE !
Jesse plays good ol’ classic rock with a little twang of country. 56 Seventh St.

Go Cosmic Bowling and rock out with Karaoke at Snow Bowl Bowling : 7 pm : This event has Free Admission! 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza.

Rock Band Night: Tap House Sports Grill: 10pm: FREE!
Play “Rock Band” on the Tap House stage, which will be lit up for this weekly event. 729 Lincoln Ave.

The Bryan Joyce Band: 10 p.m. The Boathouse Pub : Yampah and 6th FREE.
Local musician Bryan Joyce, who plays bass in the folk rock band Missed the Boat, shifts to the guitar for his rock ‘n’ roll band. 609 Yampa St.

SUNDAY Jan. 10th:

Live Music from Paul Geppert: Steaming Bean Café : 9 to 11 a.m.: FREE!
Grab an awesome cup of coffee to sip on while listening to Paul Geppert who is a local folk, bluegrass and acoustic musician who performs regularly with the groups Cornbread and 3Wire.. 635 Lincoln Ave.

Trivia Night: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant: 6:30 p.m. FREE!
Test your random stash of insignificant facts in four rounds of questions, with categories ranging sports, history, food, music and more. 628 Lincoln Ave.

Reverend Horton Heat : Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m. $25/$29
Jim Heath and Reverend Horton Heat approach American music with a touch of insanity, taking a rock ‘n’ roll steamroller to classically messed-up country lyrics. Listen to the band at www.myspace.com/reverendhortonheat. Tickets are $25 in advance and $29 on the day of the show. 56 Seventh St.

MONDAY Jan. 11th:

Acoustic Open Mic Night : The Boathouse Pub: 7 p.m. FREE!
Local musicians Paul Geppert and Jay Roemer host an open mic night for acoustic music setups. This is a weekly event through the winter. Signup starts at 7 p.m. 609 Yampa St.

TUESDAY Jan 12th:

Trevor G. Potter: The Boathouse Pub: 9 p.m. FREE!
Local singer-songwriter Trevor G. Potter plays acoustic Americana music. FREE. 609 Yampa St.

“Zoo Electric Dance Party” : Ghost Ranch Saloon: 9 p.m.
The Ghetdown Network presents a dance party. Visit the Ghetdown online at www.ghetdown.net. Cover charge to be announced. 56 Seventh St.

Hamilton Loomis: The Tugboat Grill and Pub: 10 p.m.
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Hamilton Loomis cut his teeth in the blues business by learning from some of the best, with the legendary Bo Diddley among his mentors. Listen to Loomis at www.myspace.com/hamiltonloomis. Pay $5 at the door. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

WEDNESDAY Jan. 13th:

“The Write Way Into the New Year”: Bud Werner Memorial Library, 12-6pm. FREE!
Life coach and writer Susan de Wardt leads two sessions of a free one-hour workshop covering journal techniques promising to help bring in the New Year with clarity and inspiration! The workshops are in Library Hall. Call 879-0240. 1289 Lincoln Ave.

Live Trivia!: Tap House Sports Grill: 6:30 p.m. FREE!
Test your brain for random facts and for a chance at Tap House gift cards. 729 Lincoln Ave.

Music from Sam Ayer: The Boathouse Pub: 9 p.m. FREE!
Local musician Sam Ayer gives a soulful force to his covers of rock, country, R&B and more.609 Yampa St.

Me & Ed’s Music Machine: The Tugboat Grill and Pub: 10 p.m.
Local musicians play rock ‘n’ roll classics in their own way. Pay $5 at the door. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

THURSDAY Jan 14th:

Steamboat Springs Writer’s Group: Depot Art Center: Noon :FREE!
Local writers gather for weekly readings of their work; visitors are welcome.1001 13th St.

SKI JAM:
T-Bird and the Breaks : Bear River Bar and Grill: 3 to 6 p.m. FREE!
The nine-piece R&B band T-Bird and the Breaks plays a brand of doo-wop soul rock that draws on a steaming horn section, searing vocals and a driving beat that produce a soul sound that’s as authentic as can be. FREE and is guaranteed to anyone with a Ski Jam festival pass. People without a festival pass will be allowed in early, until the venue starts to fill. Bear River Bar & Grill is in Gondola Square at the base of Steamboat Ski Area.

The Wailers, w/ John Tyler and The Northern Lights:The Steamboat Music Tent: 6pm
Returning to Ski Jam after performing hits from the legendary album “Exodus” in 2009, The Wailers offer a traditional reggae vibe with an easy dance vibe. Tickets for the concert are $20, and full festival passes are $59. Tickets are available in advance at Steamboat Ski & Sport, All That Jazz and the Christie Sports in Central Park Plaza; by or online at www.skijam.net.

FRIDAY Jan. 15th:

Steamboat Jazz Quartet: Mambo Italiano: 6 to 9 p.m. Free!
Get a great happy hour and enjoy the beautiful music of the Jazz Quartet! Drink special: 4:30-6:00pm Daily: $.99 Bud, Sierra Nevada, 90 Shilling, Sunshine Wheat, and Fat Tire drafts, $1.99 Guinness drafts, half-price pizzas. **At Bar Only

SKI JAM continues:
Keller Williams: Music Tent : Doors open at 7 p.m.: $15 pre-sale
One-man jam band Keller Williams comes to Steamboat promoting his new album, “ODD,” a mash of acoustic styles, funk rhythms and wry lyrics. Go to skijam.net purchase advance concert tickets or purchase a full festival pass for $49. Passes are $59 after Jan. 6.

“Mine” Screening: Depot Art Center: 7 p.m. Free!
“Mine” is set in post-Katrina New Orleans, and uses a documentary style to follow people trying to reunite with their pets in a city torn apart by natural disaster. Directed by Geralyn Pezanoski, “Mine” won the audience award for best documentary at the 2009 South by Southwest film festival. Admission to the screening is free. The event is part of the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council Third Friday foreign and independent film series. The screening also includes a short film and popcorn; the Arts Council will run a cash bar.

Make sure you are tuned in to the Steamboat Happenings of the week by following this blog! Check out ResortQuest Steamboat for all your vacation planning needs, and the best lodging deals for the best condos in town.

Access Anything: Adaptive Camp Returning for Fifth Year in Steamboat.

Access Anything's co-founder Craig Kennedy has never let his wheelchair hold him back from the wide arrange of sports in the world. That’s why Kennedy started Access Anything, a camp that teaches anyone with physical disabilities how to conquer and think outside the box about playing their favorite sports again.

This year’s fifth annual Steamboat camp, January 11-14th, welcomes adaptive skiers of all levels to hit the slopes and even do some back country skiing with the Steamboat Powder Cats. This year the camp is also calling for any wounded Iraq and Afghanistan vets to join them in the “Boat”. Access Anything has been collecting donations for scholarships to help these Vets be able to attend.

"Most guys in wheelchairs got there through some kind of near-death accident or traumatic event," he said. "That reaffirms the fact that you have got to live your life. You have one life, and you need to get out there and make the most of it.” said Andy Campbell, one of the camps participants who proudly rides with a “Die Living” sticker on the back of his sit-ski.

Craig Kennedy says it is still quite amazing to him the popularity of the camp, however he admits it took a long time to convince his home of Steamboat to accommodate for people with disabilities creating more easy-access lodging, restaurants and public buildings.
“We got a bunch of statistics about travelers with disabilities, and the big stat we share with everyone is that there are 55 million Americans with disabilities, and they spend $13.6 billion dollars on travel,” said Andrea Kennedy, co-founder and wife of Craig Kennedy. Stats like these help pave the way for people with disabilities.

The town of Steamboat and ResortQuest Steamboat proudly welcomes adaptive athletes to our resorts and many of the ResortQuest properties provide handicap friendly lodging, and amenity buildings.
For anymore information on the camp check out Access Anything and call ResortQuest to book a vacation in Steamboat.

*Photos courtesy of Access Anything*

January is all about Music in Steamboat: MusicFest and Ski Jam

Two music festivals are headed to Steamboat Springs this January along with hundreds of fans from across the country and over 50 bands!

MusicFest is first on the calendar with country, alternative country, Americana and rock bands mostly from Austin, Texas. MusicFest starts today, January 4th through the 9th, however don’t expect to see too many shows as this event has been sold out.

However, the MusicFest and Ski Corp. are treating visitors and the rest of us who did not get tickets, to a free show by country musicians Jack Ingram and Doug Moreland at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Gondola Square. These guys know how to rock and it should be an awesome show. The free concert also features a Cajun cookout- yum!



Next up is the 7th annual Ski Jam. Ski Jam will be ushering in the contemporary side of things with music acts like The Wailers, Keller Williams, Super Diamond and The Molly Ringwalds along with a few others. Ski Jam is about getting phenonmenal artists to come and play for the people with an incredible backdrop like Steamboat that only adds and complements to the sound of the artists. So ski by day and rock out by night! Get your tickets asap as they will be going fast!

At The Ski Jam Tent:
Thursday, January 14th: ($20 pre-sale) 6 PM DOORS
The Wailers
Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights
Friday, January 15th: ($15 pre-sale) 7 PM DOORS
Keller Williams
Saturday, January 16th: ($15 pre-sale) 7 PM DOORS
The Molly Ringwalds
Sunday, January 17th: ($15 pre-sale) 7 PM DOORS
Super Diamond

Check out the “After the Hill Chill” music schedule that is part of the full festival pass.

Tickets are available in advance at Steamboat Ski & Sport, All That Jazz and Christy Sports in Central Park Plaza; or buying online at http://www.skijam.net/.

Get your vacation lodging for Ski Jam and save big while getting a ski vacation filled with music and Rocky Mountain Snow!