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