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It's unlikely that Rudolph Kremmling foresaw the tourism potential of the area when he opened a trading post on the north side of Muddy Creek in 1884.

But more than 100 years later, the town named after its first settler is a winter paradise for many outdoor recreationalists.

Kremmling, located about 50 miles east of Steamboat Springs at the juncture of U.S. Highway 40 and Colorado Highway 9, is situated in an ideal location for snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy winter activities.

Popular snowmobile areas such as Rabbit Ears Pass, Gore Pass, Spring Creek, Winter Park and Grand Lake are all a short drive away, and Kremmling's affordable lodgings can make a dream vacation possible for those with tight budgets.

A variety of motels and bed-and-breakfasts include Bob's Western Motel, Hotel Eastin and Tree House Bed and Breakfast. A number of guest ranches and resorts are in the area surrounding Kremmling.

Grand Adventures offers visitors snowmobile rentals and guided tours, and Kremmling's Alpine Motor Sports is a full-service snowmobile shop.

Snowmobiling is far from the only winter opportunity for Kremmling visitors. A wealth of area trails offers seemingly unlimited snowshoe and cross-country skiing terrain. Eight major ski resorts also surround Kremmling, including Steamboat, Brecken-ridge, Keystone, Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin.

Those with a desire to experience something new are encouraged to check out the dogsledding races that come to Kremmling each winter.

The eighth annual Colorado Blue Ididarace takes place Feb. 4--6. The International Sled Dog Racing Association-sanctioned event was voted the top event of 2004 by participating sled drivers in the four-dog class.

Kremmling Chamber of Commerce director Katrina Wright said the dogsled race is popular with spectators, many of whom are provided the opportunity to interact with the dog teams and even help the contestants.

Kremmling also hosts two ice-fishing contests each winter. The first, which takes place Jan. 15, is held at Green Mountain Reservoir. The second contest takes place Feb. 19 at Wolford Mountain Reservoir. "They're really popular," Wright said of the contests, which are a big attraction for families. "They're two of our biggest events."

Both contests have cash purses for winners and offer goodie bags to participating kids. n