Lead stories
Stories
U.S. Nordic combined trains early
Coach hopes time spent in Steamboat will pay off in December
There might not be lift access, but U.S. Nordic combined coach Chris Gilbertson isn't complaining.
A final showdown
Soroco heads to Rangely, hopes to end season with win
Two football teams without a shot at postseason play will battle for pride tonight when the Soroco Rams head to Rangely for a 7 p.m. game.
'Screamboat' opens tonight
CMC's annual haunted house a Halloween treat
With the lights on and the decorations not quite finished, Monson Hall didn't look so scary Thursday afternoon.
Officers deal with blizzard of accidents
The storm that dumped more than half a foot of snow across Routt County was a contributing factor in dozens of car accidents Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Girl given 911 Hero Award
Lena Barker's quick actions saved older brother's life
Lena Barker, 10, remained calm and remembered what she had been taught - she called 911.
The Record for Oct. 25
2:58 a.m. A disturbance was reported in the 800 block of Weiss Drive.
Check tires for safe driving
Maintaining good contact between your tires and the road is critical for safe driving during inclement weather. Many people know that falling temperatures and wet or snowy weather conditions affect how your vehicle grips the road. Fewer people know that tire pressure and tire tread is critical for safe driving during bad weather.
Hayden voters consider de-Brucing
Hayden Librarian Ana Lash's first run-in with the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, came shortly after moving from Arizona to start her new job in Hayden in 2004.
League title on the line
Sailors, Bears to face off for top spot
With a playoff position already locked up, Steamboat Springs head football coach Aaron Finch said his team would like to check off another one of its goals - winning a league championship.
Board to select new member
The Steamboat Springs School Board is having a special meeting today to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy for its District 5 seat.
Briefs for Oct. 27
Pumpkin Float for children set for Sunday
Commissioner race heats up
Diane Mitsch Bush says there are clear differences between her and fellow Routt County commissioner candidate Paul Strong.
Wintry state of mind
Early snow has residents in search of skis, snow tires
A few lucky ones took advantage of Thursday's mid-winter conditions on Mount Werner. "I've definitely seen tracks on the mountain, seen the bright orange sleds come out and people walking with their skis," said Heidi Thomsen, public relations manager for Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. "When you start seeing people actually carrying their skis, you know what's on their mind."
Plagiarists celebrates an original
Punk rock band plays anniversary show at Rio Grande
Rio Grande Mexican restaurant is home to two things: a three-margarita limit and The Plagiarists.
South Routt: The gateway to the Flat Tops
When Denver resident Tim Bone came to fish at Stagecoach Reservoir this summer, he didn't anticipate catching Colorado's largest pike on record. Bone's prize - a 30-pound, 11-ounce pike - beat the state record by 5 ounces. Stagecoach officials expect plenty of ice fishers to attempt beating Bone's record this winter.
North Routt County: winter paradise
Nine years later, Sandie Greenway still is in awe of the Elk River Valley. "It's really beautiful," Greenway said, describing the scenery of North Routt County. "There's always something that just takes your breath away." Greenway, the property manager of Glen Eden Resort in Clark, moved to the area from Texas nine years ago, and there isn't a day that goes by when she isn't amazed by her surroundings.
Hayden: Small town, big fun
Hayden, a small town 22 miles west of Steamboat Springs, offers plenty of winter fun in a quiet setting.
Now arriving from Atlanta
Steamboat builds air service in Southeast
Yampa Valley Regional Airport is nearing completion of Phase II of an $18 million airport terminal expansion and the Fly Steamboat program is acting on that momentum with 15,000 new ski season seats into the valley.
Kremmling: a winter paradise
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 those who love the outdoors.
Inspiration from Emerald
Poster to help Arts Council celebrate 35th anniversary
One of Steamboat Springs' most prominent landmarks will be the poster child for the Steamboat Springs Arts Council's 35th anniversary.
Like fine elderberry wine
'Arsenic and Old Lace' comes to Steamboat Mountain Theater
Every family has at least one eccentric uncle. But not every eccentric uncle is delusional to the point of believing he's the original Rough Rider - Theodore Roosevelt in the flesh.
A Halloween revival
Equal Opportunity Employment plans costumes for show
Billy Franklin's favorite childhood Halloween costume was his homemade dog suit. But during the past few years, the New Orleans-based singer and guitarist hasn't had much time for costume preparation while touring the nation with his band, Equal Opportunity Employment.
SSWSC continues to thrive
More than 900 youngsters involved in club
It's a rare community in the United States that counts a World Cup ski jumping facility among its city parks. In Steamboat, we have Howelsen Hill. It's the oldest continuously operated ski area in the West, and through the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, it allows more than 900 local youngsters to strive to be the best competitive skiers they can become.
Opening the door to history
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is a cultural amenity that people can enjoy year-round, Executive Director Candice Lombardo said. The main gallery features a History of Skiing exhibit. Visitors can trace ski technology evolution with a timeline of historic skis.
Fit to rip
Simple steps to getting outfitted right
Before you get outside and onto the ski mountain, you need to get inside to get outfitted. Cotton socks, oversized boots and those denim Wranglers just won't cut it. The right gear is essential for an enjoyable day at Steamboat Ski Area.
Mountain of kids' options
Steamboat recognized for children's amenities
There's a reason Steamboat Ski Area recently was ranked the No. 1 Family Resort in the West by SKI Magazine. Jim Schneider, vice president of skier services at Steamboat Ski Area, attributes the success of the ski area's family programs to what he said is an exceptional staff. "We can talk about lifts and terrain all day, but when it comes down to it, the staff is our product," Schneider said. "They're genuine and friendly, trained and excited and committed to the kids - there's some kids that come back year after year asking for the same instructors."
Over the Hill in name only
Group of older skiers hits slopes daily
When Isty Meyers started guiding Alpine ski tours for the Over the Hill Gang in 1982, the groups primarily were made up of locals. Participants still are 50 and older, but most now are visitors looking for a convenient way to explore the slopes while skiing with other skiers of like minds and ages.
Howelsen offers variety of skating programs
Howelsen Ice Arena offers a variety of ice skating programs for locals and tourists. Ice skating is growing in popularity, forcing directors to find ways to meet the demand for ice.
Howelsen Hill features rich history
It's home to a ski area, a hockey arena and the things most residents of Steamboat Springs hold close to their hearts. "It's a community facility," Howelsen Ski Area Manager Jeff Nelson said. "It's not a corporate operation, but it's an extension of the Steamboat community and what's important to the people who live here."
The sounds of music are alive and well in Craig
When the kids are getting restless and need a little fun, bring them to Craig, where the local concert association creates evenings of magic for music lovers young and old.
Winter Carnival a must-see event
In the earliest years of Steamboat's existence, winter could be a harsh time of year. There was no ski area, and the cold and snow that set in at the beginning of February could bring on depression. The annual Winter Carnival began as a way to beat those winter blues by celebrating winter, instead of despising it. Almost a century later, it remains one of the area's best-known traditions. http://www.exploresteamboat.com/news/events/winter_carnival/
Hockey takes center ice at Howelsen Ice Arena
This year, more than 220 children will take part in the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association. Another 200 people are expected to take part in adult leagues hosted by the city, which also runs popular learn to skate, initiation to hockey and mini-mites programs at Howelsen Ice Arena.
Hot Springs a top draw of Steamboat Springs
The Strawberry Park Hot Springs has been a popular attraction for centuries. First visited by Ute Indians, the hot springs has hosted visitors from around the world who come to recuperate after a hard day of skiing or just to relax in the peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
Homes away from home
Northwest Colorado boasts several bed and breakfast options
If it's a home away from home out-of-town visitors seek, then the folks at Taylor Street Bed and Breakfast have just the accommodations to suit their needs.
Swim through winter cold
Although winter may be perceived as a time of inactivity because of ice and cold, swimming in the Yampa Valley is by no means over for the year.
Set 'em up, knock 'em down
You tap your fingers on the desk in your hotel - "What to do, what to do?" When you're not out enjoying the slopes, you can be indoors enjoying the lanes.
Take a spa day
Health and Rec Center offers massage, swimming, water slide
The Old Town Hot Springs at Steamboat Health and Recreation Center offers alternative workouts to skiing and numerous ways to relax.
Ski with an Olympian
There, surrounded by a mixture of adults, teens and children, stands Billy Kidd, one of America's first Olympic medalists in skiing.
Snowmobiling splendor
Northwest Colorado offers some of the best trails in Colorado
Northwest Colorado provides some of the best snowmobiling terrain in Colorado - and that's not exclusive to the Steamboat Springs area.
Snowmobiles are a great way to see the backcountry
Skis come in many forms, but some of the most popular ones in Northwest Colorado come attached to the bottom of a motorized vehicle.
Top of the world
Cedar Mountain offers ideal hiking, bird-watching trail, great views
Cedar Mountain - six miles northwest of Craig - offers outdoor enthusiasts great trails and the chance to see all kinds of wildlife.
A day away
Ice fishing provides relaxing atmosphere
In Colorado, ice fishing gurus find mid-winter solace in the state's abundant streams, rivers and reservoirs full of fish. But don't make the mistake of thinking that ice fishing is synonymous with cold, windy days alone on the water.
Light up the night
When the snow covers the ground in Northwest Colorado, it's the perfect time to grab a cup of hot cocoa and head out to enjoy it. There are few activities better for getting you into a festive winter mood than viewing the many light displays set up by Craig residents.
Snowy shoes to fill
Ski area hopes to repeat blizzard of a season
Locals and visitors have no shortage of adjectives to describe the winter of 2005-06, when 431 inches of snow fell on Steamboat Ski Area. "Epic," "wonderful" and "incredible" are some of the words you hear in conversations across Steamboat, as people reminisce about last winter and count down to this year's opening day, Nov. 22.
Take a tour of historic Moffat County
The Museum of Northwest Colorado is a must-see for visitors to the Yampa Valley. Home to one of the finest cowboy and gunfighter collections in the West, the museum has a one-of-a-kind Winchester and a pistol that survived the Seventh Cavalry's massacre at Little Big Horn. And its collection of saddles, chaps and spurs seems almost modern next to the displays of Indian arrowheads, knives and spears.
Safe and warm in a backcountry hut
A backcountry hut trip has become one of the most sought experiences in the Rocky Mountains for self-reliant outdoors enthusiasts who value solitude and are ready for a mild challenge. But you'll have to be on top of your calendar to book a trip at the hut of your choice.
Oh, what fun it is...
Sleigh rides a popular winter activity
Steamboat Springs prides itself on preserving its rich ranching heritage, and sleigh rides are a big part of that. Sleigh rides used to be as functional as they were enchanting. Horse-driven sleighs were the historical mode of winter travel in the Yampa Valley, allowing ranchers to throw pitchforks of hay to waiting cattle, even in the deepest snow. But times have changed, and some area ranches now look toward tourism to supplement their agricultural endeavors.
Wall addresses traffic citations
Gary Wall pleaded guilty in 2004 to driving with expired license plates and paid a $100 fine for the traffic violation.
Ameen named coach
Girls basketball to inherit seven years of experience
John Ameen is the new head coach of the Steamboat Springs High School girls varsity basketball team, Principal Mike Knezevich said Thursday.
Deb Babcock: Indoor bulbs add a nice flair
Many local garden centers are promoting bulbs to plant for color next spring. As you consider whether to pick up some bulbs for the garden, consider purchasing a handful to bring fragrance and color inside your home during the drab winter.
Middle school will offer breakfast
Steamboat Springs Middle School, in conjunction with the school district's nutritional services department, will offer breakfast to its students beginning Nov. 6.
Everything you need
Shops, restaurants make Craig a hit with shoppers
With about 120 businesses packed into a three- or four-block radius, downtown Craig has a variety of shopping opportunities for local and out-of-town shoppers.
Walden's winter wonderland
There are no traffic lights in the town of Walden, but it is the hub of outdoor activities in a wide-open winter wilderness.
On Scene
I quickly realized that moving to Steamboat during the peak winter season without a snowboard was a mistake.
Allison Plean: Small world, big cats
I played with two 6-week-old lion cubs Monday.
Five touring centers offer varied terrain
Steamboat Springs is being discovered as a destination for cross-country skiing. Visiting Nordic skiers can purchase a single multi-day ticket that allows them to sample four distinctly different groomed trail networks sprinkled around the upper Yampa Valley.
Snowshoes open door to winter's beauty
Pete Kopischke has a saying: "If you can walk, you can snowshoe." And there are few better ways to see the winter beauty of Northwest Colorado than atop a mountain covered in snow.
