After hearing many rumors of its greatness and procrastinating for months, I finally packed my bags and headed up to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat, Colorado. Many friends and co-workers have been telling me that I need to get up there for a while now, and this past weekend turned out to be a great time to make the trip. While the Hot Springs operate year-round and are beautiful every time of year, it is better to go during the off season – May, September, October -  mainly to avoid crowds. But every time of year is guaranteed to be a great experience.

The Hot Springs were acquired by the city of Steamboat in the 1930′s, and were finally sold to a private owner in the 70′s – who developed it into what it has become today. Today it is a small and private hot spring, with multiple pools and a massage center to optimize relaxation. There are 2 large hot pools, a couple of smaller overflow pools, and a cold pool that connects with the river flowing alongside the Hot Springs. The river is all snowmelt, so it can get quite cold.

The Hot Springs are about 7 miles from Steamboat, and require a 4 wheel drive vehicle during November – April, but can be accessed by a 2 wheel drive vehicle during the other months. Guests also have the option of taking a shuttle from Sweet Pea Tours – who will take you “door to door” from Steamboat to the Hot Springs – Prices range from $15 – $40 for the round trip. The drive to the Hot Springs is windy and steep, but only takes about 20 minutes from Steamboat.

• If driving into town, turn right on 3rd Street, take your first right on Fish Creek Falls Road, take your second left on Amethyst Rd., and follow it until you hit a dirt road, which you then take to the end.

The walk from the entrance down to the Hot Springs is only a couple hundred yards, but if you visit in the winter (or any time for that matter) coming fulling dressed is not a bad idea. There are public changing rooms and restrooms above the hot springs, and there is also a warming hut and tepee by the pools so that guests are able to get changed. From here, let the relaxation begin.

After getting your suit on, start down the stairway towards the pools, cross the bridge over the river, and you’re there! There are plenty of chairs and benches on which you can put your things, or you can put them in the tepee or warming hut. The first, and main pool is the hottest. It has a direct feed from the hot spring that makes certain areas of the pool get quite hot.

The next pool downstream is a bit cooler (in the shade in the picture below) and is a nice change of pace if you begin overheating in the hot pool. Continue further downstream and you will go in the cold pool, which is fed by the river – which consists of snow melt. Unless you like ice baths, I strictly advise staying out of the river. It felt like a bunch of needles going in my skin. But if you happen to like the hot/cold mix, the river can be quite refreshing. There are a few other side pools, and exploring the Hot Spring area is an adventure in itself.

There are also plenty of hikes and trails in the nearby area, so remember to bring your hiking boots. The wilderness surrounding Steamboat is beautiful and the landscape is filled with Aspens and Evergreens – so also remember to bring your camera when you go out for a hike.

If you are visiting Steamboat this summer, I would strongly recommend reserving a day just to relax at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Even if you live in Denver, visit Vail or Breckenridge, or even just visit Colorado, Strawberry Park is worth the trip. Here are a few details about the Park:

• Cost: Adults – $10, Teens (13-17) $5, Kids (3-12) $3 [cash only]
• Hours: Sun – Thurs (10am – 10:30 pm), Fri – Sat (10am – 12am)
•  No entry after 10:30pm, Pools cleaned 7am-10am every Thursday
• 18+ after dark
• Open year round
• No glass, alcohol, food, or smoking
• No pets

After a weekend at Strawberry Park, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and was ready to take on the world. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything, and I found Strawberry Park to be the perfect retreat. If you are planning a vacation to Steamboat or any of our destinations, be sure to give a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today and see how we can help you plan your trip! (855)210-2469

I love living in this state, especially when Ski Magazine’s Annual Top 50 Ski Resorts issue comes out.  Colorado is looking good with many of our local resorts in the top thirty of the list.

Starting with the bottom, Crested Butte was ranked #25.  I have never been to Crusted Butte, as it is tucked away behind Aspen and Snowmass near the Gunnison National Forest.  Crested Butte is known for their intense double black diamonds, but also contains nice easy greens and blues on the front side of the mountain–for something for everyone.

Numbers 22, 23, and 24 are also all Colorado resorts; Winter Park, Copper Mountain, and Keystone.  I have enjoyed myself on the slopes of all these resorts, and Copper Mountain is actually my favorite mountain to ski because of their immense backcountry options, beautiful powder packed tree runs, small lift lines (for the most part), and their easy free parking.  Winter Park is located near Berthoud Pass, which is great for some backcountry if you’re up for it.  Mary Jane at Winter Park is one of the top snowboarding mountains in the state with tons of powder, out of control tree runs, very few boundaries, and a great atmosphere.  Keystone is the only ski resort in Colorado that offers night skiing, while all other resorts shut down their lifts around 5 pm.

Breaking the top twenty, Steamboat Springs is ranked #14.  Steamboat reminds me of my childhood and meeting family and friends for weekly outings.  The town of Steamboat is absolutely gorgeous before you even step onto the slopes and offers a great place for family functions.

At #11 sits the magical Telluride.  Find yourself lost in this remote snow filled playground.  There is never a line on the lifts, the snow is always fresh and the town is spectacular.  Telluride is definitely worth the six and a half hour journey from Denver.

Aspen Highlands is ranked #10 on the list mostly because of the Highlands Bowl and their constant epic conditions.  Aspen recently started offering sunset skiing every Friday at one of its four resorts.  Don’t miss the closing day party where things can get a little bit crazy with more than 14,000 beers sold at the base.

Breckenridge, at #8, is a great mountain, but I find crowded at most times.  The town of Breckenridge is very quaint with and great for Après-ski, with Main Street packed full of great bars and shops.  This resort is popular for a reason: lots of terrain to tackle and great terrain parks.  Breckenridge is actually ranked number two for terrain parks.  This mountain has a great family atmosphere and it’s no surprise it’s a top ten ski resort.

Snowmass and Aspen sit at #6 and #7.  Both of these resorts use the same pass, so you can ski two of the top ten resorts in one day, for they are only ten minutes away from each other.  There is a bus service that travels between the four mountains, Snowmass, Aspen, Buttermilk, and Highlands.  There are so many reasons to visit the luxurious Aspen Resorts that one will need to visit to understand how great these resorts are.

At #4 you have Beaver Creek Resort, a great local spot with so much to offer.  Beaver Creek is ten minutes away from #2 Vail.  Being so close together is like a dream, especially with both being a part of Vail Ski Resorts, meaning you can ski both on the same pass!  I have yet to ski either of these mountains, but now that I am surrounded by Vail’s beautiful mountains, I’ll be on the slopes of one of these top ski resorts everyday!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers properties in all these destinations, so come visit some of the top ski resorts in North America.  If you have any questions, feel free to call the Friendly Knowledgeable Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Last week I started sharing some tips about how to enjoy a ski vacation when you can’t ski. I happened to get injured during my ski trip to Steamboat Springs, but injured people aren’t the only ones who may not be skiing on a ski vacation. Perhaps your knees aren’t quite what they used to be, or you just flat out don’t like the snow. If an opportunity should arise for you to go on a ski vacation and skiing or snowboarding isn’t in the cards for you, STILL GO! There are many things to enjoy beyond skiing in a ski town…

Tip #4- Go shopping! Steamboat Springs, like most ski towns, has a great variety of shops. Whether you’re into buying souvenirs, art, gear, clothes or whatever it may be, there is most likely a shop for you somewhere close by.

Tip #5- Visit a natural hot spring! Colorado is filled with relaxing natural hot springs! I went to Strawberry Hot Springs just outside of Steamboat Springs, which just happens to be one of the most spectacular mineral springs in the world. Imagine relaxing in 104 degree mineral water while Steamboat’s famous Champagne Powder gently collects in the surrounding forest. Many of the springs also offer different spa services for even further relaxation!

Tip #6- Make friends! People are generally very friendly in Colorado, whether they are visitors or locals, so go out and make some friends! Whether you are a mom hanging out in the chalet while the family skis, or an injured person like I was, there are most likely some other people in the same boat just waiting to be found!

At Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, our friendly, knowledgeable, locals are waiting by the phones to help you plan your perfect ski (or just vacation) today. Call us at 1-888-866-2305 to plan your trip and learn whatever you may need to know about where to shop, where the closest hot springs is, or anything else you may need to know!

This post was brought to you by the Shantastic Shannon.

With October quickly approaching us, I am getting excited for my first trip to Steamboat Springs to attend the Steamboat Springs First Friday Art Walk.  The first Friday of every month all of Steamboat Springs celebrates local artist galleries spread throughout town.  The mission of the First Friday Art Walk is to show appreciation towards the support and growth of the local art community. The best part is there are over 25 venues to see every month!

Many of the galleries rotate featured artists and art work each month, so there is always something new and amazing to discover.  There are twelve year round art galleries as well as seventeen “alternative art galleries” participating. The alternative galleries are made up of restaurants, shops, and even spas and salons.

The entire tour is self-guided, which is great because you are able to spend time in the venues you choose and move at your own pace through the galleries.  Many of the galleries provide refreshments.   Each gallery has specified artists featured and the art mediums vary from photography to silk paintings.  Check out the official Art Walk website to view a full list of all venues including featured artists and any goodies that will be available to the public.

To schedule lodging in Steamboat for the Steamboat Springs First Friday Art Walk, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

This post was brought to you by Tanya, a member of the Business Development Team, focusing her energy on Graphic Design. She pays close attention to the placement of content throughout the website, like our newsletter lay out and appearance of email blasts. Coming from Longmeadow, MA, Tanya ended up out here from a Google search, and eventually stumbled upon RMVR. Tanya is a true newbie to Colorado, but she did grow up skiing throughout New England, mostly Vermont. Since being here, she has been enjoying the clean and consistently pleasant weather. In her free time, Tanya loves to ski, take pictures, watch movies and has a knack for baking. Tanya would describe herself as “relaxed” in a single word, because it’s wasteful to let the little things get to you. She studied Graphic Design at Roger Williams, and is passionate about making a career for herself.

The year was 2007, the destination: Steamboat Springs. My yearly ski trip with the University of Minnesota’s ski and snowboard trip was something I looked forward to for about 360 days a year (the other five days I was enjoying shredding some sweet, sweet mountains). Our first day out on Steamboat, an unfortunate toe-edge catch at a high speed resulted in a nasty fall about an hour into our day. I wanted to ignore the haunting fear that I had hurt myself, but in the back of my mind, I knew this was bad. My best friend rode down to first-aid with me where we were shuttled to the nearby hospital. The pain I was feeling was nothing compared to the heartbreak I experienced upon learning I had broken my collar bone. Day one of a five day trip and I was out for the count! What was a dream-crushed ski-vacationer to do? Over the next couple weeks, I’ll share some advice for how to enjoy yourself on a ski vacation when you can’t ski.

Tip #1- Accept your problem. This may be the hardest part of your recovery, but it is the most crucial step for enjoying the rest of your vacation. Unless you are really hardcore and want to continue riding (I do not suggest this, but it sure is tempting!) you have to come to terms with the fact that your mountain vacation will no longer include skiing or riding. Whining and feeling sorry for yourself will only kill your spirit more and annoy those around you; so buck up and move on!

Tip #2- Get a refund. The ticket offices at Steamboat Springs were able to refund some of my money for my four day pass. A little bit of paperwork may be required, but upon your refund, you’ll have money for alternative activities!

Tip #3- Go snowshoeing! Snowshoeing is a great way to get on the mountain, explore nature, and enjoy yourself with a very low risk of injury! Many places rent out snowshoes and I’d recommend a guided tour where you will be led around to some great spots while learning interesting facts about the area.

Providing you with all the information you need for any winter activities is just one of the things our friendly, knowledgeable, and local staff at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you with, so call us up at 1-888-866-2305 and start planning a winter getaway today! Hopefully your ski vacation will involve skiing but if not, I’ll be giving more tips next week on how to enjoy your ski vacation without skiing.

This post was brought to you by Shannon, one of the newest members of the Business Development Team, specifically dealing with Graphic Design. She will mostly be working to redesign the website, create microsites for luxury properties, design banner ads, and is currently working on a website for Vail Ski Week 2011. Shannon grew up in Minnesota and joined the Ski and Snowboard Club where she went to college, University of Minnesota. It was then that she “got a taste of the fresh pow” and knew Colorado was the place to be. In her free time, Shannon likes to explore the outdoors, jam out to live music, and she has been playing rugby for the past five years. Since her recent arrival in Colorado, she appreciates that people are friendly, laid back, and can’t wait for the FRESHIES. She is passionate for snowboarding, music, and design, and would describe herself as “Shantastic,” because an actual word just won’t cut it.

One of the best things about living in the Rocky Mountains is also one of the most overlooked. We all know about the majestic snow capped peaks just waiting to be skied and the gorgeous back country scenery perfect for a relaxing hike. Go ahead and take in the crisp mountain air, but don’t let the fall season in Colorado pass you by. The picturesque views and the crunching of dead leaves beneath your feet, not to mention that distinct Autumn smell, bring you a sense of calm and clarity that seems to come only with life above 8,000 feet.

The changing of the leaves is one of the most beautiful sites to see in a land that is known for its unbelievable views. I have been to New England in the fall and the entire feeling is just amazing, but when it’s that time of year in the Rockies, the mountains are on fire, figuratively speaking, of course.

So, grab yourself a mug of hot cocoa or, better yet, apple cider, and breathe in: The smell, the green and golden laden views, the gentle sounds of leaves falling and rustling, the sunny warming days, and the cool nights – it all comes together in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Life was meant to be enjoyed – what better place is there to do just that?

While the changing of the leaves and just the overall feeling of being in the Rockies during this special time of year should be enough to lure you to the mountains for at least a weekend getaway, the pot is sweetened when you take into account the fact that you can view all of this in breathtaking fashion by visiting Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Aspen, and many of the other destinations that Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers. It’s no secret that Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals provides unrivaled service in premier destinations throughout Colorado and the rest of the Rocky Mountains, and the fall is no exception. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to enjoy peacoat weather in the Rockies for affordable off-season rates. Visit Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals or call 1-888-866-2305 now to enjoy the fall foliage.

There are only three days left before Steamboat Springs blasts off with its second annual OktoberWest festival. What is OktoberWest? It is Steamboat’s take on the German Oktoberfest, but instead of importing German beer for tasting, they will be tapping kegs of some of the Rocky Mountains finest microbrews!  Some of the beers on tap include Mahogany Ridge Alpenglow, Breckenridge Agave Wheat, Colorado Native IPA, New Belgium Hoptober, and of course, Steamboat Pale Ale.  There is no doubt it will be a weekend packed with exciting events, great music, fabulous food, and lots of beer.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the Pedaling Posse Cruiser Bike Parade, which leads OktoberWest-goers through historic Steamboat’s downtown to the start of the Suds & Grub event.  Attendees at the Suds & Grub event can purchase  six 5oz. tasting tokens for $5, an early sale $8 Stein, as well as everyone’s favorite local food.

Participating Restaurants include:

• The Boathouse Pub
• Cantina of Steamboat
• Cottonwood Grill
• The Ghost Ranch Saloon
• Harwigs & L’Apogee
• Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill
• Old Town Pub & Restaurant
• Steamboat Smokehouse
• Sweetwater Grill
• The Tap House Sports Grill
• Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Each restaurant will have up to two beers on tap. Tokens will be available at Little Toots Park and 7^th & Lincoln Ave from 5pm-9pm.

The party resumes Saturaday, beginning at 6am with the start of Run Rabbit Run, the 4^th Annual Steamboat 50 Ultra Marathon! For all the not-so-early birds, the Gondola and Coca-Cola Adventure Zone Activities open at 10am, and at 12 o’clock noon the Steamboat OktoberWest opens up in the Gondola Transit Center on Mt. Warner Circle with 16 Beers on Tap! Purchase a Stein for $10, and get one free beer plus $3 refills. The festival starts off with a Keg Tapping Ceremony and a free concert by 3Wire, a local band straight from Steamboat Springs made up of  three men, a banjo, a mandolin, a bass, and two guitars. Two more free concerts follow up 3Wire, including Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, a jam band from St. Louis, Missouri, and Kyle Hollingsworth of the String Cheese Incident, who just put out his second solo album titled “Then There’s Now.”

Aside from these free,  awesome shows, Saturday will also include a Lamb Cook-Off, featuring local chefs and Routt County Lamb, a mechanical Bucking Bull Battle, a pie eating competition, and a cruiser bike competition–so there is plenty of fun to go around! The party continues into Sunday offering the final weekend of the Gondola being open until the ski season begins, the Coca-Cola Adventure Zone Activities, a Bloody Mary Bar starting at 10:45am on the Oasis Sundeck at the top of the gondola, and the OktoberWest Luncheon Buffet running from 11am to 2:30pm at the top of the gondola, only $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12!

Make your last minute reservations in Steamboat Springs by contacting Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.  With so many Oktoberfest activities going on in the Rockies, it’d be a shame to not make it to at least one!