Steamboat boasts tradition as one of its greatest assets. Historically, it has been a ski haven as well as a ranching community since the early 1900's. No other town or ski program in North America has produced more winter Olympians than Steamboat. The original ranching community takes credit for Steamboat's historical downtown and Main Street mecca of shopping, restaurants and nightclubs, all atmospherically "old west charm". Main Street is actually extra wide, not for additional lanes for vehicular traffic, but in fact, for the cattle drives to pass through during the old days! The modern ski and snowboard resort at Steamboat stretches across a mountain range including the popular glades of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak. Champagne Powder snow is abundant, with meteorologists actually claiming Steamboat's snow to be lighter than at other Colorado ski resorts. Ski and snowboard along a variety of groomed cruisers, bumps, steeps, open meadows, and between the trees. Other winter recreation that's available when you ski Steamboat includes cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing. Lodging options in Steamboat offer a great variety. Stay at the base of the lifts for most convenience to the slopes, or choose something downtown, 3 miles away, for easy access to the resort's nightlife and shopping. You'll find great value, especially during early and late seasons, when the snow is better at Steamboat than most other Colorado ski resorts. Get around town via Steamboat's free public transportation, which runs regularly between downtown and the ski resort's base village for your convenience. Choose Steamboat as you plan your Colorado Ski Vacations this year, where the old west and the new west make a great winter playground!