You’re here for the music—and it will be amazing—but part of what makes The MusicFest at Steamboat more than your average music festival are those last two words: at Steamboat. The MusicFest experience is one that can’t be beat because it combines amazing performances from Texas Country and Red Dirt’s best with the opportunity to embrace adventure, sport and plain ol’ fun. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Steamboat Springs.
Play in the Snow
Whether you’re a regular on the Champagne Powder–covered slopes or you’ve never ever skied, there’s fun to be had with the fluffy white stuff. The peaks have more than 100 runs, with a variety of choices for every level of adventurer (check out the trail maps here). If you’re not bringing your own gear, click here for options to rent skis, snowboards, boots, and more at a discounted rate specially for MusicFest attendees. Don’t forget that your MusicFest credentials include not only four days of ski lift passes, but also one night. Skiing the lit-up trails under the night sky is an experience you won’t soon forget.
If you’re a novice but interested in learning, sign up for a lesson. There’s even a new section of the mountain called Greenhorn Ranch reserved just for beginners.
Off the slopes, there’s even more snowy activities to enjoy. Go tubing, snowmobiling, or horseback riding with Saddleback Ranch, or try your hand at dog sledding with Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works.
Ice Skate
New to Steamboat Square in the mountain base area, Skeeter’s Ice Skating Rink offers a fun new way to enjoy winter sports. Hockey and figure skates will be available to rent.
Take in the View
Be sure to soak in your surroundings as you take a scenic gondola ride up the mountain—perhaps on your way to a Stoker Sunset or Thunderhead Stargazer series show. Want a truly spectacular view of the Yampa Valley? Take a hot air balloon ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures.
Indulge in Relaxation
Soak in the hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs or farther afield at Strawberry Park Hot Springs (reservations required). Or schedule in a quick getaway to one of the area’s many spas for a massage, facial or pedicure.
Discover Downtown Steamboat Springs
The charming downtown, not far from the Steamboat Resort, is well worth the visit. Browse at art galleries and shops, refuel at one of many restaurants, and pick up new gear or souvenirs to take home, all along Lincoln Avenue (Hwy. 40 W.)
Enjoy Great Food and Drinks
Time on the slopes works up an appetite. Aprés ski with the best of ’em at Steamboat’s many on-mountain and base-area restaurants and bars—some of which double as official MusicFest venues.
Thunderhead Lodge’s Thunderhead Food Court and Red’s Bar
Thunderhead Lodge’s Stoker Bar & Restaurant
Thunderhead Lodge’s Western BBQ
The Steamboat Grand’s The Cabin
Rendezvous Lodge’s Rendezvous Saddle, Rendezvous Umbrella Bar and Outpost Saloon
Four Points Lodge’s Four Points Food Court
Timber & Torch and the T&T Grill in Steamboat Square
Gnarly Charly’s Pizza in Steamboat Square
Gondola Joe’s mobile coffee trailer in Steamboat Square
Taco Beast’s roaming on-mountain snowcat
Routtie’s Barbecue in Torian Plum Plaza
Slopeside Grill and Slopeside Ice bar at the Mt. Warner base
Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner, leaving from the Haymaker clubhouse
For more dining recommendations around the Yampa Valley, take a look at the new Steamboat Springs Visitors Guide.