Situated at an altitude of 7000 feet in north-central Colorado at a distance of about 160 miles from Denver, Steamboat Springs is a skiing destination that retains all its rural small-town charm unlike the more fashionable skiing resorts. With over 3000 acres of skiing terrain, five peaks and over 65 miles of high-quality trails, this is among the best skiing country in the world. As if this was not enough, you can try your hand at snowboarding on the longest run in the North American continent and the world famous Maverick's Superpipe.

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the term champagne powder? It may sound like a brainwave originating in the marketing department of a ski resort. However, in actual fact, this is what the famous snow of Steamboat Springs is known as throughout the skiing world. This snow is so famous that the term is trademarked by the city ski resort. Champagne powder is often described as very smooth and dry snow that provides an ideal surface for skiing. A rancher in Steamboat Springs first thought it up in the 1950s to describe the unique snow in that area. Conditions for this kind of snow are created by the location of Steamboat Springs in the Park Range which is the first major barrier in Colorado for storms that originate in the Pacific.

Because of the outstanding skiing conditions in Steamboat Springs, it is hosted a number of world-class skiing competitions including the 1989 and 1990 Alpine Skiing World Cup. The city has the distinction of producing the maximum number of athletes participating in the Winter Olympics of any city or town in the world and continues to attract skiing aficionados from all over the globe. By the 1950s, the popularity of skiing in this location led to the development of another world class skiing area south of town and Storm Mountain was inaugurated in 1961. In 1964, it was renamed Mount Werner in honor of the local Olympic athlete Buddy Werner who died in that year.

Despite the commercial pressures, Steamboat Springs has managed to retain its authentic western ambience and skiing aficionados hope that it would continue to preserve its charm. In addition to the outstanding skiing opportunities, the city is also a cultural hub for much of that region of Colorado. The Perry Mansfield Camp in Strawberry Park is now 85 years old and continues to be the oldest performing arts center in the United States., The renowned camp has served as the catalyst for cultural activities and groups such as the Steamboat Springs Arts Council, Community Players and Strings in the Mountains.