It’s time for Travel Tuesday! This installment is all things Steamboat. While I’ve posted about Steamboat before, I’ve never done so 2020 pandemic style.
We left bright and early the day after Christmas and drove to Charlotte for our flights to Hayden/Steamboat Springs. We typically fly out of Greenville and connect in Atlanta, but Delta discontinued their service to Steamboat (thanks, Rona) so Charlotte was our best bet. We flew Southwest and connected in Denver for our thirty minute flight to Steamboat where we met up with Ben’s family.
The kids woke up bright and early (thanks to two time zone changes) and were ready to go skiing immediately.
We always stay at One Steamboat Place, which is heaven on earth. Due to Covid, we did not have daily housekeeping, which was fine. The usual afternoon apres ski gathering in the lobby was canceled, which we missed dearly. Warming up with a big glass of wine in front of the giant fireplace while snacking on goodies from local restaurants is usually my favorite part of the day. We made do in our condo, but it wasn’t the same.
One thing that was not any different this trip is that Emery, Bodie and their cousins wanted to be on the mountain 24/7. They skied all day. every day, and even went night skiing a few times. A storm rolled through our second day and gifted us with excellent powder conditions for a day. My sister in law was nice enough to ski with me for hours that day (I’m too slow for the rest of the crew) and we had so much fun. Conditions were freezing (notice our hair!), but the snow was too good to quit.
Powder Day
The hot tub was a welcome treat after all of that skiing. Thankfully, we booked the hot tub for the evening of our powder day. Again, due to Covid, the hot tub situation is different. Reservations are required ahead of time and they are tough to get during late afternoons and evenings.
Hot Tub
The next day was a gorgeous bluebird day. I skied for a bit, but the kids, hubby, and his brothers stayed out there all day. Most of the restaurants on the mountain are closed, so lunch looked a little different. The kids ate PB & J sandwiches, socially distant, on runs. Although the adults missed eating lunch in restaurants, the little ones loved that they got to spend more time skiing.
Bluebird Day
We spent the last day of 2020 (PTL) tubing at Saddleback Ranch. I loved this experience and so did the kids. I think we have a new tradition! Saddleback also offers snowmobiling and horseback riding. I have a feeling we’ll add those to our itinerary next year. https://saddlebackranch.net/
Tubing at Saddleback Ranch
Meanwhile….the eldest cousin chose to stay behind and shred with his Uncle Scott.
Like every dinner this trip, NYE was spent in the condo. Restaurants in Steamboat are only filling 25% capacity, so reservations are hard to secure. Again, this bothered the adults, but Emery, Bodie, Austin and Alexa loved staying in. My mother in law made a delicious beef stew. We played cards and watched the ball drop. It was honestly perfect!
NYE
2021 started in the best possible way. We spent our last full day on the slopes, in the sunshine. Although we could have used more snow, the day was splendid. The good skiers in the group (everyone but me, in other words) trekked into the trees to find better conditions. No, thanks.
Air Bodie
Skiing in the trees
All in all, we had a fabulous trip, but can’t wait for things to go back to normal.
*One final thing to note: Steamboat does not sell same day lift tickets this season in an effort to control crowds on the hill. I’m not sure how well this works seeing as how the lift lines were the longest I’ve ever seen, but plan accordingly.*
Happy Tuesday!
