I just finished reading Outside Magazine’s feature on a few of Steamboat’s finest men about town. The spread shows stylish shots of our very own Todd Lodwick, Adam Spector, Jerad Iacovetto, and Luke Brosterhous. The Olympian, The Energizer, The Rancher and The Golfer, respectively, spent some time with Outside Magazine reflecting on why, despite their multi-faceted life experiences and careers, they choose to call Steamboat Springs home.

Lodwick is just one of the many Olympic athletes that owe much of their career success to the support of the town and the excellent training environment that continues to exist here year after year. His goal at this year’s winter Olympics is to medal in nordic combined (cross-country skiing and ski jumping), something no American has ever done.

After a sprinkling of interesting jobs, including a fish farmer and cafe owner, Steamboat Springs allows Spector to maintain a happy balance between work and play as both the national sales manager of the energy food manufacturer, Honey Stinger, and avid outdoor enthusiast.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Saddleback Ranch where Iacovetto lives and works. I am still in awe of 8,000 acre spread and seeing the infamous long horns that are the stars in our yearly Fourth of July cattle drive up close. Their horns are enormous. You really begin to understand Steamboat’s western heritage once you step foot onto one of these beautiful ranches.

I think, however, it is Brosterhous, director of Authentic Golf, a golf-instruction-and-travel company, who sums up why so many of us choose to call Steamboat home the best when he says, “We’ll gladly suffer high mortgages so we can ski 100 days per year.”

I’ll second that.

 Click here to check out the entire feature.

Today I was able to attend our local Steamboat Springs Rotary Meeting as a guest of a fellow staff member who is an active Rotarian. Having just led a team of four other Rotarians to Chile, on a five week leadership exchange, she was sharing about her trip with the rest of the club. It was really neat to see how many rotary clubs exist in the country of Chile alone. It was also rewarding to hear about the impact rotary clubs across the globe has had on supporting the eradication of polio worldwide.

Rotary International is an excellent way for people of all ages to take on a unique role in their own communities and make an impact on communities world wide. In addition to Rotary Club International, they all have two addition sister programs, Rotoract and Interact. Rotoract is for adults 18-30 and Interact is for youth ages 15-18.  Rotary Club International is just one of the many ways to get involved her in Steamboat Springs.

In my mind there is nothing more brilliant than waking up to a peaceful world of fluffy snow. The winter storm that has been hovering over the Front Range the past few days has finally made it to Steamboat. Watching as perfect flakes swirl outside my office window it’s almost as if the storm is celebrating its homecoming, taking pleasure in greeting the familiar trees and ground and tumbling down the slopes of the mountain painting the brown ground with a refreshing coat of  white. Despite having speny many winters whizzing down groomed slopes and powder packed trees alike, I have never lived full time during winter in a mountain town. I am so excited to be here in Steamboat for my first experience.

There is something magical about sitting in my hot tub at night looking out on the town below and dreaming about all the fun filled days of snowshoeing, snow ball fights, and exhilarating days on the slopes that lie ahead, then remembering it’s all within five minutes of my home. Here in Colorado, it can be easy to take this for granted. Moving here has given me a revived sense of appreciation for all that winter has to offer. I invite you to come and play.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

On this chilly, blustery Wednesday I sure was glad that I brought my winter coat out of the closet. Not only was it extremely cold outside, but the wind gusts topped almost 100 mph at the Steamboat Ski Area. Yikes! Despite the chill in the air, I was able to tag-a-long with the Steamboat Chamber Ambassadors as they did their monthly “Meet & Greets” with local businesses. It was a great way to spend the afternoon; thanking businesses for their support, giving hand outs of yummy chocolate, a Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association “Buy Local” water bottle and a personalized card from the Chamber Ambassadors.

We stopped at 16 businesses to say thank you and tell them they are not only appreciated, they are truly valued members of the Chamber family.

The six of us who took part in the “Meet & Greet” joked that the experience was like “reverse” trick-or-treating or caroling a few months early. None the less it was a wonderful afternoon. Thank you Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association members!

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

It’s snow, snow, snow here in Steamboat today! It makes me realize I better start my pre-season exercise regime I keep putting off. Too much tasty food, live music and good wine seem to keep getting in my way. There are some great places around town that offer some pre-designed training programs, such as the Crossfit classes at FusionFit in town.

I prefer a do-it yourself approach whenever possible, especially when I am trying to save up for a new snowboard and my own ski boots. Here are some unique exercise tips from world-class skier Bode Miller, who we all know never really does anything any other way than his own. Looks like I’m going to have to invest in a wheelbarrow. Happy training!

 Bode Miller’s Training Tips http://tinyurl.com/sq3fg

The weather forecast for the weekend might have you feeling a bit glum if you were planning an outdoor hike or bike ride. Take the opportunity to change things up a bit and dive into Steamboat’s abundant live music scene.  There are so many options to choose from.

Unwind after work this evening to some jazz with The Steamboat Jazz Trio at Mambo Italiano’s or join Jon Gibbs and Randy Kelley for a drink at Ghost Ranch Saloon. Later on tonight, dance your heart out with Juno What at The Ghost Ranch or jam with James and the Devil at The Tugboat Grill & Pub. Liquid Samurai will be at The Boathouse and put on your dancing shoes for WhiteWater Ramble at Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill.

The fun continues tomorrow night with Iowa-based band The Nadas, back for their second appearance at The Ghost Ranch. Sing along to well-known favorites with Sam Ayer at The Boathouse Pub or catch the bluegrass-influenced sound of the Mayhem String Band at Mahogany Ridge. The Bailouts, a band out of Winter Park will be playing at Old Town Pub.

Click here for a full list of all this weekend’s not-to-be-missed live music.

 I’ll see you on the dance floor!

The fun never seems to stop here in Steamboat! Rain or shine there is always something to do in the evenings. A town favorite is the once monthly after hours business mixer put on by the Steamboat Chamber. Business and townspeople alike gather together at a local restaurant to enjoy complimentary beverages, food and good conversations.

It’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy work day but also have the opportunity to make a new business connection or a new friend! Steamboat’s small town feel really lends itself to starting and maintaining genuine relationships which contributes to its friendly western feel over all. By simply smiling and introducing yourself, you’ll know more than a few people to tip your hat to in just a few short days.

One of my favorite things about Steamboat Springs is the active lifestyle. People in this town know no limits when it comes to trying new sports, activities or recreational events.

In an effort to live this active lifestyle, the past two summers a group of friends and I have participated in the City of Steamboat Springs’ sand court volleyball league through the Parks and Recreation department. With the gorgeous summers here in Steamboat Springs playing outdoor volleyball was loads of fun.

Our team, who is more in to the league for the fun and camaraderie than intense spiking, took on a new challenge this fall by enrolling in the indoor volleyball league also organized by the city’s Parks and Recreation department. Monday night’s are our game nights and I am VERY proud to report that our team, the “Killerz” won our first game! We’ve even got bumps and bruises to prove it was a great game. Here is hoping for a fun season!

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

Over the weekend I took advantage of the sunny weather to take a hike with one of my roommates. Both new to town, we thought it would be fun to hike up historic Howelsen Hill. It was a short but enjoyable hike to the top and the view of the town and the valley beyond was unbelievable. It was so cool to sit on the stagnant chair lift and feel the breeze ruffle our hair. We had fun picking out various locations in town below and watching the setting sun greet all the colors of fall that are still splashed across the hills and trees.

We caught the Olympic spirit (and our breath) as we climbed the stairs to the take off pad for the Nordic ski jumps. As we smiled into the camera, we did our best to imitate the flying poses of the daring athletes that launch off these seemingly endless ramps into the sky. It’s hard to believe that one town could produce so many winter Olympians. 69 and counting. Hooray for Ski Town, U.S.A.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

I recently have had the incredible good fortune of being able to travel aboard. After spending eight magical days touring London and Paris, visiting museums, meeting new friends and learning more about the world, it is safe to stay that even among big world-class cities; Steamboat Springs sure can hold its own. While England and France hold extremely high marks in my book, the wide open spaces of the Yampa Valley were sure welcoming when I came home on Sunday night. The lightly snow dusted peak of the Steamboat Ski Area reminded me that ski season is just around the corner and the friendly faces at the post office today reminded me of what genuine people live here.

London, Paris and Steamboat Springs; all work-class destinations in my book.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.