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.

I can hardly wait for the work day to end. Not only is it Friday but this weekend is Sisters in Steamboat weekend, a very special event that brings mom and daughters, sisters and girl friends together for a weekend of laughter, shopping, dancing and relaxing. Mom and I are looking forward to our afternoon at the spa, guided hike, wine tasting and Wild Women of the West Party.

Follow the link to discover all the exciting things we will be doing!

As I continue to explore the town I now call home, it is encouraging to see and hear about all the ski and board shops that have been around for ages. They have prospered in epic winters where the snow gods raged in a non-stop party for months on end and hung on in the seasons where jumping over mud spots and exposed rocks became common practice.

There seems to be a different sort of attitude here in Steamboat Springs when it comes to sharing their winter play land. That attitude is that whether you reach the gondola to take that first run of the season by walking, or busing, driving or flying, hitchhiking or pulling a Billy Kidd, whether you ride one plank or two, a snow bike or sit in a chair, rent or own, are a native or a weekend visitor, the mountain is yours. So own it. 41 days and counting.

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