Guest Blogger, Ryan Marsden: Resident, Architect and YPN Member

Holiday Sweaters and vests…check.

Plaid Pants w/ stirrups…check

Circa 1978 Ski Hat w/ snow flakes…check

Velcro securely fastened on bowling shoes …check

Dressed to the nines, YPN members hit the lanes at Snow Bowl for a night of strikes, spares, splits and yes, a few gutter balls.  The Fresh Air Committee (dedicated to organizing monthly recreational, arts, and cultural activities) organized a bowling night for all YPN members to come celebrate the Holiday season in true style, and did they ever!  What better way to get to know fellow YPN members than discussing the intricacies of a hand knit bear sweater with custom maple leaf buttons or busting out a famous dance move after a strike.  It was a great evening filled with fun, laughter and Holiday spirit.

The Young Professionals Network of Steamboat Springs is a great organization to be involved with.  Aside from dressing in Holiday garb and bowling the night away, there are ample opportunities to become involved whatever ones interests may be.  YPN offers its members professional skill workshops, coffee chats, philanthropic opportunities, and monthly events with guest speakers, just to name a few.  This is all put together to connect young professionals to one another, foster partnerships with and among the community, and to motivate personal and professional development.  

Click here for more information about Steamboat’s Young Professionals Network.

Girls covered in feathers and flowers, on bikes and in cars are just some of the fabulous shots you will see in Skitown Calendars’ inaugural project, Girls of Steamboat. The 2009/2010 Girls of Steamboat calendar is the first of a series of Skitown Calendars, a business founded right here in Steamboat Springs with the proceeds of each calendar supporting the communities, the arts and the subjects behind each month.

This year’s inaugural project will culminate with a release party benefiting the Steamboat Springs Arts Council this Friday, December 11, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at the Depot in downtown Steamboat. Festivities include food and drink, dancing , introduction of each Girl of Steamboat, a presentation from the Arts Council, a movie and slideshow on “The Making Of the Steamboat Calendar”, cake cutting and major celebration for a great cause. Attire: Evening-Wear/ Cocktail. There will be a sash bar with passed appetizers. Come out and support the Steamboat Arts Council and Skitown Calendars at this not-to-be-missed event.

 Click here  for a video to learn more about Skitown Calendars and the making of this year’s Girls of Steamboat Calendar.

To find out about more upcoming events visit the Steamboat Chamber Events Calendar.

If you would like to become a guest blogger for the Steamboat Chamber Daily Blog, please contact Courtney Allen at 970-875-7006 or courtney@steamboatchamber.com.

John Fielder, renowned Colorado nature photographer, is bringing his recently released Ranches of Colorado slide show presentation to the Steamboat Springs Community Center.  On Monday, December 7 doors will open at 7:00 pm with the slide show beginning at 7:30.  Join John Fielder and experience his journey to some of the most beautiful ranches in Colorado.

The slide show will include over 250 of the project photographs and John will tell stories about his experiences working with these remarkable ranchers and exploring their ranches…all enhanced with the inspiring symphonic music of Aaron Copland.  Both book and slide show will be used to rally support for ranchland conservation, and to raise funds for conservation efforts so that these lands can remain in ranching in perpetuity.

John Fielder, renowned Colorado nature photographer, is bringing his recently released Ranches of Colorado slide show presentation to the Steamboat Springs Community Center.  On Monday, December 7 doors will open at 7:00 pm with the slide show beginning at 7:30.  Join John Fielder and experience his journey to some of the most beautiful ranches in Colorado.

The slide show will include over 250 of the project photographs and John will tell stories about his experiences working with these remarkable ranchers and exploring their ranches…all enhanced with the inspiring symphonic music of Aaron Copland.  Both book and slide show will be used to rally support for ranchland conservation, and to raise funds for conservation efforts so that these lands can remain in ranching in perpetuity.

Tomorrow is December 4^th which means First Friday Artwalk will be in full swing. For two years now on the first Friday of each month the participating venues of the Artwalk have provided free, open receptions featuring fresh art in downtown Steamboat. Each venue features a different show including paintings, sculpture, photography and more from local artists.

 This month’s walk is especially exciting as it will be featuring 24 art shows making this month’s collection of downtown galleries, retailer and other outlets the largest in the walk’s history. Make sure to check out the Artwalk’s new venues which include Azteca Taqueria, Chocolate Soup Pastry Café, The Epicurean Café and Storm Peak Innovations.

The walk is from 5-8 PM. Call 970-979-4744 for a list of this month’s participating galleries.

Guest Blogger: Rachel Radetsky, Steamboat Arts Council

In its 25^th year, Holidays in the Rockies was the first winter artisan market in Steamboat Springs. Still the biggest, we invite you to join us and get your holidays shopping done without even having to leave the valley!

Holidays in the Rockies features unique holiday gifts from 50 artisan vendors, bbq lunches for sale, live entertainment by the Jewel singers at 1pm, the Yampa Valley Boys at 1pm, and a great wreath raffle with beautiful holiday wreaths. Held at Christian Heritage School, 27285 Brandon Cr. 9am 0 4pm. Call 970-879-9008 for more information.

Guest Blogger: Meagan Coates, Chamber Staff Member

In short, the Winter Activity Mixer ROCKED. A once empty ballroom was transformed by the exhibitors into a colorful, interactive learning center with tons of energy and great information. Even though I have lived in Steamboat long enough to be familiar with some of the wonderful activities we have available to us like cross country skiing, tubing and dining,  I was intrigued by the fantastic retailers and service providers that were there strutting their stuff.

An activities fair would not be complete without Ray Heid from Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch with his genuine western Steamboat-style friendliness and the long-standing exhibitors like Christy Sports, Black Tie Ski Rentals and the US Forest Service and this event had all of them and oh so much more!

Hope you didn’t miss this food sampling, handshaking, prize winning, super fun event.

Visit our activities directory to discover all the great things to do here in the Boat.

Family, friends, turkey, stuffing, corn pudding and pumpkin pie are all reasons why Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. When you really think about it, it is a great excuse to spend time with loved ones and reflect on the many wonderful reasons to be truly thankful. At Thanksgiving there is no pressure of exchanging gifts and the timing is perfect because the Steamboat Ski Area opens their doors for the winter season.

My Thanksgiving 2009 was spent in Seattle, Washington with friends and family and was followed by a family wedding in Denver on Sunday, November 29th. Two big events back to back made it easy to reflect on why I am thankful. I am thankful for genuine friends, a supportive family, my wonderful Chamber team and above all…legendary Champagne Powder® snow.

If you would like to become as guest blogger and share your own unique experiences about visiting or living in Steamboat Springs, contact Courtney Allen, courtney@steamboatchamber.com.