How Quality Steamboat Springs Lodging Can be a Hiking Springboard

There are times throughout the year when you need to be by your lonesome to ponder things and to communicate with nature. Jodi Thornton O’Connell stressed as much in her piece for USA Today’s travel blog:

A world-class ski area, Steamboat Springs also goes by the moniker “Ski Town, U.S.A.” While elevations at the slopes exceed 10,000 feet and receive a lot of snow, the town is situated much lower down the mountain, at 6,600 feet. Trails in city parks and open-space areas remain open throughout the winter, allowing hikers to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

The above excerpt may barely hint at what the seat of Routt County has to cover. The city took off starting with Karl Howelsen’s efforts to introduce ski jumping to the locals and organize the annual Winter Carnival. A closer look at the general area, however, may reveal some nooks and crannies that are worth a shot by intrepid visitors willing to brave the outdoors this winter, or anytime during the year. It is still prudent, however, to lock and load for the adventure of a lifetime in cozy condos for rent offered by Steamboat Springs lodging companies like Condos in Steamboat.

Hiking in a mountainous area like Steamboat Springs warrants a lot of preparation—in terms of logistics and energy—which these accommodations can provide. According to O’Connell, the higher altitude of the city and nearby Mt. Werner requires extra water supplies to counterbalance altitude-based disorders such as fatigue, moisture loss and headache. This is a problem especially if you’re from a low-lying place. Thick clothing and storm packs are advised due to the area’s unpredictable weather.

Even as you have booked a place in Steamboat Springs, it is also a good rule of thumb to liaise with locals who know the area like the back of their hand. Hikers can play to this advantage by inquiring about where to rent snowshoes, particularly if you are trying the Yampa River Core Trail and patches of forest with deep snow. Look up data on possible avalanche areas. O’Connell says the local weather forecast can provide clues; beware of sharp ravines, too.

The winter season this year is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Colorado and test your limits, but hiking doesn’t really have to be limited to winter. Vacation rentals in Steamboat Springs can be your hiking springboard year-round and the key to a more memorable experience.

(Info from Hiking in the Winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA Today)