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Steamboat Magazine

Up Here Bored Is Not An Option

04/23/2013 08:41PM ● By Christina Freeman

The trampoline sling shot at the base area is one of many activities in Gondola Square. Photo by George Fargo.

Two Hours or Less

Dive into the pools of the Old Town Hot Springs at 136 Lincoln Ave., downtown. Enjoy eight, hot spring-fed pools, two waterslides, a fitness center, exercise classes and massage. 970-879-1828/www.oldtownhotsprings.org

Catch some serious air while floating above the Yampa Valley in a hot air balloon.

Get lost in a giant maze at Amaze’n Steamboat, behind the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association Visitors’ Center. The family fun park offers Water Walking Balls, miniature golf, bumper cars, bungee trampoline, gemstone panning and XBlaster laser tag in the giant maze. 970-870-8682 /www.amazensteamboat.com

Tear it up at the Bear River Skate Park, featuring a street section with pyramid and pole jam, plus a bowl from five to nine feet with metal coping, pool coping and a spine. Go west on U.S. 40 from downtown Steamboat. Turn left on Shields Drive, and park on the road before the bridge. Take the bike path north (right) under the bridge to the skate park. Open sunrise to sunset. 970-879-4300/www.steamboatsprings.net

Feel the rush on “The Howler” Alpine Slide, an exhilarating 2,400-foot track through the bends and curves of Howelsen Hill. Open Memorial Day Weekend, daily June 6-Aug. 25; weekends in September. 970-819-8010/ www.steamboatalpineslide.com

Take a shot at it: sharpen your marksmanship at a 12-station sporting clay course, designed to accommodate beginners, competitors and sportsmen. Three Quarter Circles, 970-879-5649/ www.3qc.net

A Half-Day

Play tennis, indoors or out, at the Steamboat Springs Tennis Center, with six outdoor hydrocourt clay courts, four outdoor hard courts and six new RSS 500 cushioned indoor hardcourts. Open daily. 2500 Pine Grove Road. 970-879- 8400/www.10s.com

Soak the day away in the natural Strawberry Park Hot Springs. These springs are well worth a visit, but not easily accessed. The best way to reach the hot springs is via shuttle: call Sweet Pea Tours, 970-879-5820; Hot Springs Adventures, 970-879-8065; or Go Alpine Taxi at 970-879-TAXI. Some lodging properties also offer shuttle service. 970-879-0342/ www.strawberryhotsprings.com

Learn to kayak the easy way, moving from the pool or the calm waters of Bucci Pond into the Yampa River.

Tube the Yampa! Rent a tube at one of several local spots and float down the mellow waters of the Yampa River.

Play a round at one of Steamboat’s golf courses. Reserve a tee- time and play up to 18 holes at the links-style Haymaker Golf Course, 970-870-1846; the Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, 970- 879-1391; or the Yampa Valley Golf Association in Craig, 970- 824-3673. Catamount Ranch & Club, 970-871-9200, is a private 18-hole course for members and their guests. For a shorter game, contact the nine-hole Steamboat Golf Club, 970-879-4295

Catch a fish in any of the area’s allocated fishing sites. Colorado requires a fishing license that can be purchased at many local spots, or call the Division of Wildlife, 970-870-2197, for information on where to obtain a license.

Head to the Steamboat Ski Area and explore. Ride the gondola up to Thunderhead and hike or bike on Mount Werner trails. Enjoy a picnic or a Sunday brunch with an incredible view. The base area offers bike rentals, a “Slingshot Trampoline Bungee Jump,” climbing wall, disc golf, miniature golf, and even a “Mini Bounce” for the youngest members of your group. That’s not all...the base area is a venue for events and festivals throughout the summer. 970- 879-6111 www.steamboat.com

A Full Day

Take a hike into the Routt National Forest. Enjoy the views, fresh air and even a picnic.

Sleep under the stars on an overnight camping or pack trip.

Go rock climbing. No experience is necessary and transportation and equipment are provided. Contact Rocky Mountain Ventures. 970-870-8440/www.verticalgrip.com

Have a need for speed? Rent an ATV or a dirt bike and cruise trails throughout the Routt National Forest. Several local businesses provide guided tours for all ability levels.

Enjoy water sports from wakeboarding, water skiing or cruising in a pontoon boat on area reservoirs to rafting, kayaking or canoeing down the Yampa or Colorado rivers. Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir have full-service marinas, state park offices, camping and fishing.

Join a bike tour. Whether you’re seeking challenging single- track terrain or leisure country roads, take along a guide to create your ideal route. 970-871-8687/404-668-6836

A Rainy Day

Shop ‘til you drop and check out the variety of treasures at local shops.

Treat yourself to a massage or facial at Steamboat’s spas. Nothing says vacation like a true sense of relaxation. Steamboat spas specialize in everything from aromatherapy to deep tissue massage.

Go ice skating or ride the bumper cars at Howelsen Hill Ice Arena. The rink is next to the rodeo arena downtown. Public skating and rentals throughout summer, 970-879-0341

Browse the stacks at Bud Werner Memorial Library at 13th Street and Lincoln Avenue. The library offers free Internet access, more than 200 magazines and newspapers, and a full Storytime program for children. 970-879-0240/ www.steamboatlibrary.org

Relax with a latte and delicious baked goodies in one of Steamboat’s favorite local coffeehouses.