Family vacations have always been a big part of our family life. As one of eight kids, these family getaways were a treasured part of my childhood memories.
We often vacationed in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a mountain town about 160 miles northwest of Denver. The town got its unique name from early settlers who heard a chugging sound resembling a steamboat’s engine coming from the area’s natural hot springs.
When I had kids of my own, Steamboat Springs remained one of our family’s favorite destinations for a Colorado vacation.
In the winter, we could ski, go on horse-drawn sleigh rides and soak in the hot springs. In the summer, we tubed down the Yampa River, which is naturally warmed by the hot springs, and went on family hikes.
Though we’ve stayed in very nice hotels in Steamboat, we learned that renting a vacation home was our best option. That gave us a central place to relax, play games and eat together.
Where to Stay: Moving Mountains Luxury Vacation Rentals
One of our top picks for vacation rentals in Steamboat is Moving Mountains, a local company specializing in high-end vacation homes offering more space than traditional hotel accommodations.
Their properties feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing your family to spread out comfortably. With fully equipped kitchens, you can prepare meals together and eat meals together.
On our last visit to Steamboat Springs, we stayed in the lovely Orion Lodge, a 4,600-square-foot luxury home with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, hot tubs, a theater room, and more. Orion Lodge is perfect for large families, family reunions, or even different families vacationing together.
The gourmet kitchen has premium stainless steel appliances, dual ovens for simultaneous cooking, and excellent knives, which my husband always appreciates when he cooks. The centerpiece is the spacious island with a backlit quartz countertop that gives the space a warm, sophisticated glow.
My favorite space in the kitchen was the coffee bar, which had several different coffee options. Every morning, we enjoyed our morning coffee in the cozy chairs in the corner nook, which overlooks the aspen trees.
We watched a full-length movie in the downstairs theater and enjoyed soaking in the hot tubs in the cool evenings. The home was a relaxing getaway on its own.
Moving Mountain Transportation Services
One nice thing with Moving Mountains is that you can park your car in the garage and forget about it. Their concierge services include door-to-slope transportation service throughout your stay, meaning no struggling with parking or trudging through snow with tired children and heavy equipment.
This on-demand transportation extends beyond just ski access—their professional drivers will take your family to dinner reservations, downtown shopping, or any attraction within Steamboat Springs, allowing parents to fully relax without navigating unfamiliar mountain roads.
The easy-to-use Moving Mountains mobile app allows you to book a ride when needed. If you have a set time you need to be picked up, you can schedule that pick-up ahead of time. The app also provides real-time updates about weather conditions, lift status, and local events, helping you plan each vacation day.
Moving Mountains Concierge Services
The Moving Mountains team can also arrange everything from airport transfers to equipment rentals and activity bookings, taking the planning burden off your shoulders.
Moving Mountains offers essential baby equipment for families with young children, such as cribs, high chairs, and safety gates—conveniences that allow you to pack lighter and travel more easily. Moving Mountains has homes located throughout Steamboat, with options close to the ski area or downtown, depending on your family’s preferences.
Where to Play in Steamboat Springs: Winter Activities
So why do so many families vacation in Steamboat Springs? This popular Colorado mountain town is a laid-back year-round destination.
Steamboat Springs transforms into a winter wonderland from November through April, offering numerous family-friendly winter activities:
- Skiing and Snowboarding at Steamboat Resort: Known as “Ski Town USA,” Steamboat boasts champagne powder and exceptional terrain for all ability levels. Their ski school programs are among the best in Colorado, with dedicated children’s facilities and family learning zones.
- Snowmobiling Adventures: Families with older children can explore the backcountry on guided snowmobile tours through pristine meadows and forests with companies like Steamboat Snowmobile Tours, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Snow Tubing at Howelsen Hill: This historic ski area in downtown Steamboat offers affordable snow tubing—perfect for non-skiers or as an alternative activity. The gentle slopes and conveyor lift make it accessible for children as young as three.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs: After a day in the cold, soak in the natural mineral waters of these beautifully designed hot springs. The rustic setting amid snow-covered pines creates a magical experience. (Note that after dark, the springs are adults-only.)
Where to Play in Steamboat Springs: Summer Activities
When the snow melts, Steamboat Springs reveals an entirely different playground for families:
- Yampa River Tubing: Float down the gentle Yampa River that runs through downtown Steamboat. This is perfect for hot summer days and suitable for children who can swim. This is my favorite thing to do in Steamboat.
- Hiking Fish Creek Falls: Just a short drive from town, this accessible trail leads to a spectacular 280-foot waterfall. The lower viewpoint is stroller-friendly, while more adventurous families can hike to the upper falls.
- Alpine Slide at Howelsen Hill: Kids will love racing down the mountain on this 2,400-foot track. The chairlift ride up offers beautiful views of the town and valley below.
- Steamboat Rodeo: Experience authentic Western culture at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, which runs every Friday and Saturday evening throughout summer. With special activities for children and thrilling events for all ages, it’s a memorable cultural experience.
Colorado mountain vacations are a good fit for families, offering something for every generation. Who knows, you might see us there when you visit. For us, Steamboat Springs isn’t just a destination; it’s where we create family memories.
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