The temps are cool at this point as you run past sections of beautiful ranches with the first flowers of summer blooming. The Elk River flows alongside the road through this section as you run into what I always think about as the halfway point at Mad Creek. This section is where you are much more exposed to the sun, heat and hills so save something for the last half. Many people make the mistake of going out too fast in the first 6 miles or so and then start to suffer in this last 7 miles, I know because I’ve been there!

The hills over the next few miles to mile 10 can take their toll; it’s the time to relax and finish strong for the end where the crowds are waiting.  As you crest mile 10-ish you will have a sharp downhill until you hit the final road section into town. Keep your head up your almost there and as you pass our beautiful library on your right you can begin counting down to the finish line at 5^th Street! The Steamboat Marathon has a great flow as the last 10K runners will be coming in with the first Half Marathoners and the same goes for the Half Marathoners and Full Marathoners. It creates a great flow of runner traffic where everyone has an opportunity to be cheered on with that wonderful Steamboat spirit lining the streets of downtown!

I love this race! It’s a road race that has a beautiful mountain feel to it because of the spectacular scenery for all 13.1 miles. You have green pastures and rolling hills with a good chance to see some wildlife as well.  For much of the race you will also have stunning Mt. Werner in your sights snow still covering its upper slopes. Good luck to all of the runners in 2013 and if you have not already signed up then you should do it, it’s one you won’t forget! You’ll enjoy this special race and the amazing town of Steamboat Springs!

Register for the Steamboat Marathon, Half-Marathon, or 10k

Blogger: Cara A Marrs

Then there are the small trail marathons that I love. In these races you are running for miles in between aid stations, often for long stretches when you are alone through beautiful mountains and often have to provide your own support. That type of race has an obvious appeal but is not always right for everyone.

What is farther in between these days is a well-balanced road marathon that offers up a little of both experiences.

The Steamboat Marathon, voted one of the most scenic marathons in the country by Runners World, has the cozy, friendly appeal that only a town like Steamboat can bring, but with the organization of a big city marathon. The SM is even a certified Boston marathon qualifier.

The Course

The SM marathon starts in the lazy town of Hahn’s Peak Village at 8,128 ft, which is dominated by the iconic cone shaped Hahn’s Peak. In Hahn’s Peak Village you are only about 20 miles from the Wyoming border, you are truly in northern Colorado up here! The race start is a cozy feel as runners gather and chat in the cool morning air waiting for the casual “ready, set, go”!

The marathon course takes you down beautiful county roads past green pastures dotted with the summer’s first wildflowers and grazing cows and horses. Friendly aid stations greet you every few miles, just enough to keep you motivated and fueled, but not too many to take away from the solitude. The swift running Elk River parallels the course for a few miles offering its rhythmic sounds and cooling mists.

As you get closer to town, Mt Werner’s snowy slopes dominate your view from the south, and as you start to enter downtown the crowds grow. I feel there are few events in Steamboat that bring out more people to cheer on local heroes and visitors alike, from the first to the last runners.

The Steamboat Marathon offers up a few challenges mainly in the way of the bulk of the hills arriving in the second half of the race. The marathon offers up the rare opportunity to enjoy a beautiful truly rural landscape for 24 miles that then finishes in a classic Colorado ski town with all of its amenities. The SM offers a challenge to the veteran or new runner and truly it’s a race where every runner is allotted their own experience and feels that they are celebrated!

Guest Blogger: Cara Marrs, Steamboat Runner

Not a Typical Carnival
Locals have been known to name their newborn “Winter,” often partake in snow dances, and a Powder Clause is typical employee handbook material. We love winter. This love is never more evident than during Winter Carnival, an event in its 100th year taking place February 6-10, 2013.

Mention a parade and fireworks and people say that’s typical. Talk about adults on shovels being pulled down main street behind horses or skiers jumping through fiery hoops and people stop to listen. In Steamboat Springs we do things differently.

Tradition
Excitement is found everywhere during the event. Long standing traditions of favorite spots to watch the torchlight parade, bellies full of spicy huevos rancheros from the Shack Café before catching the ski joring, and bragging rights for distance traveled in the Donkey Jump add to the countless Winter Carnival memories and bring people back year after year. Kiddos can participate in the three-legged race and the dad dash- so bring your sleds! Even man’s best friend can join the action in the highly entertaining dog dash on Lincoln Avenue.

The 107-year-old F.M. Light & Sons western store runs deep in tradition and their doors on Lincoln Avenue swing open nonstop during Winter Carnival. Fifth generation owner Lindsay (Lockhart) Dillenbeck said her grandmother was in the high school band when they took the act to skis. “My grandmother remembers the band director telling them all to bring their skis to practice the next day, and that’s how the high school ski band was formed,” said Dillenbeck.

View the video below for an insider peek into the hertiage of the Winter Carnival and it’s founder, and how the tradition is carried on today.

Night Extravaganza
A major highlight of the Winter Carnival festivities is the Saturday Night Extravaganza. Howelsen Hill is lit up with colors as Winter Sports Club athletes flip through the air off the jumps through while others descend down the mountain leaving a red glow outlining perfect ski turns.

The last down the mountain is always the twinkle light wrapped Lighted Man with roman candles shooting out of his backpack. His descent means the fireworks show is moments away, triggering a sense of urgency to stake out the best view spot: whether up high on a pile of packed snow or from inside a restaurant along the Yampa with a hot drink in hand.

Come celebrate the 100th with us!

This season marks the 50th Anniversary of the Steamboat Ski Resort and they are going all out for the celebration with fireworks, torchlight parades, free concerts, giveaways, and special events. Don’t miss the fun throughout the season this year!

February 6th – 10th marks 100 years of winter tradition with the centennial Winter Carnival. This unique event is not to be missed as kiddos on skis are pulled behind horses and soar off jumps, mountain bikers race dual slalom on the snow down Howelsen Hill, and the Night Extravaganza amazes with fiery hoop ski jumping and the famous Lighted Man.

Local businesses joining the Ski Resort and Winter Carnival in milestone birthdays this year are Bridgestone Winter Driving School (30 years), Steamboat Powdercats (30 years), and Moving Mountains Chalet (15 years). Lots to celebrate! Hope to see you soon!

The first summer my husband asked if we could schedule Wild West Air Fest in to our Labor Day weekend plans, I jumped at the chance to plan something neither of us had done before.

The Air Fest features a collection of vintage and wartime aircraft, classic cars, as well as radio-controlled airplane shows – all of which are right up my husband’s alley.  Since Labor Day weekend tends to be one, long birthday celebration, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning than exploring old, wartime aircraft, talking to the owners of vintage cars, and watching my husband get as excited as any other kid at heart would be, to attend such a unique event.  Although the event is similar from year to year, we never miss it and with a kiddo of our own now in tow, we look forward to sharing this summer’s 8th annual Wild West Air Fest with him.

If you go:

*  Parking at Bob Adams Air Port is free, but can be limited so shuttles run to and from the event and town – just park at the community center parking lot.

*  Bring a hat and sunscreen – walking around on the pavement in the summer sun gets warm quickly.

*  There are vendors set up with food, drinks, and souvenirs, so alittle cash is a good idea.

*  Bring a camera!  You’ll want to take photos of these unique planes and cars.

*  Ladies, don’t make the mistake I did the fist year I attended WWAF – a skirt is perfect for summer weather in Steamboat, but if you want to climb inside aircraft, it’s not so easy to do in a dress and heels.

- Guest Blogger, Katherine Hamilton

Before baby, I spent most weekends at the ski mountain, enjoying a little snow, après and taking in a concert, but this past winter kept me mostly indoors with a infant, so when my husband asked me the other day if I wanted to take the baby up the gondola and have lunch with him at the Oasis Grill, I almost fell over – how had I forgotten what fun the mountain can be in the summer? I grabbed our season passes, loaded up the kiddo (complete with sunscreen, hat and sippy cup) and we took our first gondola ride of the summer season.  From the top of the gondola and the Thunderhead Deck I could see everything I’d been missing – new bike trails, a completed promenade at the base area, and lots of green mountain trails just waiting to be explored.  It was the perfect lunch with the perfect valley view – as we wrapped up our brief afternoon and headed back to the base, I made (tentative) plans to return the next day – this vitamin D thing was proving healthy and fun for all of us, not to mention, the little guy napped like a champ after his gondola adventure.

The promenade at the base area is, in my mind, one of the best things to happen to the mountain.  Everywhere I looked, there were kids playing in the water, enjoying the Adventure Zone, and parents and on-lookers enjoying the contagious happiness around them.  For me, the highlight of the newly remodeled base area was pretty simple – I could get everywhere I needed to go – with a kid in tow (!) – without any hassle.   Free structure parking (meaning, shade for the car), a simple, stroller-friendly route around the base and the creek, and easy (again, read stroller-friendly) access to restaurants and trails.  After a quick splash in the water, we headed to Slopeside Grill for a bite to eat.  With a seat on the patio, we had a perfect view of bikers coming off the mountain and small groups of kids playing lawn games in the grass.  Pretty perfect summer-time lunch spot for all, wouldn’t you say?

Summers in Steamboat are, in a word, amazing.  There are so many activities going on – there’s never an opportunity to be board.  And while it’s not always easy to make plans (and stick to them) when there’s a baby (or toddler or teenager) calling the shots, I’ve discovered some of the best days happen when we aren’t planning loads of activities. Right now, our days primarily consist of park picnics (did you know we have over 25 parks in Steamboat?) and library visits. I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m hauling gear to the Ice Arena or tubes to the Yampa River in an effort to cool off (and wear out) the kiddo on warm summer days.  When he’s a little older I’ll be setting him loose on a mountain trail (whether it be on bike or foot) to explore and camp. You see, the thing I love most about Steamboat is that it’s a family town; it’s a lifestyle where kids of all ages can flourish. No matter what our plans are, whether it be enjoying a BBQ and rodeo on a Friday night, or a Saturday morning bike ride to the Farmers Market, we are bound to run in to families doing exactly what we’re doing – letting go of plans to better enjoy the life and people we love in the place we call home.

-Guest Blogger, Katherine Hamilton

Get dialed in on the trails. Literally.
The Boa Closure System created by local company Boa Technology creates a glove-like fit for your pair of hiking or biking shoes as you explore the various trails around town. Many companies have partnered with Boa Technology to incorporate the lacing system into their footwear.

Need new wheels? Kent Eriksen Cycles and Moots build handcrafted high-performance titanium bicycle frames and components. These local bike builders customize and create road, mountain, and cross bikes. Don’t forget to stash a Honey Stinger bar, chew, or Lance Armstrong-endorsed waffle in your pack for extra energy.

Fire it up and get saucy
Summer offers long days and warm nights for grilling. Take advantage of your condo’s grill or head to a local park to put some Sweetwood Cattle Company links, brats or ranch-raised Angus steaks on the grill. No fire? Their natural, wood-smoked beef jerky provides quick bites on-the-go to satisfy your inner cowboy.

Since 1994, Wing-Time has produced an authentic Buffalo-style chicken wing sauce. Try five zesty varieties including garlic with Parmesan. Chef Dean Martin’s Asian Barbeque Sauce & Marinade fuses the rich traditions ofPacific Rimcuisine with the tangy flavors of Western barbeque. This sauce tastes great on everything. If you’re hungry and waiting for your flight at theYampaValleyRegionalAirport, check out the new restaurant Three Wire Bar and Grill, where Martin is head chef.

What floats your boat
HogIslandBoat Works builds indestructible, unsinkable, and incomparable watercrafts. For fishing and boating, these drift boats will log hundreds of hours on the surrounding lakes and in theYampaRiver. While owning one doesn’t promise you a lucky fishing day, you’ll look good on the water.

The stars at night are big and bright
For car camping or backpacking, Big Agnes makes a tent to fit your travel. Make sure you’re dressed comfortable and warm for the campfire, too. Layer up in techy apparel from BAP or try Merino wool products with maximum breathability from Smartwool. For a gourmet treat, and the perfect ending to your day, enjoy a Chocolate Soup Macaroon – found here in the local bakery, and now in the cookie aisle at Whole Foods.

On the horizon
Be sure to watch for other Steamboat-made products from Butcherknife Brewing Company, Point6 (socks), and Little Moon Essentials. The companies are favorites with locals and have started making a splash outside the Valley.

July 28th marks the third annual “Ride 4 Yellow” mountain bike event, where 200 riders will take on the Continental Divide Trail. This is no gimme. 26 miles may not sound like much, but mountain biking up around 10,000 feet over that distance is not to be underestimated.

In January of 2010, I was diagnosed with Stage III, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was absolutely exhausted all the time, and the chemotherapy cure wasn’t exactly a shot of energy either. I spent a lot of time, in bed, staring at the ceiling contemplating the shortness of life and wondering what I’d do if I ever got healthy. I wanted to ride my bike. Not for any reasons of race glory or personal bests or extremes of distance, all of which were unlikely anyway, but because I missed my riding buddies and I missed being out in the fresh air in beautiful places.

As I started to recover, my wife found me a new mountain bike, which was something I hadn’t done in years.  The whole point would be fun, and the only rule I made for myself was no computers. There would be no training, no goals, no tracking distance for the year – only fun rides. I’d be done when I had my fill of fun, or got back to the trailhead.

At the time we were also becoming more involved with LIVESTRONG and had met some great friends through their organization. We were looking for an opportunity to become involved in a LIVESTRONG event, and we soon learned of Ride 4 Yellow. This sounded perfect for my renewed mountain biking interest! I knew it would be a big challenge, but finishing chemotherapy and being declared “clean” provides a tremendous amount of subjective energy, even if the anemias persist and objectively you still ride slowly! I was very excited to sign up!

The ride requires a bus ride up Rabbit Ears pass to Dumont Lake. I sat down and ended up sitting next to a local rider. He was also an anesthesiologist in town who had plenty of opportunity to treat cancer patients. What struck me was that the whole town was invested in this event and really seemed united in the fight against cancer and the support for several local survivors. It was terrific to see.

For the inaugural 2010 event, Lance Armstrong and Leadville legend Dave Wiens both spoke before the event to the riders and they rode. As expected, both finished very quickly at the front of the pack. I was fortunate enough to ride with my buddy Scott, and we didn’t finish with nearly the same speed!

The ride is beautiful and features a wide variety of terrain to match the variety of vistas. There were some quick technical climbs, but many of us took our time and worked our way through. I was in no hurry to rush since I was enjoying the day and getting some great pictures too! The ride ended at the top of the gondola on the Steamboat ski resort with a party, a speaker, and some auctions.

As it turned out, Linda Armstrong Kelly (aka Lance’s mom) was the keynote speaker, and she turned out to be the highlight of the event for my wife and myself. She spoke about the “obligation of the cured” which I had fully identified with, but also the hardships faced by the entire family. Put simply, it wasn’t that I had cancer, but “we” had cancer meaning my wife and myself, as well as my close friends and family. It was a special message to hear and it really touched my wife and gave me a new appreciation for the other side of that equation. In fact, my wife got to meet and spend a little bit of time talking to Mrs. Armstrong Kelly and was so impressed.

What is special about the Ride 4 Yellow event is that they have a global benefit target in LIVESTRONG, but also a local benefit in that half of the money goes to the local cancer center in Steamboat Springs. Even though I live in the metro Denver area, that was really nice to see and encouraging to support.

Ride 4 Yellow is a special event I’d encourage a mountain biker of any level to take advantage of if at all possible, but don’t wait – they cap at 200 riders!

Guest Blogger: Joshua N. Schwiesow

So you get to ride and help support an incredible cause. The TDS kicks off on Friday night with a benefit dinner at the Steamboat Sheraton and all are welcome; then riders take to three course- 25 miles around Sydney Peak Ranch, 40 miles to Stagecoach or the big one, 110 miles over Rabbit Ears, Gore and Yellow Jacket Passes. Even if you’re not riding you can celebrate with the TDS BBQ at Little Toots Park on Saturday afternoon.

Do you like to mix your biking with swimming and running? We’ve got an event for you! The Steamboat Lake Sprint Triathlon puts your entire body to the test. This event is half the distance of an Olympic Triathlon and takes place at scenic Lake Catamount.  Take part in the race, or cheer on those brave enough to tackle the water and roads.

Did you come to town to run your legs a bit? Then hit up the Spring Creek Memorial Trail Run.  Pick from two options 9 miles of challenging trail running in a lollipop loop or a 5k out and back, both take place on Spring Creek Trail, one of the most popular trails in Steamboat.

If you want to play in Steamboat, but not push your body to its limits; you definitely picked the right weekend to be in town. You’ll have to pick between lots of great relaxing events though, starting with the Pro Rodeo on Friday night with Bucking Broncs, Barrel Racing, kid’s events and more. If you stopped by FM Light & Sons on your trip, this is the place to wear your new cowboy boots and hats! Also on Friday night is Lee Anne Womack at the Strings Music Festival. For a town that’s off the beaten path, a lot of famous musical acts seem to find their way here. There’s more live music on Saturday night, this time a FREE concert with The Samples. Opening act Zach Heckendorf takes the stage in the ski resort base area, followed by the popular Colorado band.  Plus, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds play at the Strings Music Festival on Saturday night. This is a rocking good time with a nine piece band that puts a modern spin on classic soul.

After all that make sure you leave room for the Farmers Market on Saturday morning, the Piknik Theater Festival, The Kitchen and Garden Tour, the Steamboat Springs Arts Council Drama Camp Performance; and of course you’ll need to eat and shop at some point.

It’s not a matter of what you’re going to do while you’re in Steamboat this weekend, it’s how you’re going to fit it all in.

Guest Blogger: Loryn Kasten, Steamboat Ski Resort Public Relations Manager

I’ve always associated the Fourth of July with summer, and after having spent six years in Steamboat Springs, I associate the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo with summer as well. You can imagine my excitement when I learned that this year the Fourth falls on a Wednesday and the week culminates with one of the most colorful displays of beauty in the sky with the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, a staple summer event in Steamboat Springs. With the stars aligned this year and these two events falling in the same week, here’s how I would experience these two events.

The Fourth of July is a special holiday and Steamboat does it right with a hometown parade which ends in a big dance party in the street.  The Pro Rodeo Series shows off Steamboat’s western roots, so grab your cowboy hat and head on over to the rodeo grounds.  Due to the dry climate this year the firework show has been put on hold, but that didn’t stop us since we’ve got what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth” playing a free concert right here in Steamboat, and just a short hop from the rodeo grounds. Head over to Howelsen Hill after the rodeo and let “1964… The Tribute” take you back to an era in rock history we all remember!

The 32nd Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and the 38th Annual Art in the Park offer artistry and color both on canvases and in the air. Get to the launch grounds early to see the balloons inflate, and if you’re lucky you may even be asked to help crew. The rodeo portion consists of fun contests like dipping into Bald Eagle Lake and since balloon pilots can be pretty competitive, you’re guaranteed a good show.  Once the balloons are in the air, sip on coffee and eat a yummy crepe from one of the vendors at the launch field as you watch more than balloons dot the Yampa Valley sky.  When you’re done here head over to Art in the Park and visit with one hundred-forty artist vendors, catch some live entertainment, and let the kiddos play in the interactive art area.

My brother and mom have already made their reservations at the family B&B. I better start cleaning and looking up brunch recipes!

For example, our new membership director Lana has a season pass to the Pro Rodeo Series and loves to go most weekends in the summer.  I didn’t necessarily have Lana pegged as a cowgirl—she looks very girly in her work outfits and always really pulled together. Yet she told me that she loves to put on her cowboy boots and take visiting family to the rodeo because it’s always different and a family-friendly event.  Her Chamber event of choice:  the Fourth of July parade “because it showcases Steamboat’s western heritage.

Marion, our HR and finance director has a lot on her plate, so I would never think she’d take time to do something that took more than an hour, yet she loves to go golfing because she’s outside and it’s peaceful. Her Chamber event of choice: Steamboat Marathon. “It took so much commitment and training to cross the finish line and you can see it on the expressions of the runners’ faces.”

Morgan, the website and communications manager, doesn’t really do mornings, but in the summer months she wakes up early to bike to work because she says it gets her ready for the day and it’s easy to get around to meetings and out to lunch with the Yampa River Core Trail that runs behind our office. Her Chamber event of choice: Opera night during All Arts Festival “because it’s great to have high-caliber performers come through Steamboat.”

As for the activities we all love, it would be silly for me to assume that you know some of the town’s secrets like my co-workers, so I’ll share them with you:

Matt is in charge of membership events and enjoys sitting in the sun watching the tubers and kayakers float by.  If the weather is nice he’ll most likely get some friends together to take to the river on tubes so they can be the ones people are watching. His Chamber event of choice: The All Arts Festival due to the variety of activities and displays and a great way to bring culture to Steamboat.

Kyleigh handles all the guests in our Visitor Center and acts as a travel agent/tour guide when she’s fielding inquiries. Her passion is Emerald Mountain. “It’s easily accessible yet you feel like you’re in the middle of a forest and has rolling terrain, which makes it great for mountain biking. Her Chamber event of choice: the Fourth of July Parade. “There’s so much community spirit and a celebration of America in our little western town.”

Sarah is our events director, so her summer is very hectic and she absolutely loves kicking it on the river and tubing with friends. Her Chamber event of choice: Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. “There is so much going on at the launch field and the photo opportunities are great.”

Maren is our events coordinator and she makes the most of her free summer moments by catching a concert at the Free Summer Concert Series or watching one of the many breathtaking sunsets in the Yampa Valley. Her Chamber event of choice: The fun and relaxing weekend that makes the All Arts Festival.

As for me, I love it all—but my favorite is an evening hike up Mt. Werner. There’s nothing better than hiking up a trail you ski down and seeing what it looks like without snow. My Chamber event of choice: Wild West Air Fest Labor Day Weekend Celebration. There are so many educational and interactive things for kids-teenagers to do to get them excited about science and flying.

Check out dates for all of our Signature Events and book your summer activities for an amazing Steamboat summer. Enjoy the Rocky Mountains like the locals do!

Friday of Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup weekend is traditionally the day of the Autocross and it was no different in the 23rd year.  A few of the Chamber staff and I headed down to the Autocross to see what kind of course these American-made beasts were going to be running that day.

Once we signed our lives away we had to just sit on the sidelines and wait for our turn while the momentum built.  With 150 drivers completing three timed runs you can bet there wasn’t a lot of break in the action. So when they said it was my turn they didn’t have to tell me twice.  I grabbed a helmet and jumped in the roaring Stage 3 Roush ready to take on the elaborately designed track.  I gave a quick smile and thumbs up to the girls just in time to hear the squeal of the tires as we shot out onto the track.

In what reminded me of an unpredictable carnival ride, we zigged and zagged around the track in what felt like going from 0 to 60 in nothing flat over and over again. My body was shifting quickly from one side of the seat to the other around every turn.  When we made the final corner and fishtailed our way to the finish line the whole thing couldn’t have been more than 45 seconds.

“Whoa”, I thought to myself, “I’ll definitely be back to do this again next year.” Hey, maybe they’ll let me drive this time!

Don’t forget to check out the Show n’ Shine on Saturday when all the Mustangs take front and center stage on Lincoln Avenue for viewing. Visit the website  for more details on this Father’s Day Weekend event.