The Rusted Porch in Steamboat Springs – Great Happy Hour!

Boasting Steamboat Springs’ longest happy hour (four hours, but who’s counting?) the Rusted Porch is attracting both Steamboat Springs locals and visitors alike. The prices are great and the food is even better. While not brand new in Steamboat Springs, The Rusted Porch opened late in 2011, this Steamboat Springs restaurant is definitely gaining a loyal following. Could it be the variety of  happy hour sliders that are scrumptious and start at $1.29? Or perhaps it’s the great beer and mixed drinks…no check that, it’s the fantastic bartender, Tenille, who makes the mixed drinks. While she’s way too young to remember the Captain and Tenille (c’mon, if you’re over 45 you too probably remember Muskrat Love), she welcomes the Captain and Tenille jokes that are inevitable.

This self proclaimed “Western Social House” truly does cater to everyone – families (balloons for the kids are always a hit), the happy hour crowd and those looking for a tad bit more privacy in the cozy booths that line one side of the dining area. The outdoor deck which opened on March 30^th is sure to be popular now that warmer weather and longer days have arrived in Steamboat Springs. I have to say, while the happy hour ads initially caught my attention, the good food, nice atmosphere and friendly staff have me recommending one of Steamboat Springs’ newest restaurants, The Rusted Porch.

Located in Steamboat Springs’ Marketplace Plaza, across from Wildhorse Cinemas, The Rusted Porch is convenient to the Steamboat Ski Mountain while being only minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs. McDonald’s and Wendy’s may have their value menus, but from 2:00pm-6:00pm you can get a home-made slider on an artisan fresh bun for under $1.50…I’ll skip the fast food drive through for that!

Steamboat Springs High School Tier 2 Sports Teams in Jeopardy

Steamboat Springs is located in a beautiful valley far enough away from metropolitan areas that it’s safe to say no one moves here with any delusions of being able to make a quick trip to the mall, or Costco or Target for that matter. Every once in a while living in your corner of paradise can be a negative, and that seems to be the case with the Steamboat Springs High School athletic budget. As budget money everywhere is cut and/or re-allocated, the reality has hit Steamboat Springs High School that the cost of shuttling athletes across the state to compete might be too much to field many of the teams next year.

Safe are the “Tier 1” Steamboat Springs’ high school sports that include football, soccer and basketball – these sports have always been funded by the Steamboat Springs school district. In limbo are the “Tier 2” sports which include tennis, cheerleading, Alpine and Nordic skiing, lacrosse, hockey, golf, baseball and wrestling which were all self funded as recently as the 2007-2008 school year, but since then, had been receiving transportation funds and some coaching salary funding through a participation fee paid by all Steamboat Springs’ high school student athletes

What’s the budget gap? An additional $30,000 for 2012-2013 to keep the current funding system in place. Going back to self-funding would in all likelihood cause a decrease in participation, a burden on booster clubs and families who will have to pay out of pocket for their sons and daughters to participate in the self funded sports.

Of course options are being discussed, but it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. In a town where being active and fit is a way of life, it is almost unfathomable to think that a good number of our Steamboat Springs high school team sports might be dropped or scaled back to the point where they might as well be dropped from a competitive standpoint. If there’s any doubt that the Steamboat Springs community as a whole hasn’t suffered from recent economic times, this is another example that we are not immune to the troubles that many other communities and industries are facing. 

Steamboat Springs has an amazing school system. It’s my hope that we can continue to offer an opportunity to Steamboat student athletes in a variety of sports. Lessons learned on a field, a course, a mat, a court, a diamond or a mountain are lessons that enrich and serve student athletes, and their sphere of influence, throughout their lives.

Steamboat Springs Easter Holiday

Easter in Steamboat Springs won’t be a white one this year, but that doesn’t mean the Steamboat Ski Mountain won’t be hopping (yep, pun intended) with activity. Some people will be skiing the limited open terrain. If I planned a ski trip here and I wasn’t used to (or ‘spoiled by’ like us Steamboat locals) the “champagne powder” we’re known for, I’d probably ski some as well. Not this weekend though – there will be plenty of other things to do in the sunny mid 60’s weather Steamboat Springs’ is forecasted to have this holiday weekend. The summer toys are coming out of locals’ garages and being rented by visitors in lieu of ski gear. Bikes are making an early appearance in Steamboat Springs this year!

Easter holiday weekend activities on the Steamboat Ski Mountain include:

Saturday

• Beacon & Eggs Avalanche Beacon Hunt to aid in avalanche awareness efforts (great Nordica prizes too)
• Missed the Boat free concert beginning at 2:00pm at the Steamboat stage
• Keller Williams free concert beginning at 3:00pm at the Steamboat stage

Sunday

• Easter Sunrise Service at the Steamboat Stage from 7:30am to 8:00am

Of course there will be plenty of off mountain activities as well which I wrote about in an earlier blog this week.

There’s never a shortage of amazing restaurant choices here in Steamboat Springs, but this year the Easter brunches sound more delicious than usual. Recommendations for holiday Easter brunches are as follows and reservations are probably a very good idea if not required:

•  Hazies on the mountain
• Rex’s in the Holiday Inn complex
• Sweetwater Grill on the Yampa River
• The Laundry next to Creekside
• And of course…special breakfasts, brunches and lunches can always be found at Creekside, Winona’s and Freshies

So there you have it…whether you’re in Steamboat Springs, or elsewhere this Easter holiday, have wonderful time with family and friends, and may your Easter basket have all your favorite candy inside!

Steamboat Ski Mountain Closing Trails As Snow Melts

The balmy, sunny March weather was wonderful for everything but the Steamboat Springs ski mountain. With snow all but gone in many areas, the  Steamboat ski area announced today that it’s closing down a good portion of the Steamboat ski mountain due to deteriorating snow conditions. The open areas of the Steamboat ski mountain as of Monday, April 2^nd include:

• 59 trails (from 136 open as of April 1^st)
• 976 acres of skiing (about 33% of the mountain)
• 7 lifts
• All the food & beverage outlets located where ski terrain is still open
• Retail shops and restaurants at the base of the Steamboat ski mountain

Steamboat’s ski passes have been reduced to $79 as a result of the closures and conditions. The Steamboat ski area is still planning to stay open through the scheduled April 15^th closing day. There’s still plenty to do up on the mountain, and the free concerts that have been a big draw thus far at the new Steamboat ski mountain stage will be held  this Saturday, April 7th as well as closing weekend. As of now, all the closing weekend activities are still on tap including the popular Cardboard Classic.

There’s also plenty to do off Steamboat’s ski mountain as well:

• hot air balloon rides
• visit the hot springs for a relaxing afternoon
• go fly fishing in the Yampa and Elk Rivers
• hike and bike…many trails are much drier than usual, and the core trail is beautiful
• shop in downtown Steamboat Springs
• First Friday Artwalk on April 6th in downtown Steamboat Springs
• watch The Masters at one of our many sports bars such as Carl’s Tavern and Slopeside

Kudos to the great Steamboat Springs ski mountain crew who kept our ski trails in great shape throughout a challenging winter. There’s still time left to make a few turns and enjoy what’s left of Steamboat’s 2011/2012 ski season before turning our attention to the many summer activities and events Steamboat Springs has to offer.

Steamboat Springs Area National Forest Safety Tips

Spring is definitely in the air and soon outdoor enthusiasts will be coming to the Steamboat Springs area to hike, bike and camp in the National Forest areas that surround Steamboat Springs. With limited snow left at lower elevations and the Steamboat Springs’ ski mountain closing on April 15^th, the next round of visitors to RouttCounty will be those looking to enjoy the National Forest land and all the beauty it has to offer.

While beautiful and very accessible from Steamboat Springs, the U.S. National Forest Service does want visitors reminded that dangers exist in our National Forest land, and for safety purposes as well as the protection of our natural forest resources, here are some guidelines and reminders to follow:

 Protect Yourself from Falling Trees

• Be aware of your surroundings; avoid dense patches of dead trees that can fall without warning.
• Beware of strong winds and stay out of the forest when windy conditions exist that could blow down trees. If winds pick up after you are in the forest, head to a clearing where you are out of reach of potential falling trees.
• Place tents and park vehicles beyond the radius of where a tree will land if it does fall.
• When driving in remote areas of the forest, park close to a main road rather than on a one way section or a trail to avoid being trapped if a tree falls.
• Keep an axe or a chainsaw in your vehicle to remove fallen trees that may impede your exit from the forest area.
• Cell phones have no coverage in many areas, so they should not be counted on as a reliable means of communication.

 Motor Vehicle Users Should be Aware of the Following

• Motor vehicles of all types must remain on designated trails and roads. Violations start at $75 and escalate from there if resource damage occurs as a result of the infraction.
• Some roads may remain impassable long after main roads are clear. Snow drifts, waterlogged roadbeds, trees and other debris can remain for weeks (or months in hard winters) after main roads are clear.
• Resist the temptation to drive off roads, trails or wet areas as it causes rutting and ultimately harms natural resources, including water quality. Fines will result if you are caught off designated driving routes.
• Some roads are closed in the spring to minimize disturbances to known elk calving areas.
• Please turn around, note the location and as soon as possible report it to the nearest Forest Service office, if you come across a section of road that has water flowing across it or is washed out. 

These guidelines are both for your safety and protection as well as the preservation of our National Forest land. For more information please contact the U.S. Forest Service.

Summer Reservations Heating Up in Steamboat Springs

Word must be getting around that the Steamboat Springs ski mountain base area will soon be unveiling the new pedestrian promenade with Burgess Creek flowing through it. As reported in the Steamboat Today newspaper, Sheraton’s Director of Sales & Marketing is projecting the number of room nights driven by destination weddings will be up 22% this summer. In addition, revenues from convention groups are anticipated to increase around 18% as the nature of group bookings shifts from recreation oriented groups to corporations and professional associations holding multi-day meetings, trainings and conventions here.

Another potential positive is the news from Chris Diamond, Steamboat Ski Corp. President and COO, that his team is contemplating adding Thursday evenings for gondola operations to the current Friday and Saturday nights. This will mean more opportunities for dinners and special events on the mountain, and a chance for more people to enjoy sunsets and views of the Yampa Valley 2,000 feet below.

With summer not far off and more daytime activities a good possibility on Steamboat’s Ski Mountain, thanks to a new law allowing expanded activities to take place on USDA Forest Service land, now it’s looking good for more nightlife as well…whether it’s a stroll along the lighted promenade to one of the many restaurants located slope-side, or a ride up the gondola to Hazie’s available three nights a week. Steamboat’s ski mountain is poised to become a summer destination as well as the winter paradise we’re already proud of being known for.

For the first time in almost 50 years Burgess Creek will flow above ground as a result of a 5 year almost $10 million urban renewal project that included the even larger project of creating a heated pedestrian path that winds through Steamboat’s ski mountain base. Come and enjoy all Steamboat Springs has to offer – winter, summer and even the mud seasons in between.

Steamboat Springs Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Steamboat Springs’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration begins early with a St. Patrick’s themed concert featuring The Tartan Terrors, billed as “Riverdance meets Saturday Night Live” in its advertising. The Thursday, March 15^th show starts at 7pm and is part of the Steamboat Springs’ Strings Music Festival Series.

Steamboat Springs’ authentic Irish pub, the new McKnight’s in Wildhorse Plaza, is having a 3 day countdown to St. Patrick’s Day that began this morning with breakfast specials including a free pancake breakfast from 7am-8am. With morning, afternoon and evening specials through St. Patrick’s Day weekend, McKnight’s will be the place to wear your green and join the festivities while watching March Madness. It’s close to the Steamboat Ski Mountain - perfect for an après ski stop.

Not to be outdone, the Steamboat Ski Mountain will host two events to go along with spring skiing conditions on the ski mountain.  On Saturday, March 17th at 3:00pm in Gondola Square See-I will perform a free concert as part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat series. Then starting at 8:00pm the final torchlight parade and fireworks of the season will light up the Steamboat Springs’ ski mountain.

Of course there will be plenty of St. Patrick’s Day specials at the restaurants and shops in downtown Steamboat Springs as well. Ski in spring-like conditions, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Steamboat Springs style with activities all around town and the ski mountain.

Steamboat Springs Yampa Street – Game On for Revitalization!

Looks like the urbanization of downtown Steamboat Springs is getting renewed traction. A weekend article in the Steamboat Pilot and Today focuses on the renewed attention to revitalizing a prime location –Yampa Street which lies between Steamboat Springs’ main street (Lincoln Avenue) and the Yampa River, home to world-class fly fishing, as well as summer tubing and kayaking. Already dotted with restaurants and a few retail stores, it could be so much more given its prime location between downtown Steamboat Springs and Howelsen Hill.

There are at least three meetings on the calendar between now and the end of March to discuss a game-plan for Yampa Street– 2 presentations are scheduled for the Steamboat Springs City Council and Mainstreet Steamboat Springs is hosting a meeting of Yampa Street stake-holders on March 27^th.  You can be sure owners of Ciao Gelato, Carl’s Tavern, The Boathouse, Sweetwater Grill, Steamboat Fly Fisher, Steamboat Meat & Seafood Company, Back Door Sports, Sun Pies, Sweet Pea Market and all the other merchants, eating establishments and mixed use building owners will be in attendance and on record for what they’d like to see developed on their street.

Whether it becomes a pedestrian mall, cycling hub, entertainment district or some combination of mixed uses, this prime downtown street and the entire Steamboat Springs community will definitely benefit from a strategic plan to better utilize this beautiful stretch of real estate. From a real estate perspective, the Olympian, Howelsen Place, Alpen Glow and The Victoria all stand to benefit with mixed use space still available in each…and homeowners in both the Old Town and Brooklyn areas will enjoy both tangible and intangible benefits as well. This endeavor presents an incredible opportunity to further enhance Steamboat Springs’ downtown appeal, and is one of the most exciting projects on the horizon.

Steamboat Springs Ski Area Free Concerts Start Saturday

For the next 6 weeks Steamboat Springs ski mountain is the FREE concert destination compliments of the 2012 Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series. With the new concert stage venue at the base of the slopes in Ski Town U.S.A.® the sound is fantastic, the viewing area is ample and the atmosphere is fun. Gondola Square will be rocking with high energy on-stage performances that start at 3pm each Saturday unless otherwise noted.

 “This is an amazing line-up of talented artists as we head into the 13th season of free music in Steamboat,” said Rob Perlman, senior vice president of sales & marketing for Steamboat Ski Corp. “There isn’t a better way to enjoy an incredible outing in the mountains than by combining Champagne Powder® snow with plenty of sunshine and a free concert by some of the hottest bands around.”

Starting this weekend, March 10^th, enjoy the acoustics of the Band of Heathens; then See-I, ALO and New Monsoon every Saturday throughout March.

Steamboat & Colorado Mountain Resorts – Yes or No to Optimistic?

The Denver Post reported in a March 4^th Business Section article that real estate dollar sales in Colorado’s 6 mountain resort counties fell more than 10% in 2011. What had started off strong in January ’11, fell off by year’s end.

High end markets such as Aspen, Snowmass and Beaver Creek did enjoy a good 2011, while the remainder of the ski mountain resort areas didn’t have quite as stellar results. I posted the Steamboat Springs and Mountain Resorts results based on Land Title’s Colorado Mountain Resort Real Estate Trends Report at the end of  January. This report indeed showed the same data with disappointing news overall, as well as for Steamboat Springs’ real estate activity in 2011.  

What the new Denver Post article pointed out was that 2012 seems to be off on the same strong start as 2011, with January ’12  numbers in and showing positive signs similar to a year ago when January sales stirred up optimism that 2011 would see a real estate rebound. This year:

• Aspen-Snowmass saw a very strong January ’12 with 29 deals worth $98.26 million. This was up from 20 deals and $79.48 million in January ’11
• And while not highlighted in the Denver Post article, Steamboat Springs was up 1.43% in dollar volume January ’12 vs. January ’11 – while not what might be considered huge news, it’s still positive and going in the right direction

So with just as much positive news this past January as there was a year ago in January ’11, should we get our hopes up again that “this year” will be the real estate turn-around year? Well, to be honest, we’d all love to have the crystal ball that holds that answer, but in the meantime, we need to be cautiously optimistic despite the rationale to be wary. 

Reasons for caution:

•  Shadow inventory that has yet to hit the foreclosure market
• Case-Shiller’s year end Price Index report that is anything but positive for many key markets
• Election year political dynamics (or gymnastics) that will have just about everyone promising and posturing semi-facts and semi-truths at some point
• A lending market that is still wary
• Investors who are still waiting for the bottom
• An uncertain European market with uncertain global impact

Reasons for optimism:

• The National Association of Realtors reported that Pending Home Sales rose in January
•  NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Run, is predicting the Market is on an “Uptrend”
• The Confidence Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose dramatically in February vs. January

—For more information on buying real estate or questions regarding Steamboat Springs real estate  in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com

Thanks,

Charlie