
Day 1: Friday
You’re getting some exercise today, so begin with a stirring selection of roasted coffees and fresh baked goods at Mocha Molly’s, a great stop for surveying Steamboat’s downtown scene, located mostly on Lincoln Avenue.
For a winter workout big on scenic value, the Steamboat Ski Touring Center offers 9 miles of groomed nordic trails and 6 miles dedicated to snowshoeing. If you’re a beginner just looking to acclimate, try Fish Creek Loop, a favorite for its friendly terrain and elk-spotting possibilities along the flanks of Boot Hill. After expending calories, pick up a lunch to go at Backcountry Provisions, known for its extensive sandwich menu.
Then it’s off to the spectacular rustic outdoor setting of Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a therapeutic soak. At the park, which is tucked between mountain ridges, geothermal waters spill into a large natural 104° pool before cascading to smaller, secluded pools. Winter road restrictions require four-wheel-drive vehicles, so most bathers use the shuttle service provided by Strawberrie Park Hot Springs Tours.