Winter Programs for 2007-2008
Weekly Adult and Family Programs
Winter in Steamboat is not like winter in most places with which you are familiar. The sun is usually out and the humidity is low, so being out in the snow is a treat. On top of that, there is a lot of snow to enjoy and with mountains and open land, there is no lack of beautiful places to go. We rent snowshoes for only $5, and cross-country skis can be rented at local ski shops. Just be sure to bring plenty of water — at this elevation and with our sun, you will want it. These are great activities for the whole family.
Registration is required for ALL programs. Call 871-9151.
Unless otherwise noted, all programs will meet at Yampatika.
Program scholarships are available for both children and adults. Please ask!
Most of these programs are sponsored in part by Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp., USDA Forest Service, City of Steamboat Springs, and Vista Verde Ranch. Thanks also to the Wells Fargo Neighberhood Assistance Fund.
- Tuesday
- Ski with a Naturalist 1:30 - 2:30
Learn about winter on the mountain. Where do the animals go? How do predators find their prey? Why do our forests look the way they do? What are those white things with a black-tipped tail? This is a family event.
Free, courtesy of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. Meet at the Why Not? trail at the top of the gondola.
- Ski with a Naturalist 1:30 - 2:30
Learn about winter on the mountain. Where do the animals go? How do predators find their prey? Why do our forests look the way they do? What are those white things with a black-tipped tail? This is a family event.
Free, courtesy of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. Meet at the Why Not? trail at the top of the gondola.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fish Creek Canyon! This 4 mile round-trip snowshoe is moderately strenuous, and will follow the rim of Fish Creek canyon to a spectacular view down valley. The diversity of habitats makes for a special walk, with plenty of time for tracking, learning the local trees, and taking in the scenery.
Meet at Fish Creek Falls upper lot. Bring water, a snack, and showshoes if you have them. (Snowshoes can be rented from Yampatika for $5.) Wear layers and winter shoes. This program is sponsored by U. S. Forest Service and is FREE! This is a family event.
- Vista Verde Snowshoe 2pm - 4pm Vista Verde Ranch
Settled in the peaceful Elk River Valley, Vista Verde offers a stunning backdrop for this easy to moderate showshoe tour. Meet at Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Transportation is not provided. Please call Yampatika at 871-9151 for reservations. This is a perfect family event or a way of entertaining out-of-town guests.
This snowshoe hike is FREE! and is sponsored by Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Space is limited, so call ahead.
- Emerald Mountain Snowshoe 10am - 12pm
Ride to the top of the Howelsen Ski Area (the other
ski area in Steamboat) and then explore the beauty and history
of Emerald Mountain and Howelsen Hill. The views are
spectacular and our "first" ski area provides fascinating
stories. This is a family event.
Meet at the base of the Howelsen Ski Area $10 (Fee covers
chairlift.)
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Discover Steamboat's Backcountry 10am - 2pm
Experience the beauty of the backcountry! Go where you have never gone before and might not go on your own. Three of these programs involve snowshoes and the 4th involves cross country skis. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Call ahead.
- January 21, (Monday) Martin Luther King Day, Snowshoes
- February 6, (Wednesday) Steamboat Winter Carnival, Snowshoes
- February 18, (Monday) Presidents' Day, Skis
- March 26, (Wednesday), Snowshoes.
Private Backcountry Tours
Would you like to snowshoe or cross-country ski in the backcountry but can't make any of the times listed above or want to spend more time? We are happy to arrange private tours to explore Steamboat's backcountry. This is an excellent way to see the mountains and the forest when you are not familiar with the area and would prefer not to go alone. The charge is $10/person per hour, with a minimum of 4 people. Transportation not provided.Soup Sessions
We are having a series of three lectures during the winter covering topics of local interest. A casual sup/chili supper is included in the cost, which is only $12 per person. Please call Yampatika for reservations (871-9151).- Storm Peak Lab and Steamboat Weather
- January 10, 2008: Ian McCubbin & Dr. Gannet Hallar of Storm Peak Lab will present on the state of our atmosphere and how climate change may be impacting Steamboat Springs - venue: Olympian Hall 5:30-7:30
- Water and the West
- February 18, 2008: Geoff Blakeslee will be presenting information on the non-consumptive water use assessment that is currently being undertaken to better understand water issues in Northwest Colorado. He will be joined by Kent Vertrees, who will focus on non-consumptive, recreational water uses and Tom Iseman, who will talk about water policies. - venue: Olympian Hall 5:30-7:30
- The Beetle Infestation and What It Means for Us March 20: 2008: Andy Cadenhead, Supervisory Forester for the US Forest Service, will present about the beetle epidemic and what it means for us - venue: Olympian Hall 5:30-7:30
Family Discovery Backpacks
Winter is a great time to do things outside as a family. Yampatika will lend you a family discovery backpack, which is crammed with ideas and objects that can both entertain and teach children about the environment around them. Some are suitable for hikes and some are appropriate for a day in town. A great thing about them is that they are FREE! The packs include scavenger hunts, guide books, ecological facts , and field equipment. Call or stop by Yampatika or the information station at the base of the Gondola to check them out. An imprint will be taken of your credit card and discarded when the pack is returned.
