Hotel Ptarmigan Inn, Steamboat

Steamboat has expanded its area 40% over 4 years, making it a resort of fair size by Colorado standards. The domain often sells itself as a 'wild west' resort, which isn't the case for the modern Steamboat resort. However, the older Steamboat Springs town does keep some of its rodeo style. The skiing offers some reasonable terrain for all, but not quite enough to keep everyone happy for too long. Beginners have good nursery slopes and an excellent ski school, while intermediates have a limited amount of beautiful pistes to cruise. Advanced skiers will love the wooded off-piste powder. Boarders of all standards have 2 specialist parks and 1 in 3 of all lift passes are sold to boarders. The snow record is reliable even though the resort is quite low, while there are comprehensive snowmaking facilities. An efficient lift system also means very few queues and very jolly lift staff.

The resort is split between Springs and Steamboat, the former 20 minutes away by bus. There are all types of accommodation, with plenty of bars and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. This results in pretty lively après-ski, which is marginally better in the old town. It is perhaps best to stay in Steamboat and skip over to Springs in the evening. The old town also provides much of the off-snow activities, of which there are plenty. Don't think a visit to Steamboat is worthwhile only for the 'gun-toting' history, as the skiing is varied and challenging for all. It's a wonderful resort, but a bit of a trek from Europe…