Seasons and Weather of the Steamboat Springs Area

WINTER

"Out of the bosom of the air, out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken, over the woodlands brown and bare, over the harvest-fields forsaken, silent, and soft, and slow descends the snow."

-Taken from Snow-Flakes by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Some locals measure each winter's snowfall by the fence line level. You mean, this stuff doesn't melt? No and we like it that way. The only thing keeping you indoors is the task of trying to decide whether or not you want to snowshoe, backcountry ski, alpine ski or snowmobile. There is nothing like snowshoeing across an untouched field of glistening powder or gliding effortlessly through glades of aspen on skis. Routt County is known for its pristine, champagne powder and it offers some of the best winter conditions in the country--suitable for whatever activity you decide.

SPRING

Also affectionately known as "mud season." March through May is the time the valley comes to life as the melting snow sends nitrates deep into the soil, making it fertile and ready for local ranchers. Signs of life begin to emerge, as days become longer and warmer. You may be splashing through sloppy sidewalks and hopping over puddles, but this is why our valley is so green in the summer-a worthy sacrifice.

SUMMER

The landscape is transformed once more and the valley comes alive with the brilliance of green. Now it is time to enjoy a season of camping, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and water sports. Whether you are inner-tubing down the Yampa river or wake boarding across Stagecoach Reservoir, you'd be hard-pressed not to find an activity to enjoy. For nature lovers, there are hundreds of hiking and biking trails. The warm days and cool evenings make Routt County the perfect spot to spend your summer.

FALL

A typical Colorado fall offers golden aspen set starkly against a deep blue sky, offering a spectacular sight. The Yampa Valley takes fall a step further. Along with the brilliant colored aspen and evergreen, the scrub oaks throw in splashes of red for variety. The valley blazes with intensity. Gold, red, green and brown, all work together to provide a breathtaking display of color. Many wilderness areas and the National Forest allow licensed hunting, drawing tourists from all over the country. Fall is also the perfect time of year for hiking, since the crisp, sharp, mountain air gives welcome relief from the ever-powerful Colorado sun.