Steamboat Springs is a superb place to live, work and ski. The balance of community, working town and landscape that truly deserves the moniker “awesome” makes this Colorado gem a top place for investment or relocation, as well as a great place to escape to. Steamboat has been a ski resort since 1963, and it’s seen many changes – the next few years seem set to bring even more - with ground broken earlier this year, the $135 million dollar Master Plan Development from Steamboat Ski and Resort corps promises a host of innovation and investment that will keep Steamboat firmly placed as a premier ski destination.
What’s new in Steamboat Springs?
In the words of Steamboat Ski and Resort corps
“This is an ambitious undertaking the likes of which our resort has never seen. With plans for an après ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, new lodging, a ski beach and an ice rink. On the Mountain – new lifts and new terrain that will make us the second largest resort in Colorado. In the tradition of our pioneering spirit and out of the genuine western heritage of Steamboat, comes an entirely new vision for our resort. Welcome to the new west.”
When will we start to see the results of the investment in Steamboat?
According to the timeline, by the end of the 21/22 season we should see steps like the opening of the “golden walk” escalator which will link the transit centre and gondola plaza, a new kids vacation centre and the opening of the brand new promenade building on gondola square. As we move into 2022 things like the Wild Blue gondola – the longest in North America, and capable of carrying up to 8 passengers – will begin construction. New shops and restaurants will be built and a new arrival centre is sure to open. Various other improvements like the relocation of the Christy peak lift and the construction of an impressive new ice rink are also scheduled for this period. The final stages of investment – expansion of Pioneer and Fish creek falls - is anticipated to be complete by the end of the 2023/24 season.
What does this mean for visitors to Steamboat Springs?
It will mean big changes to some areas of the resort. The base area in particular will be transformed into a space with a more open, communal feel, complete with seating and fire pits. There are practical changes too, with things like the “golden walk” escalator creating a direct route from the street to the base area.
Many of the changes will address Steamboat’s only downfall – the fact that it’s so popular – and improvements like the relocation of the gondola terminal will relieve congestion of the base area that has been an issue in recent years.
“moving the current gondola building & adding the new 8-person gondola, would increase the out-of-base capacity from 6,000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour! This new capacity will allow guests to space out more comfortably and alleviate the stresses on lift lines.”
Bob Keenan - Steamboat principal planner
On mountain changes to Steamboat Springs
The Wild Blue gondola will be the longest in North America – a whopping 3.16 miles from base to summit. It will give access to a new ski school at Bashor Bowl, as well as being able to whisk more visitors to the extra 650 acres of terrain in Pioneer Ridge. This increase takes the total ski area to an impressive 3,620 acres – making Steamboat Springs the second largest in Colorado.
What does this mean for people looking to buy a property in Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat has always been popular and real estate prices have been steadily rising for a couple of years. This rise accelerated over the last 18 months, thanks to a little thing called Covid 19. The realisation that being able to access somewhere you love – like the mountains – made people rethink how they structure their lives. Combine this with the realisation that remote working is not only entirely possible, but often more productive and certainly more accommodating for a genuine work life balance and somehow living somewhere you love has become even more essential. All this has made for extraordinary price rises
“The median price of a single-family home in Steamboat has gone from $476,000 at the market’s low point in 2012 to $1,077,500 in 2020. In less than a decade, it’s increased by 126%.”
Bryce Martin – Steamboat Pilot.com
Whilst it’s impossible to predict the future, the appeal of Steamboat seems here to stay. The new investment means the resort will continue to attract visitors for years to come, while the town’s reputation for being a great place to work and live means it’s appeal as a primary residence isn’t waning.
What sort of property could I buy in Steamboat Springs?
SnowOnly is a property portal, which means we’ve access to thousands of properties worldwide - there’s no trawling through endless agent sites, plus we’ve a host of features that make it easy to search for your favourite property.
We’ve a superb range of property in Steamboat, including this magnificent ranch overlooking the Elk River. Just 6 miles outside steamboat, this beautiful home features vaulted ceilings and stunning architectural features, as well as breathtaking views over Elk River, Sleeping Giant, Hahns Peak and the Steamboat Ski Area.
If you’re looking for a family home then somewhere like this charming three bedroom property could be ideal. Complete with features like a family room and a great location near to all Steamboat has to offer, this a place to make a home and enjoy the unique lifestyle offered by resort town living. If you’re looking for a great space to live and work, then this superb apartment overlooking the Yampa river is ideal - it’s finished to an impeccable standard and offers stunning views from the terrace - ideal for relaxing after a long day.
Don’t miss out on your perfect Steamboat Springs ski property
You won’t be surprised to hear that property is moving pretty fast in Steamboat. If you’ve decided you’d like to make a home in this part of Colorado, or if you’re looking for a great ski property investment, our property alert system is the perfect way to stay ahead of the market. You may also enjoy our buyers guides, to help you get everything in place for your move to Steamboat - to go full steam ahead, as it were.
Apr 15, 2024
