This time of year, families from all over the globe travel to Steamboat Springs to partake in a variety of fun and family-friendly winter activities. If you’re looking for a way to get your kids outside during the day, or you’re tired of watching them play video games during their winter vacation, planning a trip to Steamboat Springs may be a great option for you.
At The Porches of Steamboat, we’re proud to offer a unique array of impeccably crafted homes that you can own, right in the heart of Steamboat Springs. All of our residences offer spectacular architecture and amenities, not to mention they feature double car garages, professional kitchens, air conditioning, and dehumidifying systems. If you’re interested in learning more about our ownership options or you’d like to learn more about the residences we have available, contact our friendly staff today.
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the top things to do with your children this winter in Steamboat Springs.
Craft Snow Angels and Snowmen
What is winter without snow angels and snowmen? If heavy snow has found its way to your Steamboat Springs vacation home, consider bundling up your little one for a fun afternoon outside. Once you’ve dressed your child in the appropriate snow apparel, it’s time to take them outside to enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland. To make the perfect snow angel, look for fresh fallen snow that is deep enough to where you can’t see the ground.
Once you get outside, find a flat and open area where you can make your snow angels. Have your son or daughter lie down in the snow with their back against the ground. Make sure their arms and legs are straight at their sides before prompting them to slide their arms across the snow towards their head. Ask them to perform the same motion with their legs, which will create the dress or base of their snow angel. After a few motions, ask your child to carefully stand up, so they don’t end up putting footprints on the snow angel.
Once you’ve created a snow angel or two, move on to bigger and better winter projects like building a snowman. As always, before you head outside with your little one, make sure they are bundled up with scarves, mittens, snow boots, and more. To effectively build a snowman, follow the tips below!
– Not all snowmen are created equal. Before you start building a snowman with your child, make sure the snow is right. You want snow that is slightly wet, but not too fluffy that it doesn’t pack. To test the snow outside of your Steamboat Springs vacation home, gather a few handfuls of snow and form a ball to see how well it packs. If the snowball falls apart in your hands, you won’t be able to build a snowman. Also, you’ll want at least four inches of snow on the ground for the best snowman-making conditions.
– Find a flat location to build your snowman. The last thing you want is to build a big snowman, only to have him fall over because he wasn’t properly balanced. The spot you choose to construct your snowman should be protected from sun, otherwise your new family member will melt right away.
– Start to make small snowballs with your child by gathering snow from the ground and packing it together. Consider combining your snowballs to create one large ball, and start rolling it on the ground until the snowball is roughly one foot high. Plant this snowball where you’d like the base of your snowman to be.
– Repeat the step above to create two or three more large snowballs. Once constructed, stack them on top of your base snowball, making the smallest ball the head of your snowman.
– Add some sticks to give the snowman arms, and feel free to use a carrot for a nose. You can even use a banana, cucumber, or celery stick if you don’t have carrots in the house.
Take A Ski Trip With The Family
If you’re children are a little older, you may want to consider taking them on a ski trip during your time in Steamboat Springs. Also known as Ski Town U.S.A., Steamboat Springs is seven thousand feet up in the Colorado Rockies, making it the perfect place for skiers, vacationers, and mountaineers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to the Steamboat Ski Resort or you’re interested in cross-country skiing off the beaten trail, you’re sure to find the perfect place for an outdoor adventure.
Before you take off on an exciting winter ski trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible on the mountain. Keep these ski tips in mind as you schedule your Steamboat Springs vacation.
Take A Ski Lesson – Even if you’ve gone skiing before, there’s a good chance your little ones will need a refresher. That’s why we strongly recommend that you take a ski lesson from a certified instructor. A trained ski specialist can teach you to quickly and safely navigate down the mountain, not to mention they can offer you advice when it comes to improving and sharpening your skills.
Be Careful On Lifts – While ski lifts can be a lot of fun for children and adults, it’s important to be safe on your ride up on the mountain. Take the time to read any loading and lift information boards near the ski resort. If you’re not sure how to properly load or unload on the chairlift, don’t be afraid to ask an attendant for help. Also, never lean forward when sitting on ski lifts, as they have been known to tip and sway with enough weight.
Steer Clear of Hazards – While you may be tempted to see what that orange fence is blocking, we strongly advise you to steer clear of hazards on the slopes. From poles to fences and other markings, it’s important to make sure there are no obstacles or hazards in your path.
Stay Hydrated – We can’t stress this one enough. If you start to get thirsty on the slopes, this is a clear sign that you are already dehydrated. Staying hydrated throughout the day will ensure you are alert on the slopes, not to mention it can help you avoid injuries caused by carelessness or negligence.
Take A Soak In The Hot Springs
Another fun activity to do with the kids this winter is to take them to some hot springs. Soaking in hot springs can be fun for the whole family, especially since these mineral-rich baths contain a variety of natural health benefits. The healing powers of hot springs have been used for thousands of years across Europe and Japan, and Steamboat Springs sits close to a few of them. The water found in hot springs has been found to boost blood circulation, reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. If that’s not reason enough to bring the kids to one, we don’t know what is!
The Porches of Steamboat: Vacation Homes In Steamboat Springs
If you’re a skiing aficionado or you’re looking for a way to spend more time outside with the family, a trip to Steamboat Springs should be in your future. At The Porches of Steamboat, we believe that in every detail, your home should be a statement of pure perfection. Our luxury vacation homes in Steamboat Springs are richly styled to provide you with an elegant and comfortable place to call home. In addition to our quality residences, our homeowners have the luxury of using The Barn. The Barn is perfect for family gatherings and parties, and features 6,000 square feet of games, swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. If you’re interested in learning more about our Steamboat Springs vacation homes, contact us today!