17 Must-Do Adventures Near Bluebird Backcountry
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Bluebird Backcountry sits between two adventure epicenters: Kremmling and Steamboat Springs. Take advantage of the prime location by sampling the full array of winter adventure, good food, and mountain town charm. To get you started, we put together this guide to the best things to do near Bluebird.
The Steamboat area is famous for deep pow and fun terrain. Photo: Sean Kelley via Unsplash
Adventures
The Colorado Rockies offer adventures of every shape and size. Round out your visit with these unforgettable outings.
1. Go ice climbing at Fish Creek Falls.
This 80-foot waterall just east of Steamboat Springs freezes in the winter, providing great introductory terrain for ice climbing. (Be sure to hire a local guide service if you’re new to the sport.)
2. Try Nordic skiing at Howelsen Hill.
America’s oldest operating ski area, Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs, provides free skiing on Sundays.
3. Go ice skating.
Howelsen Hill also offers free outdoor ice skating on its two tennis courts, which are converted into rinks in winter.
4. Soak in a hot spring.
Take a rest day to soak those sore muscles in the natural, spring-fed Strawberry Park Hot Springs or downtown Steamboat’s Old Town Hot Springs.
5. Keep skiing!
Colorado is a great place to ski, and ski-area hopping is an amazing way to get to know the state. Here are some of our favorites (other than Bluebird, of course):
- Seamboat Resort: Steamboat is a great lift-accessed ski area with a lot of character. You can pay for a lift ticket, or splitboard or ski uphill at the resort as long as you go before or after operating hours and sign up for a $20 uphill season pass.
- Local Backcountry: Experienced groups will also find plenty of unmitigated backcountry terrain to keep them busy. Try Buffalo Pass for easy to intermediate lines, or Hahn’s Peak for great views and some glade skiing.
Table 79 offers upscale fare in a mountain-meets-urban atmosphere. Photo: Table 79 Foodbar
Food & Drink
Mountain town eateries have tons of character (and amazing food, to boot.) These local brew-pubs, restaurants, and cafés offer Bluebird visitors some amazing deals.
For Date Night
Head to The Barley in Steamboat Springs for top-notch drinks in fun, laid-back digs. Sip Colorado craft beers on the patio, or get a round of beers and snacks to toast a backcountry day well-spent. Sweet perk: Bring your Bluebird day pass for BOGO drinks.
We also love Blue Valley Spirits for local craft vodka, whiskey, and gin. Then there’s Steamboat Whiskey Co., which provides all-day happy hour pricing with your Bluebird day pass or season pass (you can also grab a coin at the Bluebird base area lodge for a free whiskey tasting).
Bring your Bluebird pass for a free beverage at Aurum. Photo: Aurum Food & Wine
For Celebrations
When an occasion calls for a little extra flair, treat yourself to an elevated dining experience at Aurum Yurt or Table 79 Foodbar. Bonus: At Aurum, Bluebird day pass gets you a free house wine, draft beer, or well drink with the purchase of a small plate or app.
For Casual Family Dining
The Dean West restaurant in Kremmling is our go-to for hearty meals with easy-going atmosphere. Also check out partner establishment Grand Adventure Brewing for pub fare and an extensive tap of local brews. Bring your Bluebird passport for a free beer. (Get more than half the stamps? Make that two free beers.)
For Breakfast
Grab an omelet, homemade French toast, or a hot cup of coffee to fuel your ski day at Kremmling’s Moose Café. You can also grab a breakfast at the Bluebird base area—The Drunken Onion will be providing breakfast burritos on-site this season.)
For Groceries
Looking forward to a night in? Grab groceries from the locally owned general store, the Kremmling Mercantile. The ‘Merc has a lot of character and a great selection. (It’s where we source all our ingredients for Bluebird’s base-area food offerings, too!)
Head to Hotel Eastin for a cozy, quirky home away from home. Photo: Hotel Eastin
Lodging
Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain cabin or a VRBO big enough for the whole family, these nearby lodging options have you covered.
Hotels
Check out the boutique Hotel Eastin for historic western digs. (Note: Some rooms share a hostel-style communal bathroom, which lets Hotel Eastin offer them at a very economical price point.) Hotel Eastin is about a half-hour’s drive from Bluebird Backcountry.
For a more traditional hotel experience, try Steamboat Hotel in Steamboat Springs, also about a 30-minute drive from Bluebird. Steamboat Hotel, Hotel Eastin, and the nearby Steamboat Mountain Lodge all offer 15% discounts to Bluebird day pass or season pass holders. Just mention Bluebird at checkout.
Cabins
If a cozy winter cabin is more your speed, we recommend booking a stay at the Muddy Creek Cabins. Each one has a kitchenette, wifi, and a gorgeous view of the surrounding valley.
VRBO
This lodge-style vacation rental sleeps up to 14 adults and offers discount for Bluebird skiers for stays two nights or longer (just email eschumm@msn.com and mention Bluebird). It’s located just north of Kremmling, about 35-minute drive from Bluebird Backcountry.
Backdoor Sports offers a great variety of gear—and some unique flair. Photo: Rahel Schneider
Shopping
Get your gear fix and expert fitting advice at one of these local shops.
- If you’re into thrifting: Check out Boomerang Sports Exchange in Steamboat Springs for a great selection of second-hand gear.
- If you’re driving from the Denver area: Be sure to stop by Two Pines Supply in Granby, Colorado, which sits right on the border of the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park.
- If you’re passing through Steamboat Springs: We recommend stopping in both Backdoor Sports and One Stop Ski Shop, both of which offer unbeatable customer service and quality ski and splitboard gear. Keep an eye out for Honey Stinger snacks and Big Agnes camping equipment—both are local brands, born and bred in Steamboat.
