Descending into Steamboat Springs — either by car or by plane — feels like discovering a well-kept secret. The resort is tucked away in the northwest corner of Colorado, giving small town charm to a world-class winter ski destination. Steamboat’s remote location and western heritage provides for not only world-class snow, but world-class hospitality as well.

Steamboat proper is bordered by ranch land, with wide open fields of soft, glistening snow with knotty pine cabins dotting the mountainside. The resort’s central gondola and diverging ski lifts adorn the mountain like strings of fairy lights on a Christmas tree. The rustic and quaint downtown offers a glimpse back into the past, with historic buildings full of whimsy and personality. The whole scene is straight out of a western painting.

The mountain itself offers 169 trails and 2,945 skiable acres. Last season the resort reported 46 powder days. And there’s truly nothing like Steamboat snow. Because of the secluded location of the resort, Steamboat reaps the rewards of many a winter storm that other Colorado ski destinations aren’t lucky enough to enjoy. Perhaps this is why Steamboat has produced 96 winter Olympians — more than any other town in North America.

“The snow that moves through our valley is very, very light,” said Maren Franciosi, the Digital Communications Manager at the Steamboat Resort. “The water content is pretty low, so we have our famous champagne powder snow that you can only find in Steamboat. You can’t find it anywhere else in the world. It is just the lightest, fluffiest snow and it piles up in the winter months.”

With some lifts opening as early as 8:30 in the morning, it’s easy to be the first to lay tracks through this fresh powder. And for the true powder hounds, Steamboat offers a special ‘First Tracks’ pass that grants early access to the gondola and four other lifts. But with several lifts closing as late as 4:30 p.m. in the spring, late risers won’t miss out either.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the winter months and 6:00 p.m. come spring, Steamboat opens the Christie Peak Express lift for night skiing. Overhead lights brighten the runs, allowing the snow crystals to glimmer and glisten in the night air as skiers glide down the mountain. The town of Steamboat stretches out below, ski chalets and wood-burning fires illuminating the darkness.

Steamboat prides itself on being a family-friendly ski destination, so whether visitors love to dodge trees while blazing down double diamonds or prefer to float down a groomed blue or green, all will feel equally at home.

But Steamboat isn’t just known for its glittering slopes and champagne pow. This winter wonderland earned the name Steamboat Springs because of the 150 natural mineral springs that encircle the town. And there’s nothing better than a dip in natural hot springs to soothe aching muscles and warm frost-nipped toes.

The Strawberry Park Hot Springs — about 20 minutes outside of town — is composed of a series of rock-rimmed, natural pools nestled among snow-dusted pine trees. It’s perfect for a post-ski soak. And if bathers overheat in the springs, they can even take an invigorating plunge in the clear-watered river that runs alongside the mineral pools.

If a drive isn’t in the cards, the Old Town Hot Springs, situated in downtown Steamboat, is home to eight different pools, including four hot spring pools, a lap pool, and a variety of splash pools and water slides for kids. Both locations offer massage options as well.

With a snow-topped peaked roof and cozy fireplaces in many of the suites, the Steamboat Grand pays homage to Colorado’s western roots with an upscale spin. The four-star luxury hotel is the perfect place for weary skiers to kick off their boots at the end of a long day on the slopes. And they won’t have to lug their skis far to get back to the mountain come morning.

The Grand is located on Mt. Werner circle, within walking distance of the base area lifts and gondola, as well as a variety of après ski bars and dining options.

For a pre-ski breakfast, Winona’s — a favorite of locals and tourists alike — is definitely not to miss. This charming bistro situated on downtown Steamboat’s main drag, Lincoln Avenue, provides tasty homestyle cooking sure to warm diners from inside out in preparation for a day spent on the slopes. The offerings span from sweet to savory, with warm cinnamon rolls drizzled in icing to an assortment of omelettes stuffed with any combination of meats, cheeses and veggies.

For a mid-ski bite, there are a variety of options on the mountain. These eateries range from sit-down culinary experiences to ski-in, ski-out dining lodges that blend into the landscape with pine façades and snow drifts perched on their roofs like hats.

With sweeping views of the Steamboat Valley and adjacent mountains, Hazie’s provides modern Colorado cuisine with a view. Named for Hazie Werner, the mother of American alpine ski racer Buddy Werner — for which the primary mountain of the resort is named — this mountaintop gem offers classics like French dip sandwiches as well as imaginative appetizers like wild mushroom fondue and smoked trout croquettes.

Situated mid-slope — with skiers and boarders whizzing past — and sitting at an elevation of 9,716 feet, the Four Points Lodge has views comparable to Hazie’s. The rustic lodge offers hearty fare, like bison chili, made with all local ingredients. The deck at Four Points is also a perfect place to snag a table and enjoy a beer or coffee.

And in the evening, the restaurant transforms. Only accessible via a scenic snowcat ride, diners will enjoy a gourmet meal of Northern Italian cuisine slopeside, overlooking the Steamboat Valley.

Alternatively, the moon lights the way as diners set out under the pristine Colorado night sky on a sleigh ride to Ragnar’s restaurant to enjoy a five-course dinner. The menu features a variety of Scandinavian-inspired options, topping off the meal with a luscious chocolate fondue.

If mountain exploration during daylight hours is preferred, Aurum Food and Wine is a perfect opportunity to experience downtown Steamboat in the evening. Overlooking the Yampa River, the restaurant is located in the former Steamboat Yacht Club.

Somewhat of a joke amongst Steamboat natives— the town lacks a body of water large enough hold a yacht — the establishment was a popular and beloved local haunt before it closed its doors in 2009. Aurum took over, bringing imaginative American cuisine and, if guests return in the summertime, they can get a taste of the old Steamboat Yacht Club with spacious deck seating looking out over the rushing Yampa.

“People call Steamboat home who have visited once, been coming for years, or own second homes. It’s just a place with a really special feeling of ‘welcome home,’” Franciosi said. We agree. This winter, we’ll be packing our skis, boots, mittens, and hats and heading up to Steamboat. And we’ll be praying for a powder day.