Luxury Steamboat Springs vacation rentals

Best time to go

• During spring: with glorious sunny days and crisp nights, spring in Steamboat is a delight. The river swells with meltwater from the mountains and the trout start to bite, making this an ideal time of the year for fishing. The trails start to thaw and open up for hiking and exploring, while in town a cluster of festivals, events and even the odd art class or two keep everyone entertained. Expect temperatures to still be on the low side, so make sure you have a jumper or two for those cooler evenings.

• During summer: summer is hiking season in Steamboat Springs. The trek to Fish Creek Falls is well worth the effort, just don’t forget your camera. In town, the Steamboat Springs Rodeo brings in the crowds and the Strings Music pavilion puts on exceptional live music events all summer long. Summer temperatures can climb into the high 20s°C (around 80°F) but expect the thermometer to drop considerably into single figures once the sun goes down.

• During autumn: autumn sets the valley ablaze in a riot of colour as the trees turn to gold and red. The landscape gets ready for winter, and the first falls of snow make an appearance above the treeline from early September onwards. Days are still warm, with temperatures around the low to mid-20s°C (around 77°F) until the end of September, when things start to get really cold. The big snow starts in November and runs through until the spring, providing a winter playground for skiers and snowboarders.

• During winter: Steamboat Springs is known as one of the top Colorado winter destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Despite the heavy snowfall in the mountains, rain is a rarity, and the days are bright and sunny. You will need full winter gear if you’re heading onto the slopes, though, as temperatures rarely peek above 0°C (32°F) even at mid-day. Look out for events around the festive season that bring the town centre alive with partygoers and revellers.