STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: The countdown to the end of 2020 is approaching and Steamboat Springs has many ways to celebrate.
Below is a complete list of New Year’s Eve festivities, from a sun in the morning to champagne toast at midnight.
Get out
New Year’s Eve is shaping up to be a sunny day, according to the Grand Junction National Weather Service. Soak up the sun with an excursion on one of the local trails: the Yampa River Core Trail, Blackmer Drive and the bottom of Spring Creek are the most popular.
Yampatika leads a free “Skiing with a Naturalist” activity at Steamboat Resort from 1:30 to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, December 31st. People can learn about wildlife and local ecosystems with non-profit outdoor education. The group will gather at the top of the Why Not track, near Thunderhead Lodge. No registration required. Elevator tickets are not included. For more information, visit yampatika.org.
For a more rugged adventure, check out the multi-purpose routes of Rabbit Ears Pass or Buffalo Pass, ideal for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
While the weather may be sunny, it will also be cold. Tuesday’s high is expected to be 22 degrees, according to the Weather Service, so be sure to group and bring extra layers before heading out.
To celebrate the new year on Wednesday, January 1, 2021, Colorado Parks and Wildlife organizes its annual first day excursions. According to the agency’s website, three state parks in Routt County are involved.
Steamboat Lake State Park, north of Steamboat, will host a sleigh party with blackberries and hot drinks starting at 10 p.m. An optional walk will follow.
A guided snowshoe hike to Stagecoach State Park, south of Steamboat, will take people on a 1-mile hike to Pinnacle Peak. The group will meet at 10 a.m. in the Arrowhead Group picnic area, near the park entrance.
Finally, Yampa River State Park, west of Hayden, will run a 1-kilometer snowshoe ride around the park’s arranged trail. People can borrow snowshoes for the event. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be provided.
For a complete list of the first excursions of the day, visit cpw.state.co.us/firstdayhikes. According to the website, people must have a valid park pass to participate.
Laughter at night
End 2020 with a smile at the Chief Theater comedy show, featuring local comedians. Tickets are worth $ 20. The doors and bar open at 7pm with the show from 8pm to 11pm
Boogie until midnight
The steamboat may not be “the city that never sleeps,” but New Year’s Eve arrives in the city center and restaurants don’t mind missing a glance. Choose one of the following parties in the evening or go around various celebrations.
- Aurum Food & Wine will host the local rock band Throwdown from 9pm to 1.30am. The quality restaurant offers river views of the Howelsen Hill Ski Area and an extensive wine list.
- If there’s a busier night on the radar, choose one of the bars that includes live music. The press will host Carl Cramer and Jeremiah Roiko, who will play classical rock songs from 7pm to 12.30pm. No lid.
- Schmiggity’s will feature the funk-reggae band Eufórquestra with a crowded dance floor and a line at the door almost a guarantee. The show runs from 10pm to 1.30pm. Tickets are $ 20 to $ 25 and are available at the door or online at schmiggitys.com.
- Snow Bowl will feature music by DJ Chris Freese, while bowling alleys will remain open very late. The party runs from 9pm to 2am Without a lid.
New Year in the mountains
The last hours of 2020 will end with an explosion at Steamboat Resort. Every year, the complex hosts a torchlight parade and a fireworks show. For the first time this year, the parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will feature lighted snowboarders alongside Steamboat ski and snowboard school workers cutting torches.
After the parade and fireworks, the resort will host two big parties for people of all ages to ring during New Year’s Eve.
For families with children, there will be a pre-party at The Steamboat Grand from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening begins with a buffet dinner with a DJ and face painting. Noises and party hats will be handed out for the early 2021 countdown. Adults will receive a glass of champagne for free. Tickets are $ 75 for adults 13 and older, $ 35 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.
If parents can stay awake, the resort hosts a later New Year’s Eve-themed party at Timber & Torch, at the base of the ski area. Guests are encouraged to dress in retro-inspired nightclub dresses. The festivities include live music from All About Me, light snacks, a cash bar and a free midnight champagne toast. Tickets are worth $ 30.
A sober new year
Despite what the baristas on Tuesday may argue, alcohol is not a necessity to enjoy the celebration of the New Year. In any case, less alcohol the night before means an easier time to get up early to beat the crowds on the tracks.
In addition to the outdoor activities mentioned above, the city of Yampa is hosting a New Year’s Eve pancake dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31.
On Wednesday, CrossFit Steamboat is hosting its weekly Phoenix workout, designed specifically for those recovering from substance abuse and addiction. The free event is open to people who have been sober for at least 48 hours.
To reach Derek Maiolo, call 970-871-4247, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @derek_maiolo.