Pet friendly vacation rentals are the perfect cost-saving option when you're looking to travel with your pet and not have to pay money for someone else to care for them when you're away. Your pet gets to travel with you, and you save money! It's the best of both worlds. Pet lifestyle expert, Wendy Diamond, is the founder/executive editor of Animal Fair magazine and recently talked with USA Today about the pet travel section of her new book, It's a Dog's World: The Savvy Guide to Four-Legged Living.

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From January 4-9, 2010, Steamboat Springs will play host to MusicFest—the "only festival that brings the finest Texas and Americana music to the snow swept Colorado Rockies." From country, rock, and blues, to bluegrass, folk, and swing, MusicFest brings a variety of sounds to the beautiful Rocky Mountains for thousands to enjoy—six days; 30 bands; over 40 performances; all under one tent. 

Now in its 25th year, MusicFest 2010 will feature artists including Lee Ann Womack, Robert Earl Keen, Cross Canadian Ragwe, Charlie Robison, Band of Heathens, Reckless Kelly, Kevin Welch, Jaime Wilson, Jack Ingram, Dean Dillon, Modern Day Drifters, Ben Smith, Midnight River Choir, and more!

For a comfortable place to stay during MusicFest, check out these Steamboat Springs vacation rentals.  Plus, for those who wish to hit the slopes too, MusicFest provides a ski travel package, thanks to Dickson Productions.

On December 19, 2009, prolific guitarist Brent Rowan and Friends (Hillary Scott, Linda Davis, and Lang Scott) will delight listeners with an acoustic Christmas concert in the Priest Creek ballroom at the Steamboat Grand. According to the senior vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation Andy Wirth, "We’re delighted to bring the incredible sounds of Brent Rowan back home in Steamboat for a truly magical holiday in the Colorado Rockies."

Tickets purchased before December 19 are just $25 and can be found all over Steamboat, including All That Jazz, the Travel Center, and Steamboat Central Reservations; plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Lift-Up, "a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential humanitarian assistance in the communities [it] serve[s]."

Start the season off brightly—by joining the community for its annual tree lighting! On November 27, 2009, the community will gather in front of the court house to light the trees, visit with Santa, and have a chance at winning "Downtown Dollars." Enjoy listening to—and singing with—the Emerald City Jewel Singers as they sing Christmas Carols; sip on hot chocolate to keep warm throughout the night; mingle with neighbors, friends, and family on the Routt County Courthouse lawn, awaiting the tree lighting. Last year, hundreds of participants came to support the annual event, including children who waited over a half-hour in line for Santa! So, if you’re looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays, join the community from 6-7pm, and kick off the season with a bang!

Calling all bowlers! Come get your bowl on and support the Steamboat Springs Home Builders Association as they fundraise for Toys for Tots on November 14, 2009. From 6-9pm, bowlers and non-bowlers alike are encouraged to take part in this event in hopes of raising money for the kids of Routt and Grand Counties. Participants can bowl and eat for just $25; plus, everyone has a chance at winning prizes, from an autographed baseball by Troy Tulowitski of the Colorado Rockies to a 2 night / 3 night trip to Las Vegas.  

The event takes place at 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza.

Steamboat Resort is a mountain town rich in friendly western heritage, spectacular scenic beauty and all season outdoor fun. Whether you are in the market for a summer wilderness escape for the whole family, peaceful and romantic getaway in the fall, or a non-stop winter wonderland of ski and sport, Steamboat has it all. Best of all are the top notch accommodations available to you and your family that are sure to make your stay in Steamboat Resort one to remember.

Trappeur's Crossing Resort
Luxurious Champagne Lodge is the newest addition to the Trappeur’s Crossing Resort and conveniently situated only two blocks from the Steamboat Gondola. You’ll be staying close to a wonderful selection of shops, restaurants and bars at Gondola Square, all making for a sparkling nightlife after a day on the slopes.

Guests can take advantage of the Trappeur’s Crossing Amenity Center as well as complimentary and private shuttle service, making both the ski areas of Steamboat Resort and the town of Steamboat Springs itself very easily accessible. After a day in the spectacular outdoors, take a swim in the indoor/outdoor heated pools, make use of the full exercise room or just relax and unwind in the sauna or hot tubs.

The lodge itself offers two, two plus den, three and four room handsomely appointed luxury condos finished in beautiful western alpine décor and wood accents. Units come equipped with whirlpool baths, complimentary wireless internet, full kitchens, ski lockers, private balconies, washer and dryer and below ground parking.

For the most affordable condos at Trappeur’s Crossing you’ll want to plan a stay at Trappeur's Lodge . Located alongside the indoor/outdoor pool, Trappeur's Lodge provides all season comfort and relaxation with a total of three pools, 6 hot tubs, BBQ’s, day spa, ski valet, concierge and a ‘cheese and wine welcome’ on Mondays and Fridays during the ski season.

For business travelers there’s also meeting facilities in the way of conference room, patio by the pool that can accommodate over 100 people, free wireless and a reception lounge.

Trappeur’s Crossing Resort is both a stunning and affordable choice when booking your Steamboat Resort vacation.

Crosstimbers at Steamboat
The rustic townhomes of CrossTimbers are just 200 yards from the slopes and have incredible views. The unique western design brings together river rock, logs, stucco and cedar and the two, three and four-bedroom suites are spacious and packed with extras. Two story great room with vaulted ceiling, gas log stone fireplace, hand textured walls and gourmet kitchen just to name a few. Amenities include internet access, tennis courts (except winter), cable TV, an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. CrossTimbers guests also have access to on-call shuttle service in the winter.

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy your stay in Steamboat as well as beautiful resort condo rentals. Whether you’re in the market for a family vacation, romantic getaway or fun filled ski trip, Steamboat Resort is the perfect destination!

Photo Credit: bhenak

With the ski season fast approaching, the Steamboat Ski Resort should be at the top of your list. This beautiful winter destination includes Ski Town, nestled in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of seven thousand feet and 160 miles northwest of Denver, where cowboy country meets ski country.

With over 150 beautifully groomed slopes sprawling over three thousand acres and a mountain summit reaching over ten thousand feet, Steamboat Springs ski area has winter fun and exhilaration for everyone. And reaching the slopes is no problem either with beautiful hotels and family condominiums being perfectly situated for quick access to the 23 lifts and high speed gondola and chairs ready to deliver you to the fun on the slopes.

If you are looking for intermediate slopes, Steamboat Skiing offers plenty of adventure, from its wide trails with awesome views to the more challenging tree lined.  If you are a more advanced skier you may want to tackle some of the narrow twisting runs, the rock jumps on the back side of the mountain or the free riding Mavericks Superpipe, North Americas longest run with its ever changing terrain.

You were wondering about the snow quality? How about well over 300 inches a season of some of the best powder found on any Olympic style slopes in the world? After all, there’s good reason why Steamboat ski buffs refer to the snow here as Champaign powder. And the slopes themselves just can’t be beat. In fact Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America, and more than some small countries.  1964 Olympic silver medalist Billy Kidd serves as the Steamboat Ski Area’s Director of Skiing and is often seen on the mountain.

Although Steamboat skiing tends to be geared a bit more towards the intermediate and advanced skill levels, there are a number of beginner slopes, well laid out and perfectly suited for honing those budding skills. And if you are looking for a little instruction you can take advantage of Steamboats new family private ski or board lessons.  Take a full or half day and the whole family can learn together.  The instructor will customize the lesson to meet the entire family’s needs.

Once you have your confidence up its time to take on the woods where you can challenge yourself by skiing in and out of trees with a timberline that reaches up to the clouds. Or you can choose to take it a bit easier and cruise down some of the more open slopes.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, taking advantage of all the beauty, fun and excitement that Steamboat ski areas have to offer will fill you with lifelong memories and a desire to return year after year.  There’s no doubt that Steamboat ski resort really lives up to its Ski Town nickname and excellent reputation for fun. If you are looking for a place to stay, you might want to check out a Steamboat Springs vacation rental.

Steamboat vacation rentals are simply the best value for the money and provide the perfect mix of comfort, amenities and convenient access to all of the sporting and outdoor activities available to you during your vacation stay at Steamboat Ski Resort. Best of all, there’s no shortage of selection when choosing the Steamboat vacation rentals best suited to you and your family’s particular needs. Here are but a few of the excellent properties to choose from.

Photo Credit: Sonnet

Quail Run Villas are available in a number of two and three bedroom units, all of which are open and spacious. You and your family will love the great rooms that are broken into living, dining and kitchen areas that provide a natural gathering space for family and friends after a day in the beautiful outdoors. Private balconies or patio, gas fireplaces, attached and heated garages, internet access and outdoor hot tubs are all part of the package.

Winterwood Townhomes are very popular choices among vacationers in Steamboat. These two bedroom/three bath luxury townhomes are situated creek side, providing guests a welcome feel of seclusion. Each unit comes equipped with full kitchen, private Jacuzzi tub in spacious and comfortable master bedrooms, private sauna, and washer and dryer. During ski season you can take advantage of complimentary shuttles that deliver you right to the slopes and back during the day as well as in to town in the evenings. In town you’ll have access to a wide range of casual and fine dining, day spas and shopping boutiques.

Crosstimbers at Steamboat are a stunning mix of western mountain design that incorporate rough cedar, large logs, river rock and stucco with beautiful log rail decks. The spacious interiors on these two, three and four bedroom Steamboat vacation rentals include hand textured wals, gourmet full kitchens and gas log stone fireplaces to cozy up to while the snow falls outside. Additional amenities include hot tub and outdoor heated pool.

The elegant Ironwood Townhomes are easy to get home to at the end of the day by ski-in access. Equally convenient is how close they are to the Headwall ski run. The multi level townhouses are beautifully finished and decorated with huge living areas, large windows, spacious dining area and vaulted ceilings. After a day of skiing you’re right across the street from wonderful restaurants and only a ten minute drive or shuttle trip to downtown Steamboat and even more dining and shopping. When you return to Ironwood you and your family can take in the gorgeous mountain or valley views from the deck or maybe unwind instead in one of the two huge outdoor hot tubs. Inside you’ve got a whirlpool bath in the ample master bathroom, free internet access to get you caught up with friends and emails, and laundry facilities to be freshened and prepared for the next day’s adventure!

Now that you have a better idea of what Steamboat vacation rentals have to offer, isn’t it time to start packing?

Photo Credit: sherrymain

Considering a trip to Steamboat Springs in the near future? The many outdoor activities and rustic charms couple with the unparalleled scenic beauty of this Colorado Rockies town make for an ideal destination spot for a solo getaway or family vacation. Steamboat Springs has so much to offer, no matter what time of year, and a rich heritage that sets it apart from any other resort town in the U.S.

The area surrounding Steamboat Springs was originally inhabited by the Yampatikas Utes, who used the valley during the summer for hunting.  During the early 1800’s fur trappers began to move into the area. As they were approaching they heard the sounds of the mineral springs sputtering. It reminded them of the sounds that steamboats made, thus giving the area the name of Steamboat Springs. More...

Photo Credit: Ian Muttoo

If you are looking for an exciting ski season getaway, why not look into Steamboat Springs mountain rentals? Stay where the action is right at the base of some of the world’s best Olympic style ski slopes, all while enjoying breathtaking surroundings. You’ll still be just a short drive from downtown Steamboat Springs but with all the skiing winter fun right outside your door.

Located just off the Right-O-Way ski trail at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area, you will find the Storm Meadows at Christie Base. The slopes of the Ski Area are easily reached from the Storm Meadows property, with ski-in convenience back to your condo. The studio, one, two and three bedroom condominiums are located just above Ski Time Square, allowing for easy access to many shops and restaurants so after a day on the slopes, an evening out is just a short walk away.

You are also sure to enjoy a stay at Storm Meadows Club Condominiums, nicely situated above the Right-O-Way ski trail and giving their guests the convenience of ski-in, ski-out without being right down in the busiest part of the ski area base. Just take a short access trail and you are there! This resorts prime upslope location gives it a quieter and more secluded atmosphere where you can fully take in the mountain or valley views.  The Storm Meadows offers studio, one and two bedroom condos and they have full spa facilities, gym complete with full exercise equipment and an outdoor heated pool and sauna.

Of all Steamboat Springs mountain rentals the Ptarmigan Inn may provide the coziest atmosphere with ski-in, ski-out convenience.  This full service hotel offers ski and snowboard rental and complimentary valet ski storage.  The double queen sized or king size bedrooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffee makers and cable TV.  At the end of the day you and the family can enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool or relax in a soothing hot tub.  The hotel features the Snowbird Restaurant and lounge with an after ski happy hour and it is located on the slope-side so you can drink and dine while watching the activity on the slopes.

The Ski Trail Condominiums were recently renovated in 2005 and offer one, two, and three bedroom condominiums.  Each unit is equipped with a full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV, high speed internet and a private ski locker. And a stay at the Ski Trail puts the ski slopes in easy reach by way of a short access trail.  When you have finished your day on the slopes, head down to the clubhouse and take a dip in the outdoor hot tub to unwind. This is one of the best lodging ski-in, ski-out values in a Steamboat Springs Mountain Rentals.

For unbeatable views and rustic mountain beauty with the convenience of ski-in, ski-out access, you just can’t beat a stay at any one of the wonderful Steamboat Springs mountain rentals.