Steamboat Springs, CO Ski Town Ranch is 1,000 acres of spectacular landscape surrounded by mountain and town views. The property provides a front-row seat to the best of Colorado: wildlife, two ski areas, and unlimited recreation on the adjacent public land. Ideal as a large ranch estate, the property is the most convenient large parcel to downtown on the market. A custom hunting cabin recently constructed near the top of Copper Ridge, overlooks the Yampa River corridor and the neighborhoods of west Steamboat in the distance. Three residences are well located on ridges and in small valleys, all near the entrance at the paved county road. The ranch is ideal for livestock; it has numerous outbuildings, ponds and springs, good ranch roads and a massive open-sided barn. One of the most unique locations in the Steamboat Springs area, the property is quiet and private without sacrificing convenience to downtown and skiing.
The property is located on the edge of Steamboat Springs, a community of about 12,000 that surges to over 30,000 during busy seasons. Nearly surrounded by the Routt National Forest, the area’s access to outdoor recreation is fast and easy. Steamboat is approximately 160 miles northwest of Denver and about 180 miles northeast of Grand Junction, the largest population center on Colorado’s western slope. During the summer and winter seasons, direct flights are available at the area’s regional airport from 16 major cities around the country. This area of northwest Colorado is known for beautiful, protected landscapes, welcoming residents, and great year-round outdoor recreation.
Ski Town Ranch is generally west and southwest facing with elevations to over 8,000 feet near the top of Copper Ridge. The upper reaches of the ranch near the public land boundary are mostly forested with a mixture of aspens and evergreens. The middle elevations of the ranch are blanketed by aspen and fern forests that change from brilliant green to gold with the changing seasons. The lower portion of the ranch has gently rolling hills with pockets of Gamble Oaks; it is wildly scenic. The ranch has numerous ponds and springs plus irrigation for the hay meadows near the headquarters. The setting, with great views in every direction and quick access into town, is exquisitely private. The vantage point near town looking to the ski slopes and the surrounding mountains is unlike any other ranch parcel in Steamboat. The ranch is unencumbered and would be an excellent candidate for a conservation easement.
The cabin, carefully designed to enhance any big game hunting or wildlife watching adventures, features a wide wrap-around porch, granite counters, and wood and slate flooring. It has a good producing well and is powered by solar with a backup generator. A stone fireplace reaches to the second-floor ceiling and large windows frame the panoramic views of the river valley below. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin was recently constructed on the north end of the ranch, just a short distance from the adjacent Routt National Forest. Also located on the ranch is a 5,600 s.f. home on the ridge overlooking Steamboat Springs. A one-level ranch manager’s home is situated in a small valley lined with cottonwood trees. A guest house is located near the ranch entry. Within eyeshot of the guest house, a barn provides shelter for horses and livestock equipment. Covered paddocks, open pastures, and irrigated meadows are in this headquarters area as well. Numerous three-sided sheds provide storage for ranch equipment. The lower meadows are fenced and cross-fenced.
Outdoor recreation is easy to enjoy both on and off the ranch. The ranch has a two-mile boundary with the adjacent federal public land. The Routt National Forest that borders the north end of the ranch is over 1 million acres and stretches into Wyoming. A 245+/- acre BLM parcel adjoins the ranch; the ranch has the grazing permit for this BLM parcel. Located in GMU 14, the big game hunting on the ranch is primarily for elk, deer, bear and occasionally moose and antelope. Nearby public fishing is available on the Yampa River flowing through downtown Steamboat. Hiking, riding, and cycling are popular in town along the Core Trail and the nearby forest trailheads. Game trails on this Steamboat Springs ranch are convenient for on-property hiking and riding. Being a popular resort town, Steamboat often has events, amenities and attractions only found in larger towns.
The ranch has 4 adjudicated springs and 10 adjudicated ponds, the largest of which is over 33 AF. The ponds are interspersed along the Slate Creek draw and provide good water for livestock and wildlife. The springs provide the water for the residences and other improvements. There are also Woodchuck Ditch shares of water that irrigate the hay meadows near the headquarters.
Perhaps best known for its world-class ski mountain set amongst working ranches, Steamboat is a friendly western town located in Colorado’s northwest corner. The Steamboat Ski Area is being expanded to become Colorado’s second largest ski area. In addition to thousands of acres of power-skiing terrain, Steamboat will also be home to the longest gondola in the United States. Howelsen Hill ski hill and ski jumping complex is within sight of the ranch. This City-owned, 100+ year-old ski area has been the training ground for over 100 Olympians and is the oldest continuously operating ski area in the nation. Adjacent to Howelsen Hill is the rodeo arena with its PRCA-sanctioned outdoor summer rodeo series. Downtown Steamboat parallels the tree-lined Yampa River with public fishing access. The quaint shops, local restaurants, and unique art galleries are a few minutes from the property. Relatively low in elevation when compared to other resort areas, Steamboat is under 6,795 feet, requires little time to acclimate, and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The ranch is located in GMU 14. Bull tags for archery, 2nd rifle and 3rd rifle are available over the counter. Seasons that require a successful draw are generally awarded within a year or two. Buck tags are available by draw and also fairly easy to draw and are often awarded to first or second-year preference point holders. Because of the vast amount of public lands in this area of Colorado and the excellent habitat, deer and elk herds are healthy and plentiful. Hunting on this ranch is very good. Being so close to a popular resort town, it is easy to enjoy breakfast at one of the downtown restaurants immediately after a great morning hunt!
Any minerals owned by the Seller will be conveyed to the Buyer.
Ski Town Ranch is 1,000 acres at the edge of one of Colorado’s premier resort communities. Surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, the property is quiet and private but convenient to downtown and the famous powder skiing at both of Steamboat’s ski areas. The improvements are numerous, functional, and modest and the newly constructed cabin is extremely secluded and well-designed. Steamboat Springs, known for its friendly, western hospitality, has preserved its deep agricultural roots while a world-renowned ski area emerged and prospered. More than just a ski resort, Steamboat offers year-round outdoor recreation, fine dining, quaint shops, great schools, and a genuine community. This ranch is one of the most unique properties from which to enjoy everything Steamboat.
Christy Belton:
(970) 734-7885 Christy@RanchResortRealty.com
