A quick look into life in Routt County, CO during April as documented by Hallie Myhre.
April can be a great Month in Routt County. The ski season at Steamboat Resort wraps up mid-month. Great spring skiing conditions are always a favorite, made better by fun events and a decrease in tourists. April 1st was gaper day, a tradition at ski resorts across the country. Locals dress up in costumes that range from blow-up dinosaurs to retro ski gear and just have a good time. For the last 10 days each season, Steamboat Resort has a fun festival known as springalicious. Each day a backpack full of fun swag provided by a sponsor is hidden somewhere on the mountain. One clue is given and skiers and riders try to be the first one to the location to grab that bag full of great prizes. Each day is different, with items from Smartwool, Budlight, and the last day is usually a brand new go-pro. Closing weekend is full of fun annual events and concerts. Local teams work all winter long to create the best vessel for the cardboard classic and many skiers and riders try their hardest in the pond skim no matter the weather. Not to mention the fun to be had if you catch one of the last chairs before the mountain closes, and find a fun celebration.
Spring break for the local school district always takes place after the mountain closes. This allows for those who work at the resort to be able to actually take a vacation (or staycation). I had the opportunity to visit my brother in Croatia for spring break, it was an amazing trip filled with so many fun experiences. Mid-April usually commences the start of mud season. The change of weather and lack of visitors make it the slowest season of the year, which can be great for locals. Many businesses give their employees some much-needed time off after a long ski season. The restaurants that do stay open offer great deals to those who are in town. I certainly didn’t pass up the 2 for 1 Tuesday at Back Door Grill, where everything you order, you get a second free. There are deals like this every day at different restaurants during mud season, so it is certainly worth it to seek them out.
With the weather warming up, me and my dog Hobie took many walks along the Yampa River, it wasn’t quite hot enough to go in the water yet, but it won’t be too long. Hobie has been working hard in the office so he enjoyed his first happy hour at Storm Peak Brewery in April. Not only does Storm Peak make great beer, but it’s even better when our four-legged friends can come to enjoy the space as well.
Although there may not be a lot going on during April, there is still plenty to do. It’s a great time to enjoy what Routt county has to offer with a few fewer people around, like the hot springs, core trail, and downtown shops and restaurants. The signs of spring amid the April (snow) showers make it one of my favorite times of the year, and who doesn’t love seeing all the babies being born during calving season.
