Getting there

By air: Yampa Valley Airport at Hayden, 22 miles away, handles jets. American, Continental, Delta, United and Northwest have nonstop flights from eight U.S. cities plus one-stop connecting service from more than 150 other domestic and international cities.

From December 14, 2006-April 9, 2007, American Airlines is offering special fares on direct flights from Chicago to the Yampa Valley airport. The special fares, which must be booked and ticketed by December 14th and require a minimum one-night stay, start at $298 for midweek, off-peak travel and $348 for weekend, peak travel. Book these special fares through Steamboat Central Reservations: 800-922-2722.

Two ground transportation companies provide service from the airport and from Denver International Airport—Alpine Taxi/Limo (879-2800) and Storm Mountain Express. Avis, Budget and Hertz have cars available at the Yampa Valley Airport.

By car: Steamboat is 157 miles northwest of Denver. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to exit 205 at Silverthorne (allow extra time if you want to stop at Silverthorne's factory outlet mall), north on Hwy. 9 to Kremmling, then west on Hwy. 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass to the resort.

Getting around: A car is optional. Steamboat has an excellent free bus system between town and ski area running every 20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. Call 879-3717 for information.