Welcome to On the Move!

Are you considering relocating to Steamboat Springs, or perhaps purchasing a business or vacation home here?

Or are you a business owner looking for resources to assist you with your next business plan? Hopefully this guide will point you in the right direction with facts, resources and contacts to make your next venture a success.

Our town got its name in the mid-1800s, when fur trappers ventured over the Continental Divide and heard the chugging sound of a mineral spring that reminded them of a steamboat. James Crawford and his hearty pioneer family overcame many hardships to settle Steamboat in 1875.

Steamboat's economy has evolved from gold mining to ranching, to coal mining, to recreational tourism. In 1960, the first skiers descended the slopes of Storm Mountain; today Mount Werner is a world-class ski area. Our rich heritage in ranching and skiing differentiates us from many of our resort competitors, something we take pride in.

During the past century, winter and summer tourism have evolved as mainstays of Steamboat's economy. But with the advent of high-speed technology, a new industry of location-neutral businesses and employees is now populating our community, often as a lifestyle choice.

Steamboat has doubled its population in the past two decades, but small-town values still reign. We strongly value our children, who thrive in this safe environment. We passed a half-cent sales tax to ensure small class sizes and enhance public school technology.

We value our health, as evidenced by a successful capital campaign that funded our state-of-the-art regional medical center. Because we value our land, we purchase development rights to preserve open space. We value housing opportunities for all who choose to live in the Yampa Valley, regardless of their socio-economic status; the Yampa Valley Housing Authority strives to provide options for all.

We value the entrepreneurial spirit. Our business incubator at Colorado Mountain College, a local chapter of SCORE and our business resource center can provide you with all you need to start or expand your business here.

Volunteerism and civic engagement are strong here, providing us with creative solutions to social issues, a sophisticated art and cultural community, and a Chamber Resort Association that represents more than 90 percent of the businesses in the valley.

Over the last few years, Steamboat Springs has experienced a bit of a renaissance. The current owner of the ski area, Intrawest, has invested in a re-grade of the base area, installation of a new high-speed lift from the base and other capital improvements. "Steamboat Unbridled" is bringing new signage, street alignment, a transit center and an interconnected promenade to the base area. New properties such as One Steamboat Place, Trailhead Lodge and the Edgemont are nearing completion.

"Downtown Renaissance" includes six new mixed-use developments and a beautiful remodel of the Old Town Hot Springs pools and recreation area. Also new in the historic downtown area is a new library and community center.

Steamboat is a remarkable place where Western hospitality will make you feel right at home. Please visit our website, www.steamboatchamber.com and let us help you with your next visit or relocation. Your success is important to us!

Sandy Evans Hall
Executive Vice President
Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, Inc.