Steamboat Springs is beautiful any time of year but picture this: sky-high pine trees covered in snow, blue skies shining bright and moose-a-plenty. This is Steamboat in the spring. With the season winding down at Steamboat Resort, the season is going out with a bang by hosting fun and quirky events that will appeal to just about everyone. Not to mention their usual steep lift ticket prices are an incredible bargain for the last ten days of their season. For just $159 you can get a three-day pass, so what are you waiting for?

Here are five reasons to visit Steamboat now

The Powder at Rabbit Ear’s Pass

Steamboat Springs

Photo by Sarah Stapley

While the snow might disappear rather quickly along the front range, the same cannot be said for the peaks above Steamboat Springs. Rabbit Ear’s Pass is home to many winter trails for all sorts of snow-filled enjoyment, and the powder is unbelievable right now. Whether you are interested in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling you won’t be disappointed with the range of trail options here. Bruce’s Trail, West Summit Loop A and North Walton Peak Route are all very popular choices. If you visit this area be sure to stay alert as moose have been spotted here this week.

Splashdown Pond Skim

Splashdown_Pond_Skim

Photo via Steamboat-Springs.com

The final day of the season at Steamboat means the return of the infamous Pond Skim. Skiers and riders turn out every year full of hope and a large dose of insanity believing that they will cross the pond successfully, and it all kicks off at 1p.m. on April 10. Crazy costumes add to the creativity of this competition and never fail to impress the rowdy crowd. Contestants are judged on costume, distance, style, crowd response and air. Space is limited, so if you think you have what it takes to quite literally, go the distance, register today. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen.

Toes on the Nose Surf Jam

Steamboat Springs

via Steamboat Ski Resort

Boasting the biggest wave in Steamboat, this event is sure to fuel your warm weather dreams and it is happening this Sunday. Best known as a ski and snowboard competition on rails, it is located at the Lil’ Rodeo Terrain Park of Steamboat Ski Resort. Participants in this skilled athletic event are encouraged to bring their own unique style to their performance and will be judged on individuality, style, and overall response from the crowd. If you think you have what it takes, registration happens on the day of the event, starting at 11 a.m. The awesome list of prizes doesn’t disappoint either. GoPro cameras, skis, snowboards, and goggles are just some of the loot you can expect to walk away with if you performance is gold.

Red Ball Express

Steamboat Springs

photo by Matt Stensland

With cash prizes on the line, this is one event you won’t want to miss. A benefit for local nonprofits, the Red Ball Express allows you the opportunity to purchase one of these giant red exercise balls for a modest fee of $10 each. This Saturday afternoon at 3p.m., over 100 of the red balls will be released down a course at Steamboat Ski Resort, which is quite a sight. If the ball you purchased makes it to the bottom first (or second) you win $2,500! There are even prizes for the next four balls to make it down. This is a fun activity for all ages and a great way to help some worthy organizations.

Cardboard Classic

On April 9, this quirky event is celebrating its 36th year of encouraging participants to construct their very best cardboard creation to race down the mountain, and you won’t want to miss it. With the competition getting better each and every year, you can bet the participants will be bringing their A-game to the course this year. Limiting materials to cardboard, glue, string, water-based paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons and a variety of decorations, the contestants put their creativity and inner-engineer to the test with their creations. Don’t be surprised if you see some funky costumes on the course as well. Contestants will be competing for a variety of awards including best costume, crowd favorite, best engineering, most creative and more.

Bonus: Adventurer Tip

Steamboat Springs

Blacktail Retreat via Sarah Stapley

Weekend getaways are the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and Steamboat Springs offers plenty to keep you and your group busy during your stay. Rather than staying in a hotel, we recommend sharing a vacation rental property for your visit. Not only will this save you money, but it will maximize your time with your friends. Cute Snow Villas offers a great range of properties, making it easy to find one that will suit your needs.  Blacktail Retreat is a unique combination of just remote enough while still keeping you close to all the action and offers plenty of space for everyone to relax. Retreat, indeed.