10 Unusual Things to do in Steamboat Springs, CO

I'm often asked what are some different things to do in Steamboat Springs. So here's my list of 10 unusual things you can do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing, boarding, hiking and biking.

1. Take a Dog Sled TourDog Sledding in Steamboat Springs offers guests the opportunity of lifetime driving their own dog sled team. Terrain is comparable to the Yukon in Canada or Alaska's interior, as are the temperatures. Check out SteamboatDogSledding

2. Ride High In the SkyOne of the most scenic views of Steamboat Springs comes from taking a hot air balloon ride above the valley. Hot air balloon tours take place year-round. We prefer summer for the warmer weather and the emerald green views. Visit www.WildWestBalooning.com

3. Get an authentic Thai Massage in Steamboat SpringsAfter a stint at the Chetawan Thai Traditional Massage School right outside of Bangkok, Thailand, Pam Peretz brings back this authentic experience of Thai Yoga massage at her contemporary Steamboat Springs day spa. Book your Thai massage in Steamboat at https://massagesteamboat.com/

4. Drive on an Ice Course at the Bridgestone Driving SchoolLearn to drive in snow and ice at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. They offer programs for all different levels, and their courses are some of the finest and toughest in the world. See their web site at www.winterdrive.com

5. Go Fly Fishing in the Middle of WinterThink you can't go fly fishing in the winter? Think again. Bucking Rainbow will take you to some incredible private land where you can try your luck at trophy trout. They'll outfit you perfectly for the winter weather. Check out www.buckingrainbow.com.

6. Experience Real, Natural Hot SpringsSure, Steamboat Springs is known for its Old Town Hot Springs in the middle of downtown, but you can take a four-wheel drive vehicle or a tour to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, nestled in the mountains close to town. And, it's clothing optional after dark. See www.strawberryhotsprings.com.

7. Go on a Cemetery TourIt's always cryptic and fascinating to visit an old cemetery. In the Steamboat Springs cemetery, you'll find the gravestones of the Crawford's, one of the settling families of Steamboat, among other early ranchers. You'll also notice that the lifespan of most residents was considerably shorter. The cemetery is located just west of downtown on Highway 40.

8. See the Famous Lighted ManThe Lighted Man is a Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival tradition, first started by Claudius Banks in 1936. Today, that tradition continues at Howelsen Hill in the middle of downtown Steamboat. The lighted man skis down the hill with torches and flames, preceding a giant fireworks show. See www.steamboat-chamber.com/signature.events.

9. Watch Ski Jumpers Train in the Middle of SummerChances are you've seen the infamous "Agony of Defeat" opening on ABC's Wide World of Sports, where a ski jumper tumbles down in a radical fall. But did you know that you can watch some of the world's best ski jumpers train in Steamboat Springs during the summer at Howelsen Hill?

10. See the World's only High School Marching Band on SkisBilled as the only high school marching band on skis, you can see these musicians doing their thing during the famous Winter Carnival every February in Steamboat Springs, CO. If you think walking and chewing gum at the same time is hard, you should try doing this.

    Visit the Steamboat Spring Chamber of Commerce for more information.