Are you considering relocating to Steamboat Springs, or perhaps purchasing a business or vacation home there? Or are you a business owner looking for resources to assist you in making your move? Hopefully this guide will point you in the right direction with facts, resources and contacts to make your venture a success. www.steamboat-chamber.com/info/edc.asp
Steamboat Springs 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. 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. Our rich heritage in ranching and skiing differentiates us from many of our resort competitors, something that we take pride in.
We strongly value our children, who thrive in this safe environment. We passed a half-cent sales tax to ensure small class sizes and enhanced technology in our public school system.
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; with the Yampa Valley Housing Authority, we are striving to provide options for all.
The volunteer spirit is strong here, providing us with creative solutions to social issues, a sophisticated arts and cultural community, and a Chamber Resort Association that represents more than 90 percent of the businesses in the valley.
This is an exciting time for Steamboat as our physical environment embarks on an incredible renaissance. The new owner of the ski area, Intrawest, is investing in a re-grade of the base area, installation of a new high-speed lift from the base and other capital improvements.
Steamboat's 'Downtown Renaissance' includes six new mixed-use developments, including both residential ownership and main street retail opportunities. Our community also passed bond measures for a major library expansion, a new community center and a new elementary school, all of which are under construction in 2007.
Steamboat is truly a remarkable place. Your success is important to us!
