Summer is here but winter is just around the corner and if you're one to enjoy a great bargain on a ski weekend getaway, look no further. For the past 16+ years, Outdoorsco has put together an incredible ski package deal that not only will save you a pretty penny but also is full of fun activities that will keep you fully entertained and give you an opportunity to make new friends. This weekend getaway packages usually takes place the first weekend of December.
Last December, I decided to take on this adventure with two of my best friends, Heather and Justin. Our 3 day/2 night weekend in Steamboat Springs costs us $250 per person for a 3 day/2 night condo stay and ski lift ticket for 3 days with some other extra goodies. Our condo could actually accommodate 6 people, our per person cost could have been much lower if we had 3 more people join us but still $250 per person for all we obtained was still a sweet deal.
You have the option of choosing from a budget condo to a premium condo. While we viewed the room options online for all the different condo locations, we decided to stay at the budget condo option. Per the photographs, they seemed just as nice as the premium condos, we took a chance and we were given Timber Run Condos.
Our condo was a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo with a decent size kitchen with everything needed to cook up a nice meal if we choose to...we did bring our own breakfast items and cooked breakfast everyday.
The condo was nicely decorated with the typical ski lodge decor that let's you know you are definitely in the mountains and certainly puts you in the mood to just get your skis on and hit the slopes . The condo also came with a warm and cozy fireplace to curl up next to which was perfect after a long fun day.
As a plus, the condos also provided free shuttle services to the slopes as well as to Downtown Steamboat Springs.
Part of Outdoorsco package deal includes discounts on ski and snowboard lessons. Prices ranged from $25 to $50, since we were all skiers and had never snowboarded before, we decided to give snowboarding a chance, especially since it was only $25 for the first time snowboard lesson package. You also had the option for a $25 first time ski lesson.
There were 8 of us in our snowboard lesson group and 2 instructors. I was very impressed with the instructors professionalism, style of teaching and their patience. We had about a 6-hour lesson with a one hour lunch break, by the time you are done, you are exhausted and possibly bruised but you'll also be confident that you may be able to master snowboarding with 3 to 4 more lessons.
If you don't wish to bring your own ski or snowboard equipment for this trip, you can get a 20 percent discount on your rentals at several locations there. We choose Christy Sports and their service and professionalism was phenomenal.
Tip of the day: Don't be cheap, get the equipment insurance, Heather broke her ski pole on day one. They will also store your skis and poles or snowboard overnight for free if you are renting them out for more than one day.
During this weekend trip, the ski slopes were open until 4pm, therefore, Outdoorsco also made sure to schedule evening activities for its participants. One evening we had free access to Hot Springs followed by a pub crawl in Downtown Steamboat Springs. Another evening we had a private party at Steamboat Springs Hotel Grand Ballroom with a one hour cocktail event that provided free wine and beer samples by sponsors followed by a dance party with live music.
All in all, we had a great time at a great price and made new friends in the process. So don't miss out on this yearly Steamboat Springs ski adventure. For more information check it out at www.outdoorsco.com.
