Over the Edge – A Luxury Vacation Rental Chalet in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
There is something magical about a snowstorm in the Colorado Mountains. Every time it happens to me, I feel a tingle of pleasure and a touch of guilt. This morning, I’m waking up to a warm fire at my bedside, and fourteen inches of freshly- fallen snow outside. Surely a snowstorm shouldn’t feel this… indulgent.
Our ten-thousand square foot luxury vacation rental, which goes by the name Over the Edge, is like a five-star hotel we get all to ourselves. Guests here are greeted by a personal concierge and a butler, who arrange everything from ground transportation to private massages and more. Every detail has been considered to make this home feel like a secluded resort; from the fine bed linens and spa-like bathroom, to the seven beautiful fireplaces through- out its spacious floor plan.
The storm which has surrounded us in this decadent setting is expected to drop two more feet of powder over the next three days. Ski season opens next week- end, and the trails are already being groomed, so the timing of this storm is perfect. Over the next four months, hundreds of thousands of visitors will come to this little valley from around the world to take advantage of the slopes on Mount Werner – a giant winter playground for people of all ages. This ski-in, ski-out house is on a “green” run, which means that it’s good for beginners, and the nearest ski lift is only a short walk away. In fact, the most popular service provided by Over the Edge during the winter season is an in-house ski fitting and personalized instruction on the privately-accessed ski run located right outside the door on National Forest land.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is unique among the resort areas of Colorado. Unlike other mountain towns which developed around the ski industry in the 1970’s, Steamboat has been a community for over one hundred years…it just happens to have a world-class ski mountain nearby. At least half of the residents live here year-round, and more Olympians call Steamboat home than any other city in the world.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors enjoy snow tubing (which, if you’re unfamiliar with snow activities, is like tubing on a river but faster, colder, and more thrilling). Another popular attraction is nearby Strawberry Hot Springs, a one-of-a-kind destination up in the mountains where you can soak your stress away in natural, mineral-rich 104-degree water while gazing at the Milky Way. There are plenty of locally-owned shops to visit and gourmet restaurants to try. Or, visitors can rent a pair of snowshoes to explore the natural beauty of the Yampa Valley on foot.
Once in a Lifetime Experiences
Our concierge has asked us if we’d like to try a hot air balloon ride, describing the aerial view of the Rockies during winter as absolutely surreal. Apparently it gets hot enough in the basket that people end up removing their coats, and I am strongly tempted to try it. There are other incredible experiences available as well, from dining at Mount Werner’s peak to dog-sledding behind a professional team. I start taking mental notes of all the options. We’ll definitely have to return to take advantage of all of them. For now, I’m happy to stay in this incredible house, and my only regret is that we didn’t bring more people with us to enjoy it.
Over the Edge goes over the top to create luxury in Steamboat Springs. It makes large gatherings especially comfortable and convenient. It’s easy to imagine fancy holiday dinners being held here, complete with “Winter Wonderland” décor and Bing Crosby’s voice on the sound system that plays throughout the house. There are seven bedrooms, with beds for sixteen, and overflow properties just around the corner can accommodate even more guests.
This property is a favorite for multiple-family or extended family vacations, and corporations use it regularly for retreats and strategy sessions. The private chef can easily prepare a three-course meal for twenty-four people: salmon, or lamb, or locally-raised bison on the menu, with vegetarian options available. The intimate seating area that looks out over the slope through floor-to-ceiling windows would be great for cocktails; it is the perfect aprés ski sanctuary.
Things to Do – Inside
This home provides enough amusement options inside to make it a destination in itself. My family has really enjoyed the game room, with two large flat-screen televisions, a pocket billiards table, shuffleboard table, board games, and more. It is a great blend of family room and sports bar. When they’ve had enough games, the kids disappear into the gym downstairs, where they can run around playing tennis, basketball, or pickle-ball. A Wii and Xbox in the family room and a flat patch of ground off the deck which is perfect for snowmen are two more favorite places to play.
End of the Day
At the end of a full day, the children get into their pajamas and head to the theater for an unforgettable family movie night. The theater room downstairs has stadium seating with reclining leather seats and cozy blankets, and we prepare pizza in the gourmet kitchen to serve during the film. I’ve brought glow sticks with me, to make it extra special, and the kids have a blast making chains and necklaces in the dark. When the movie ends, my husband and I tuck the kids in and head to the rooftop hot tub for a soak. We start a fire in the fireplace and pull out the wine glasses, pleased to have a few quiet moments alone. The snowflakes softly melt on my shoulders as the hot water jets massage my back and I wonder again if I’m allowed to enjoy being here this much.
Secretly, I hope it keeps snowing until spring.
*Originally published in Vacation Rental Travels Magazine.
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