Getting your player ready...
Being a local is a state of mind subject to altitude, attitude and the number of visiting skiers. When Steamboat Springs residents want to get away from the madding weekend crowd, they hide out at Elk River Farm & Feed, strap on their snowshoes or backcountry skies for pilgrimages along Rabbit Ears Pass, get barbecue takeout from the Double Z, or fly under the turista radar by heading for these local institutions.
Getting there: From Denver, take Interstate 70 west to the Silverthorne (exit 205). Go north on Colorado 9 for 27 miles to Kremmling. Turn west on U.S. 40 for 53 miles to Steamboat Springs. The trip takes 3 to 4 hours in optimal driving conditions, and longer in storms and heavy traffic.
