[10] Steamboat Springs – known colloquially as "The Boat" – is located in the upper valley of the Yampa River, along U.S. Highway 40, just west of the Continental Divide and Rabbit Ears Pass.

The area surrounding Steamboat Springs was originally inhabited by the Yampatika band of the Utes, who hunted in the valley during the summer.

In turn, the popularity of skiing as a winter pastime catalyzed development of the town and other communities all over the Rocky Mountains.

The festival includes ski racing and jumping, dog sledding, and chariot events down Lincoln Avenue, the city's main street.

Howelsen also founded the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and built the town's first ski jumps.

The Steamboat Ski Resort was largely established by two local men, Jim Temple and John Fetcher.

TIC - The Industrial Company was acquired by Kiewit Engineering and all operations except the Training Center moved elsewhere (Denver, etc.).

[citation needed][date missing] The main TIC complex on Routt County Road 129 has been acquired by Yampa Valley Electric Association as their new headquarters, with extensive renovation.

[citation needed] In 1993, the City Council of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, conducted a poll of its residents to choose a new name for the bridge that crossed the Yampa River on Shield Drive.

With 7,717 votes, the winning name was "James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge".

The bridge was officially dedicated in September 1993, and James Brown appeared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the event.

[16] Historic buildings in Steamboat Springs include: According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26 km2), all of it land except for the Yampa River.

[22] In 2024, a plan to build nearly 2,300 affordable housing units intended for priced-out workers in Steamboat Springs was blocked by residents in a ballot initiative.

[24] CMC Steamboat Springs is notable for being the only college in the United States offering a degree in Ski & Snowboard Business, which focuses on the retail, manufacturing, and marketing of snowsports.

[citation needed] The Yampa river is a location for water sports like fishing, rafting, tubing, and kayaking (playboating).

Beavers started kayaking at age 12,[27] was the first to explore a number of rivers ("first descents"),[28] and successfully contended in playboating competitions.