Brainstorming in Steamboat: mountain town adds spark to summer corporate retreats.

• Author: Ringo, Kyle
• Position: RESORT REPORT

Employers planning a corporate retreat face the dual challenge of deciding on a site that advances company goals but that still feels like a reward.

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Many discover that harmonious middle ground in Steamboat Springs, a community or nearly 17,000 located 160 miles northwest of Denver and named for its hot springs, which remain a relaxing draw for those looking to unwind and find a little inspiration.

But decades before it became known as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs was understood to be a summer retreat for to-do families and individuals. All these years later, the town at nearly 6,700 feet in, elevation in the Yampa Valley has retained its authentic Western charm and ability to attract the vacation crowd year-round while building a reputation as a stellar spot for business getaways.

It's a place where one is likely to see a man in a cowboy hat, an artist rendering the scenery and, depending on the time of year, those awkward, weight-forward in their ski boots strollers on a simple trip to the local coffee shop.

Steamboat competes for all its visitors with other mountain towns and ski resorts, but it holds several advantages over much of the I-70 commotion-filled competition. Though it requires a longer drive, the town has nearby Yampa Valley Regional Airport with nights from at least eight major cities every day at the height of the ski season, including a direct daily flight from LAN in Los Angeles. In the summer nights primarily come from Denver two or three times a day.

"For those traveling by car, Steamboat has the advantage of feeling peaceful and remote while still an easy 2 1/2-hour drive from Denver," said Nikki Inglis, public relations manager for Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce, who may have a lead foot. "Visitors love that Steamboat is away from major interstates and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the cities. We're just far enough away to feel like a true escape but still close enough for a casual weekend trip or weekday conference," Inglis said.

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While the ski industry is king here, just as it is in similar resort getaways throughout the state, (the town has enjoyed 69 Winter Olympic athletes since 1932, the most of any U.S. town) Steamboat does not go dark in the off season the way other mountain communities can. Steamboat retains most of its population in the summer months while hosting numerous events such as the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and the...