Miles P.
I spent a lot of time trying to find an affordable place in Steamboat that really offered ski-in/ski-out access, so here's a closer look at Unit 66 in Storm Meadows East. We were pleasantly surprised by the value and convenient location, and would happily stay in this unit again. It's not a luxury condo, more like staying at a family friend's place, but it was comfortable and very clean for an older building. We thought it dated from the 1970s or early 1980s, with popcorn ceilings, older kitchen lights, wall switches, and Formica counters. There were some small cosmetic issues, including paint, wallpaper, drywall, and nail holes. For the price, it was a good deal. You could spend $1,000 more for a week and end up with little more than a hotel room. We especially liked being able to come back for lunch or change clothes when the temperature shifted. Families and people on a budget should find it useful. If dated fixtures, appliances, and carpets bother you, or you want the newest place, this probably won't suit you. The key question was whether the building itself was truly ski-in/ski-out. Yes, Storm Meadows East is. From the elevator to the slopes, I counted 109 steps and 37 stairs. If you're physically able to ski, carrying your gear that distance should be manageable. The route is paved. The building is really two mountain-side buildings joined by walkways, and the floor layout can be confusing: level 6 is ground level at the parking lot behind the building, while level 4 is where the elevator exits at ground level toward the slopes. Rooms are numbered by floor. From level 6, the parking lot is a short, flat, straight walk. Other floors require stairs or the elevator. Each floor has lockers, and every room has its own locker opened with the room key. Check the photos for the route. The walk from your room to the elevator may be longer than the elevator-to-slope part. Unit 10 is much closer to the slopes, within 10-15 feet of its entrance, but the person staying there said getting bags and other things inside was a real pain. Parking in Steamboat isn't necessarily free or guaranteed everywhere. The local rental agency, as of December 2024, was helpful with questions before booking and when we arrived late after hours. Its website also showed the total price, which many others don't. One caveat: I’m pretty sure the owners sometimes bring a dog into the unit. I didn't notice smells, hair, or anything obvious, but I'm very sensitive to the previous presence of animals and would bet there is a dog there from time to time. Anyone with severe dog allergies may want to avoid it.
