Play at the Old Town Hot Springs this summer! Through June 16, purchase a Family Summer Membership, so you can shake off the summer heat. It’s good through Labor Day. The cost is $299 for a family with kids (parents and children in one family, not including grandparents, cousins, and nannies), for a savings of over $100. The deal includes all pools, Fitness Center, discounts on swimming lessons, massage, and some classes. Fees are applicable to annual memberships.

A summer slide pass is now available to members. Get unlimited slide rides all summer for $50 per person. The pass is non-transferrable and good through Labor Day.


Cardboard Classic Sinks To Success

Some sunk, and some stayed afloat at the First Annual Cardboard Classic at the Old Town Hot Springs. Three days of racing brought teams from throughout Routt County.


Elementary School

The cold and rain didn’t stop over 100 elementary school kids from Soda Creek and Strawberry Park. Twenty-eight teams of 5th graders were represented with themes like the Hippos, Outlaws, Bumblebees, and the Rubber Ducky Princesses, which was the crowd favorite. Despite the pouring rain, the kids had a ball, cheering on their classmates as they sank, or swam. The fastest boat belonged to The Gators, piloted by Jack Bender, McKenyon King, and Jack McNamara. The boys zipped across the pool faster than any other cardboard creation (including the high schoolers), in 35 seconds. They said, “We made it like a canoe so the water would go around it. Then we layered the inside with duct tape and Elmer’s glue. We made it sturdy because we thought we had to go down and back, instead of across the pool just once.”

Fifth grade teacher Scott Furgueson said earlier in the year, the kids chose teams of three. Then they had to draw pictures of their craft and build a small model. “They factored in buoyancy and height. Once they started building their models, some of the kids realized they had to plan something different.” Furgueson added that they did really well. “I was surprised. I thought some boats would fall apart completely but they didn’t.”


Middle School

Race day for middle school-aged kids was represented by four boats from North Routt Charter School, and the Viking boat made by a group of homeschooled kids. Strong cardboard reinforcement and superb construction kept the Viking ship holding steady on the high seas of the lap pool. Chas Feldmann and Maudie Gerber, both 12, hopped in as 11-year-old Isabel Feldmann steadied their craft. The three watched most of the other crafts sink around them.That’s when they realized they needed to start paddling, with their cardboard and duct tape paddles. Chas said, “We were hoping ours wouldn’t sink. We didn’t think ours would be the only one to survive!” The Viking ship won for best design and fastest craft. The kids said they worked on it every day for a week and they learned teamwork, and design building, as well as how to build a cardboard boat.


High School

Physics came into play for the cardboard creations from Steamboat Springs High School. The school sent 21 boats, which were joined by four boats from Christian Heritage School. Eric Nilsson is the physics teacher at SSHS and he incorporated the Cardboard Classic into his class. Instead of a test, the boat was their final. He said, “The kids got to put physics into practice and get out of the classroom.” Nilsson said they worked on their crafts for a month in class, using calculations, diagrams, and science. They had to calculate the weight of the water displaced when someone got in the boat and then how to make it go fast. “The kids were really excited about this.” They also learned teamwork.

Juniors Ciar Colgan, Rachel Dobell, and Sarah Hoing came up with the fastest craft, called Rocket Power. Rachel said, “We put flames on the back and realized it looked like a rocket.” They layered a lot of cardboard on the bottom so it would last through the heat, and they won. “We hope we get an A+.”

Pete Schuette and Austin Hinder had what looked to be a very stable craft with cardboard milk cartons as buoys on the sides, and cartons layering the bottom. While it was a good design, it flipped as soon as the two SSHS football players tried to get in it. “We should have thought to stabilize it,” laughed Schuette.

Nilsson says he will make the cardboard classic part of his regular curriculum at the high school, with students participating in the fall and in the spring. Thanks to staff for helping with judging and Pete Van de Carr at BackDoor Sports for providing life vests for the event. Pictures of all of the boats are in the Old Town Hot Springs website photo gallery and on the Old Town Hot Springs Facebook page.


From The Fitness Center

Keep in shape this summer with new fitness classes at the Old Town Hot Springs.

  • Synergy Circuit: This class is an integrated
     strength and cardio workout, set in a circuit
     format. It improves strength, balance,
     flexibility, aerobic capacity, and fluidity.
     12:15, Tuesdays.

  • Black Diamond Fitness: Members call this class a Black Diamond workout
     as it is intense plyometric and aerobic moves, and weight work off of the
     step bench. 12:15, Thursdays.

  • Total Fit Mix: This class is a total variety each week. Each workout
     challenges your aerobic capacity and strength. 5:30 p.m., Mondays.

  • Spin Fit: Thirty minutes on the spin bike and 30 minutes of intense
     weight work in the exercise room. This class is free to members.
     Please sign up at the front desk in advance to be sure you get a bike.
     12:15, Fridays.

  • Zumba! Thursday mornings in June at 8:30.

  • Poolates: Eight classes are offered at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday/Thursday
     mornings, June 1-24. Cost is $56 per member. Sign up and pay at
     the Front Desk.



Members Of The Month

The hot springs pools are perfect for those recovering from surgery, and Jim Kohler is one of them. The Steamboat builder had ACL replacement in mid-March. “Dr. Sisk told me to go get in the hot tub every day and stretch my knee.” Jim and his wife, Laurie, can be found soaking in the hot springs many evenings. Laurie, a local architect, also swims laps. Jim also likes to work out in the Fitness Center. “But then I sit in the hot tub, which is the highlight.” The couple moved to Steamboat four years ago and did most of the work building their own home. They’d come to the pools every night to soak, because they were exhausted.

The Kohlers also have started a unique business creating decorative aluminum roof racks, which can be seen at Ski & Bike Kare, as well as online at www.SteamboatSprocketShop.com






Chamber Mixer

The upper deck is expected to be packed with business members of the Steamboat community for the Business After-Hours Chamber Mixer, 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 16. Chamber members and their guests are invited for free food and beverages as well as prizes. The event is sponsored by: Old Town Hot Springs, Names & Numbers, Wells Fargo Bank, Rabbit Ears Motel, Law Offices of Ralph A. Cantafio P.C., Land Title Guarantee Company, Steamboat Discount Liquor, Paws ‘n Claws ‘n Things, Backcountry Provisions, Ciao Gelato, and the Dreamboat Café.







Plan Your Party On The Upper Deck

The upper deck above the pools is available for your next summer get-together. You can rent the deck ($100) for a family gathering, work party, special event, or dinner party with your friends. The deck sits above the hot pool, and climbing wall area. It has lounge chairs, and tables and chairs, as well as a BBQ grill. A sound system and tent are available. Stop by the pool for a tour sometime.
Click here for more details.


Spurs On Service

A smiling face is what you’ll almost always see when you walk into the lobby of the Old Town Hot Springs. Steamboat’s Chamber of Commerce sent in a “secret shopper” twice this spring, to check up on the OTHS to see if front desk employees were doing their job. This mysterious, undercover guest was greeted by a big smile each time from Missy Fraioli and Rachael Rangel. Their smiles and helpful service earned them a Four Spur Certification through the Spurs on Service Award from the Chamber.

The mystery visitor wrote about Rachael, “We were enthusiastically greeted and were provided information on the facilities. Rachael gave us a brochure, pool temps, and invited us to tour the building. She offered great information and made us feel welcome.” The same was said about Missy, along with, “Excellent and very welcoming.”

Both Missy and Rachael have no idea who gave them their evaluation. Missy said, “Most people come in to the Old Town Hot Springs in a good, cheerful mood. They’re happy and we’re happy! I like my job and I treat everyone nicely, and I feel they deserve a smile when they walk in the door.” Rachael added, “It’s pretty easy to get stressed out while you’re on a ski vacation. We want the guest to have an enjoyable experience when they swim at our pools, even if it means repeating ourselves a few times.” Rachael then added, “My co-workers make it easy to be nice.” Missy chimed in behind her, “We just have a great time here!” Say hi and congratulations to Missy and Rachael the next time you see them.


Grab Your Garage Sale Goodies

The 2nd Annual Garage Sale at the Old Town Hot Springs is from 8-1 p.m., Saturday, June 12. Garage sale items for kids will be available, such as toys, furniture, strollers, books, and games. No clothes, please. If you’d like to donate items to the garage sale, please drop your things off the day before, from 9-12 p.m., Friday, June 11. Half of the money raised will go to the Wayne Kakela Scholarship Fund, and the rest goes to child care room improvements. For questions, contact Stephanie Orozco at 970-879-1828, ext. 305.


Flick ‘n Float

Relax in the warm water of the hot springs and enjoy a movie on Monday nights in June. Slides are open 7-8 p.m., and the movie starts around 8:15.Movie selections are:
  • The Lion King, June 7
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox, June 14
  • Shrek, The Third, June 21
  • Twilight (PG-13), June 28



Swim Team Schedule

The summer schedule for the swim team begins when school gets out, June 7. Through the aquatics office scheduling, many user groups are utilizing the lap pool and deep end on a daily basis. These groups include swim lessons, Masters swim sessions, county-wide school groups, swim team, kayakers, and scuba training. The complete lap pool schedule for June is on the website.
Click here for details.

The schedule includes:

Lap Lane Availability in JUNE (Subject to Modification)
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
5:30-7:30 a.m. / Lanes 1-8
7:30-10:00 a.m. / NO LANES
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. / At least three lanes

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
At least three lanes throughout the day.


New Shallow Pool Hours

Beginning June 7, the shallow pool (the one with the crab play structure) will be open to the public beginning at noon on Mondays through Thursdays. On Fridays, the shallow pool opens at 10 a.m. It is being used by the swim team and for swim lessons during the mornings. It is open all day on the weekends. These hours are good through August 31. Thank you for your cooperation, during the busy summer swim lesson season.


Summer Tennis At Old Town Hot Springs

Classes start in June with Moms & Tots. The one-hour class is on Fridays, 11 a.m., for $108. Four-week sessions begin June 11, July 10, and Aug. 7. Moms will be with pro Lynne Meyers, while Tots (ages 4-6 years) play tennis games with pro Robert Martyns. An Adult Fitness Tennis (not for beginners) is offered Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m., for $60. Practice your conditioning and coordination drills. Four-week sessions begin June 8, July 6, and Aug. 3. Private and semi-private lessons are always available. Contact Lynne at 879-1828, ext. 375, or 819-6883. Or Robert at 879-1828, ext. 374.


A Soothing Soak Is A Calming Influence

Daily soaks in warm water can help soothe your soul. An 18-month study at Washington State University is confirming the benefits of soaking in water with a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Professor Bruce Becker writes, “An individual's autonomic nervous system helps him or her adapt to changes in environment and affects such vital functions as heart rate, digestion, respiration, salivation, circulation and even sexual arousal. While in a constant state of flux, its two subsystems — the sympathetic nervous system (which escalates under stress) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which promotes calm) — fall into balance when the body is immersed in warm water, according to Becker's findings.” You can read the entire article by Michael Popke, March 2010, in Athletic Business.
Click Here to read Athletic Business - Calming In



Dreamboat Café Is Open For The Summer

Grab a bite to eat at the Dreamboat Café, which is now open for the summer. The popular snack bar and restaurant is in the lobby of the Old Town Hot Springs. It features freshly made sandwiches and salads, healthy and delicious smoothies, coffee and espresso drinks, snacks and beverages. Prices are reasonable. A Breakfast Special is offered each morning at 11 a.m. for $5.95. The lunch menu is served from 10 a.m. until closing. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Members may set up an account at the Dreamboat Café so that you don’t have to bring in money every time. Credit Cards are also accepted. Remember, you may order your lunch before your workout, and it will be ready for you when you are finished.


Monster Swim

The Monster Swim reemerged in May, and was held during a snowstorm. Matt Stensland and Sam Huff shared a lane and swam the most yards (8,550) in an hour. Essi Kenttala and Pam Tracy took second (8,050 yards) with Amy Charity and Mark Satkiewicz of SmartWool finishing third (7,950 yards). All of the money raised in the event went to the Wayne Kakela Scholarship Fund.


Triathlon Training Course

Old Town Hot Springs is the location for a Triathlon Training Course, coached by USA Triathlon Certified Coach, Joy Rasmussen. Rasmussen is a five-time Ironman, having competed in over 50 races in her 12-year amateur career. The three-month training plan incorporates personal coaching and online training in swimming (including open water), biking, running, weight training, nutrition guidance, and transition. Form, fitness and fun are the key goals, and most athletes prepare for the Steamboat Triathlon, now in its 6th year, taking place August 29 at Lake Catamount. For more information, check out www.coloradotriathloncoach.com or call Joy at 970-846-8678.