In the Yampa Valley, the rhythm of our economy follows the seasons. Powder days and sunshine filled summer weekends bring a steady flow of visitors, enjoying restaurants, filling lodging, and powering one of the most important engines of our local economy: tourism.

Between those high notes comes the quiet stretches, mud season. While these seasonal shifts may not draw the same crowds, they  play an equally important role in the health and sustainability of our business community.

Tourism Fuels the Peaks

There is no question that tourism is essential to Steamboat. Visitors bring outside dollars into our community, supporting everything from retail and dining to lodging, transportation, and recreation. Those dollars ripple outward, creating jobs, driving revenue, and helping businesses grow during our busiest times of year.

For many businesses, these peak seasons are critical. They help offset slower months and provide the revenue needed to sustain operations year-round.

“Tourism is a vital component of our business. During peak seasons, the high volume of rentals, retail, and shop work allows us to maintain a full staff, which significantly impacts our bottom line for the entire year,” said Andrew Stroller, General Manager and Buyer at Ski Haus.

Local Spending Sustains the Valley

While tourism spending brings us the peaks, local spending is what steadies the ship.

During mud season, when visitor numbers dip, it is our local community—residents, second homeowners, and fellow business owners—who keep doors open. That morning coffee, midweek lunch, or retail purchase may seem small, but collectively, they can create consistency in an otherwise unpredictable cycle.

For Chamber members, this is where the opportunity lies.

“I love mud season because it is mostly locals who come into the store, and I can spend time actually talking to people and having in-depth conversations about books and life in general. Locals keep us afloat this time of year and enable us to pay our bills,” said Danielle Skov, owner of Off the Beaten Path.

Supporting fellow local businesses during shoulder season is not just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic investment in the strength of our local economy. When businesses support each other, whether through direct spending, partnerships, or referrals, it creates a more resilient and interconnected community.

Skov continues, “The local schools order many books from us throughout the year, which significantly helps our bottom line, especially during slow periods. We also sell books at author talks sponsored by the Bud Werner Library. In the past we have partnered with other local businesses, such as The Barley and local art galleries, to host book clubs and other special events. We are always open to collaboration and new ideas! Additionally, we show our appreciation to local workers by always offering a 15 percent discount at the cafe for employees of our fellow downtown businesses.”

Why It Matters Now

Mud season can be one of the most challenging times for small businesses in Steamboat. Fluctuating revenue, staffing adjustments, and reduced foot traffic all come into play.

It is also a moment where local impact is most visible.

Choosing to shop local, dine local, and support local services during this time helps:

  • Maintain jobs for local employees
  • Provide consistent revenue for small businesses
  • Strengthen the year-round viability of our business community

“A primary challenge during mud season is maintaining our excellent staff when there are fewer hours available. We work hard to keep our team fully employed during these transitions and have been fortunate to retain wonderful employees for many seasons,” said Stoller.

It is the difference between simply getting through the off-season and building a foundation for long-term success.

A Community That Shows Up

One of Steamboat’s greatest strengths is its sense of community. Time and again, we see locals show up—not just for events and celebrations, but for each other.

This mud season, that support matters more than ever.

Whether it is trying a new restaurant, booking a service you’ve been putting off, or making a conscious effort to shop locally first, every decision contributes to the bigger picture.

Because in Steamboat, a strong local economy is not built in just one season—it’s sustained by a community that shows up all year long.