FAQ
THE TOWN OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Steamboat Springs is located just 157 miles northwest of Denver. From Denver, take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to the Silverthorne exit; go north on Colorado Highway 9 to Kremmling, then west on U.S. Highway 40 to Steamboat Springs. From Salt Lake City (390 miles), take I-80 east, merge onto U.S. 40 east (exit 148) and take U.S. 40 into Steamboat Springs.
Marabou is about 5 miles west of downtown Steamboat Springs and sits right in the Elk River Valley. Marabou’s Colorado mountain property provides breathtaking views of local landmarks like Sleeping Giant, the Flattops, Hahn’s Peak, and Mt. Werner.
Located 19 miles from Marabou, the Yampa Valley Regional Airport keeps Steamboat accessible, with nonstop flights from Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Newark, Atlanta, Minneapolis/St Paul, Los Angeles, and Denver. Single-stop connections link Steamboat to more than 100 other domestic and international cities. A $13.6 million airport renovation was completed in December 2006. This doubled the terminal size, adding more than 23,000 square feet of additional gate and lounge areas, ticket counters, restrooms and snack bars. The expansion also added curbside check-in facilities, check-in counters for five separate airlines, ample seating inside the gate areas, and extra parking areas along the runway for Boeing 757 jets. Yampa Valley Regional Airport also provides a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at Galaxy Aviation. AZ-Gas and Jet-A fuel is available and a mechanic can be called for service needs. Hangars and tie-downs are available. Call (877) 276-3743 for more information. The Center can reserve a car for you and can also arrange catering services. Their hours are 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday and 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
The Municipal Steamboat Springs Airport/Bob Adams Field is owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and is located three miles west of downtown. This airport has a 4,452 foot runway and can accommodate commuter planes. The runway is equipped with pilot-controlled lighting and has a GPS approach. FBO and general aviation services information is available at (970) 879-1204.
Denver International Airport is approximately 160 miles from Steamboat Springs. It’s about a three and a half hour drive from the airport to Steamboat Springs. Steamboat’s GOAlpine Taxi-Limo (970) 879-2800 and Storm Mountain Express (970) 879-1963 services provide daily shuttles. You can make a reservation for a shuttle from DIA or Hayden airports. They also provide private vehicle services.
Steamboat Springs’ summers are mild, cool, and dry. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 82 degrees and low of 41 degrees. Low humidity and an elevation of 6,700 feet combine to make the summer months on the Colorado mountain properties at Marabou comfortable and pleasing. The winters are also mild and snow-filled. The average winter day is in the mid 20’s to 30’s. Steamboat is known for having over 300 days of sunshine a year. It is safe to say, unless it is snowing, it is likely that the sun will be shining for many memorable “blue bird” ski days.
Anytime! The summer days are filled with sunshine and the winter months are overflowing with famous Steamboat’s famous Champagne Powder. Whether looking for a hiking, biking, or skiing adventure, there is more than enough mountain to satisfy a variety of needs.
Also called Ski Town, USA® and known for its world class skiing facilities, Steamboat Springs was originally a summer resort. Travelers in the early 1900s visited Steamboat Springs in the summer months for the natural hot springs and vast hunting and fishing opportunities that the Steamboat Springs land made available. Today, summer activities in this Colorado mountain town span the spectrum, with three championship golf courses, an indoor-outdoor tennis center, biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, and horseback riding right in town. Ride the gondola in winter and summer to enjoy spectacular views of Steamboat Springs. Plan a trip to Steamboat’s famous Strawberry Park Hot Springs and relax in the natural springs. The drive is scenic and the water is great.
Accommodations: 19,668 pillows; 10,748 beds; 3,502 units
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area provide accommodations from the luxury to the rustic, including condominiums and private homes for families and groups, bed & breakfasts, and cabins for something unique. Of course, full service hotels and even guest ranches round out the mix. See for yourself—go to Steamboat Ski Resort’s official website at www.steamboat.com
Area Transportation: Steamboat Springs Transit offers free bus transportation throughout Steamboat Springs. Call 970-879-3717 for bus information and schedules. Chartered taxi, shuttle, and limousine service is available from Denver, the Steamboat Springs Airport, and the Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
Taxi Information:
GOAlpine, 970-879-TAXI (970-879-8294) or 1-800-343-7433
Storm Mountain Express, 970-879-1963
Events & Activities: At Marabou we delicately balance life on a Colorado ranch with culture and luxury. Steamboat Springs’ roots are deeply embedded in ranching and Western traditions, but with several art galleries, a Chamber-based music festival, live theater, and an extraordinarily large number of artists living in the area, Steamboat is a very cultured town. Steamboat’s not-to-be-missed events include Winter Carnival, held each year in February, and the Arts Festival and Air Balloon Festival in July. Kick off the summer season at the rodeo which is a weekly event from June through August. For the latest information about upcoming events and activities, log onto www.steamboat.com or www.steamboat-chamber.com which serves the visitor destined for Steamboat in the summer or winter.
Shopping & Retail: Steamboat Springs has nearly 250 shops and boutiques, including art galleries, western outfitters, outdoor retailers, and gift shops for every taste. Two primary pedestrian-friendly shopping areas include Steamboats’ Mountain Village, located at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area, and downtown Steamboat Springs. The two areas are three miles apart and serviced by Steamboat Springs’ free city bus. Several other shopping options in between the “town and mountain” are also located on the bus route, providing a fun and entertaining respite from life on the ranch.
Restaurants & Bars: Steamboat Springs boasts more than 70 restaurants, representing the full spectrum of cuisine to satisfy every appetite. From fresh game to fresh fish flown in daily, every culinary delight, set in a variety of atmospheres, is awaiting.
Yampa Valley Medical Center is located between downtown Steamboat Springs and the mountain. This regional health care center provides sophisticated medical services to residents of a six-county area in Colorado and southern Wyoming, as well as visitors from around the world. The hospital provides 24-hour trauma care in an emergency department that is staffed by six full-time emergency medicine physicians. You’ll find an accredited, full-service community hospital, a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and short-term rehabilitation stays, and a child care center for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers including emergency care, diagnostic and respiratory services, an expanded Family Birthing Center, outpatient procedures, and complete rehabilitation services. The continuum of health care services has grown to match the needs of the community so that the current facility reflects the state-of-the-art technology and medical expertise found in larger, metropolitan areas.
There are two public elementary schools, a public middle school, a public high school, a Christian school for grades K-12, a private elementary, middle school, and high school. Athletic programs for middle and high school students include football, basketball, golf, soccer, alpine skiing, cross county, track, volleyball, dance team, cheerleading, wrestling, hockey, Nordic skiing, baseball, lacrosse, and tennis. Other school activities include band, choir, speech, website design, and literary magazine.
Public Schools
Steamboat Springs School District Academic Calendar
Start in August each year
School’s out in early June
For further information refer to: www.steamboatschools.schoolfusion.us
Elementary School
There are two public elementary schools in Steamboat Springs: Soda Creek Elementary and Strawberry Park Elementary. Children living at Marabou in grades K through 5, and choosing public education, will attend Strawberry Park Elementary, located at 5100 Amethyst Drive, which houses approximately 500 students. For more information, visit their website or call the school at (970) 879-7550.
Middle School
Grades 6 through 8 students will attend Steamboat Springs Middle School, also located at 5100 Amethyst Drive in Steamboat Springs. The Middle School was recently acknowledged as a “School of Distinction” and was also selected to receive the John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award from Colorado Department of Education and named a Trailblazer School to Watch. For more information, visit the website or call the school at (970) 879-1058.
High School
Grades 9 through 12 students choosing public education will attend Steamboat Springs High School (ranked 19th in Colorado), located at 45 Maple Street in Steamboat Springs. School colors are red and white and the school mascot is the Sailor. For more information call (970) 879-1562 or visit their website.
Private Schools
Christian Education
Heritage Christian School is the only Christian School in Steamboat Springs, located at 27285 Brandon Circle. CHS offers an outstanding elementary education program, as well as a dynamic Junior High and High School program. Christian Heritage is now home to 15 staff members and 122 students with families representing many churches in the Steamboat Springs area. For more information call (970) 970-1760 or visit their website at www.HeritageSteamboat.org.
Lowell Whiteman Primary School
Lowell Whiteman Primary School is a small school for children grades K-8, located at 818 Oak Street. The school has designed a creative learning environment that combines multi-age classrooms, low student-to-teacher ratio, and active parent participation. For more information, call (970) 879-8081, or check out their website at www.lwps.org.
Lowell Whiteman Boarding School
Lowell Whiteman Boarding School is a nonsectarian school for grades 9-12 students and their parents who prefer smaller classes with strong college prep and a focus on the arts. The school averages 90 students each year and is located in Strawberry Park. Parents and students can get more information by calling the school at (970) 879-1350.
There is a bus that picks up and drops off at the intersection of County Road 44 and County Road 42. A second bus goes through Silver Spur on County Road 42.
SSWSC is a 100-year tradition within Steamboat Springs for youth ages 2-18. Winter programs include Nordic skiing, freestyle skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. Summer programs include skateboarding, cycling, water ramp, and Nordic jumping. The programs are specially designed to take full advantage of the outdoor activities that the Steamboat Springs mountain land provides year round. The SSWSC encourages and prepares children to be champions, both on the hill and off. Several Olympians have come from the SSWSC, including three Marabou Master Guides; Caroline Lalive, Todd Lodwick and Nelson Carmichael.
Colorado Mountain College, Alpine Campus emphasizes strong academic preparation and you can now earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. Honors courses provide students additional opportunities for intensive study. The main building, Bristol Hall, includes classrooms and faculty offices, a complete library with internet access, a gymnasium, and computer, visual art, and science labs. Willet Hall houses the Learning Resource Center, the campus bookstore, dining facilities, and the student union. More information is available by calling the school at (970) 870-4444 or visit their website at www.coloradomtn.edu.
SKI INFORMATION
Steamboat is the second largest mountain in Colorado, with a 3,668 ft. vertical rise and 2,965 acres of terrain. The gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine, and Storm Peak are Steamboat’s particular claim to fame, with Champagne Powder snow in the trees for the most avid powder hounds. Steamboat has been ranked “#1 Family Ski Area” by Ski Magazine, and continues to be one of the top ski destinations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Learn more by visiting their website at www.steamboat.com
The average annual snowfall is 456 inches per year, ensuring huge “powder days.” Keep in mind that snowfall varies from year to year.
Steamboat’s Winter Season typically starts a few days before Thanksgiving and ends in early to mid April for approximately 140 ski days.
Steamboat is actually a complete mountain range comprised of Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak.
Steamboat offers a diversity of trails for all levels of ability: 14% Beginner, 42% Intermediate, and 44% Advanced.
At Steamboat there are 165 named trails. The longest trail is Why Not and it is over 3 miles long.
Base elevation: 6,900 feet. Midway elevation: 9,080 feet. Summit elevation: 10,568 feet.
From base to summit elevation there is a 3,668 feet vertical rise – the second largest in Colorado!
Steamboat Unbridled represents a renaissance to the mountain, base area, and mountain village through new and unparalleled lodging developments, retail, and dining establishments. Steamboat Unbridled is the beginning of a billion dollar transformation with a record $23 million in on-mountain improvements over the past two seasons that have enhanced areas across the resort from complete food court remodels and major terrain and snow making upgrades to the highly anticipated installation of two high-speed chairlifts both powered by renewable energy. A sweeping array of public improvement projects at the base village are currently underway. In the next three years, $23 million will be injected into revitalizing Ski Time Square, including improved traffic flow, civic improvements, vibrant landscaping designs, the creation of a Promenade and Plaza, as well as daylighting water from Burgess Creek. Steamboat Unbridled doesn’t change Steamboat’s unique history or western culture — it simply takes everything loved and treasured about Steamboat and elevates it to a whole new level, producing a vacation experience that is just short of heavenly.
Five magic carpets (Tenderfoot, Colt, Filly, Tumbleweed, and Sidewinder) located throughout the base area are being upgraded, realigned, and lengthened. The new Preview lift now extends further up Headwall and increases beginner terrain and has a triple chairlift.
Cross-country and skate skiing trails meander throughout Marabou, so there’s cross-country and snowshoeing adventure right out your back door. As the cross country Master Guide, Todd Lodwick is available to teach beginners and challenge the experts. There are also hundreds of trails in and around the Steamboat area for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trail maps can be found at several retail locations or at the Steamboat Chamber Resort Association.
AREA GOLF COURSES
There are 4 golf courses in Steamboat Springs, 3 public and 1 private, which typically open in mid-May and close late-October to early-November.
Public:
Haymaker Golf Course – 18 holes (970) 870-1846
Rollingstone Golf Club – 18 holes (970) 879-1391
Steamboat Golf Club – 9 holes (970) 879-4295
Private:
Catamount Golf Club – 18 holes (970) 871-6007
This is a championship course, designed by Tom Weiskopf
MARABOU HOMESTEADS
Marabou is situated on 1,717 acres of picturesque Colorado ranch land and open space. The shared ranch property consists of just 62 homesteads, averaging from 5 to 7 acres dotting the Colorado mountainside. Thirteen hundred of these acres will be preserved as open expanses of land for perpetuity.
Painstakingly selected with prime views of Sleeping Giant, the Flattops, Mt. Werner, and Hahn’s Peak, each homestead is also its own private refuge. It really feels like you have your very own ranch and personal slice of Colorado mountain property. Extreme care has been taken to incorporate building envelopes into Marabou’s ridges, valleys, and vegetation to maximize privacy.
In order to foster a community that provides habitat for wildlife and a continuation of natural processes that have existed on the ranch property for centuries, a detailed Wildlife Mitigation Plan has been incorporated into every aspect of the Marabou design. The level of detail in this plan allows the wildlife carrying capacity at Marabou to actually be increased. Roads have been located to avoid a Columbian sharp-tailed grouse lek site and elk calving area. Residential development is limited to sites well outside the Elk River’s riparian corridor. Designated building envelopes within each residential homestead and wide undeveloped spaces between homestead neighborhoods provide for unrestricted wildlife movement. A copy of the Wildlife Mitigation Plan is available upon request.
The wooded areas of Marabou provide habitat for small animals such as cottontails, ground squirrels, and pocket gophers, as well as raccoons and weasels. Watch for red fox tracks and maybe some coyote tracks, especially when trees and shrubs are producing fruit.
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are abundant at Marabou. During mating season, the male grouse gather at a specific, protected location on the ranch and “dance” to attract a mate. A dancing round, or lek, is located in one of the Marabou meadows. During dancing (breeding) season from April 1 to June 15, access to the meadow is prohibited from sunrise to 9:00 AM and from 3:00 PM until sunset. Signage that provides the dates and reason for the closure is posted along the roads and trails in the area.
There are a large variety of birds in the Elk River corridor including ducks, geese, osprey and bluebirds, Bald Eagles, Kingfishers, Golden Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, and many more. Nest boxes have been installed at appropriate locations to improve their habitat.
The Sand Hill Crane arrive each May. Some stop to rest, and others rebuild their nests in protected areas along the southwest portion of the property and raise their young. It’s awe-inspiring to watch these huge, pre-historic-looking birds soar through the air and hear them honking throughout the river corridor.
Larger animals, such as mule deer and elk, have large home ranges that encompass a variety of habitat types. It’s common to see a herd of elk grazing on a summer evening hike or trail ride. An area on Marabou has been identified by the Colorado Department of Wildlife as an elk calving range and is protected. All development has been eliminated from this mapped area, and the area is restricted during calving season.
To prevent impact to elk during calving season, there will be seasonal trail closures throughout the shared ranch property. An observation area provides the ability to view them from a safe distance.
Uncontrolled pets are a significant source of disturbance and mortality in human-occupied habitats. Dogs have the ability to harass and kill wildlife, including game, and domestic cats are a significant source of mortality for songbirds. Thus, homeowners are required to control their pets at all times. Pets will not be allowed to roam free at any time on the ranch property. Outside of the individual homeowner’s property boundary, dogs must be under voice or leash control. Guests of the homeowners shall comply with all pet control measures.
In order to maintain the natural beauty and appeal of our Colorado ranch land, we utilize natural methods of weed control such as grazing by sheep and goats when possible. At other times weeds are manually removed. Fertilizer is most often provided in natural ways — by our cattle, other livestock, and the wildlife on the ranch.
Each spring and summer, a heard of 50 to 60 Red Angus cattle graze specific meadows. The cattle are moved rotationally from meadow to meadow to prevent over-grazing. This process also ensures they have plenty of fresh grass to eat, the way nature intended. Grass-fed cattle are allowed to fertilize next year’s crop, so these cattle are good for the environment. They receive no added hormones or unnatural supplements, and are not fed antibiotics so they are good for your health, as they are lower in calories and CLAs, and high in Omega-3s. Each homeowner receives a quarter side of beef annually.
Homesteads and building envelopes will continue to be grazed until an owner builds their home. Once an owner has built their home, fencing will be installed to prevent the cattle from roaming into homesteads. The ranch manager can assist with fencing cattle out of an owner’s yard and owner’s landscaping.
Homeowners are not permitted to graze, board, or keep livestock overnight on their homestead, including, but not limited to, horses. Owner’s horses are boarded at the barn and pastures where Ranch caretakers can care for them.
HOMESTEAD PARCELS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Yes, the common areas are defined as areas owned by the Marabou Home Owners Association including all grazing areas, meadows, ponds, stream meanders, and areas along the Elk River. Also included in the common areas are the amenity buildings and the areas surrounding them. The amenity buildings include: six Owners’ Cabins a Barn and Equestrian Center, the River House Lodge, the Downstream Spa, an Activity Center, Outfitter Center, and the River’s Edge Fitness Center.
Marabou’s trail system meanders around and through the ranch and is accessible from each homestead.
The main ranch roads serving two or more homesteads have been paved by the developer. Roads that serve less than two homesteads have been graveled by the developer. Driveways from the lot line to each homestead building envelope will need to be graveled at owner’s expense. Driveways have been brought to a convenient point for the owner yet still allow flexibility for final driveway location. Ranch property owners are responsible for the construction of their driveway within their lot.
Marabou homesteads are classified as agricultural. Owners of vacant homesteads pay $754 in annual taxes. This is based on the agriculture tax status and averages, and includes the assessments for amenity buildings. For subsequent tax years, we cannot guarantee what the tax status for Marabou will be for individual homesteads, once your home has been built. It continues to be Marabou’s intention to continue agricultural production on the land, including haying operations, dry land crop production, and grazing.
Property taxes are reevaluated every odd year to be applied to the two following years. Marabou is not in a special tax district.
AMENITIES
Ranch Manager, Chad Bedell and his family live on the ranch. Chad is responsible for maintaining the agricultural duties for Marabou, including fences, irrigation ditches, and supervising the hay operation and cattle, so you don’t have to. This world champion steer wrestler is also available as Master Guide for trail rides and riding lessons. He oversees the riding program and cares for the horses, the horse barn, arena, and round pen.
River Keeper, Pat Stefanek, watches over the fishing program for Marabou, including the health of the Elk River and streams, and Marabou’s ponds and meadow meanders. Pat supervises and trains Marabou’s fly fishing guides. As one of Marabou’s experienced Master Guides, ranch land owners and their guests can take advantage of his more than 20 years of fly fishing experience.
Marabou has two full-time Lifestyle Coordinators, so someone is always available to answer your questions. They prepare itineraries, schedule your spa treatments, trail rides, make arrangements to spend time with the Master Guides, and handle any special requests for owners and their guests. When you arrive, they will show you to your cabin and explain how everything works. Their goal is to provide owners an overall fantastic experience at Marabou and in Steamboat Springs.
With ownership comes the ultimate Marabou experience, including spacious owner cabins, pampering spa treatments, world class fly fishing in private waters, and a variety of safe adventures — all in the serenity of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain land.
The River House Lodge (4,383 square feet)
The River House Lodge is the family gathering place. It represents the perfect marriage of detailed craftsmanship and setting. This gem sits on the banks of the Elk River and offers a level of finish found nowhere else on Marabou’s luxury property, or in Routt County, for that matter. The River House Lodge is the ideal place to nestle up next to the fire, reminisce with friends and family in the Dead Horse Saloon or enjoy an intimate gourmet dinner in the owners “Private Reserve” wine room.
Marabous Owner’s Cabins (Cabins average 1,900 square feet)
Six rustic, luxuriously-appointed cabins offer residents and their guests a wonderful place to stay from day one. Interspersed along the Elk River, they are a perfect blend of rustic and luxury. These cabins provide a wonderful way to enjoy the lifestyle of a Colorado ranch owner before your home is built. And once a resident, the cabins will continue as ideal locations for private fishing expeditions or entertaining guests. Each of the spacious cabins has a full kitchen, steam showers, and can sleep up to eight people comfortably with two master suites and a bunk room. Each owner is guaranteed four weeks in a cabin each year — two weeks in summer and two weeks in winter. Owners can check cabin availability by visiting the Marabou website and clicking on “Marabou Owners,” a password protected owner’s site. They can then contact the Lifestyle Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating cabin rotations.
The Outfitter’s Cabin (1,422 square feet)
The Outfitter’s Cabin has all the equipment you desire to get you geared up for fly-fishing, mountain biking, skiing, Nordic skiing, or hiking. The log cabin is crafted from native timber and stone with attention to detail that provides ultimate comfort and warmth. Large windows welcome the glorious outdoors while luxuriously appointed seating areas, fly tying benches, and outdoor decks create idyllic places for friends and family to gather. The Outfitter’s Cabin is also home to Marabou’s Lifestyle Coordinators. Owner’s can coordinate their stay, arrange activities and schedule sessions with Marabou Master Guides here at the Cabin. This service is just another way to ensure owners at Marabou have a hassle-free and comfortable life on the ranch.
River’s Edge Fitness Center (1,515 square feet).
Large windows provide breathtaking views of the Elk River and pool area while you workout. The River’s Edge Fitness Center is truly state-of-the-art. With TechnoGym, it is possible to perform an infinite variety of exercises and movements, ensuring core body strength, mobility, and flexibility. TechnoGym has been appointed for the fourth time as exclusive technology partner for the top champion’s athletic training venues at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Step outside the Fitness Center and enjoy the 70 foot long heated outdoor pool or relax in one of two hot tubs. This truly picturesque setting will awaken the senses and provides a fun and exciting place for families in the summer months at Marabou.
Downstream Spa (1,399 square feet)
The Downstream Spa near Steamboat Springs is the perfect complement to your outdoor adventures. Each session is tailored to address your specific wellness and relaxation goals. Our therapists are the best in Steamboat. They are available for sessions in the spa, or you can choose an in-home treatment from your ranch property.
The Casting Room Theater and Kid’s Activity Center (2,101 square feet)
Immerse yourself in the magic of the movies in the Casting Room Theatre, Marabou’s state-of-the-art 20 seat motion picture haven. Enjoy watching one of the hundreds of movie choices in the Kaleidescape System on the High-Definition 14-foot curved screen. Fun is on the agenda for the adjacent Activity Center with arts, crafts and games for the entire family.
The Barn & Arena (782 square feet)
Designed in true Western style, Marabou’s wood and stone horse barn includes a full-sized outdoor riding arena, roping chutes, and a round pen. The Barn has five stalls, a wash rack, and tack room complete with custom saddles and bridles. Ranch Manager and ’96 World Champion Cowboy, Chad Bedell, loves to help residents improve their skills in roping, riding, and even barrel racing. Children can learn to ride in the safety of the arena or round pen. Ranch hands take care of the remuda of horses which have been handpicked to be suitable for “greenhorns” or the seasoned rider.
The Marabou Mountain Camp (1050 square feet)
Marabou has a lease agreement for the Mountain Camp at the base of the ski area. The Mountain Camp is a stone’s throw from Steamboat Ski Area’s base gondola. This warm and inviting wood-floored, wood-paneled mountain retreat provides lockers, change rooms, boot-warmers, a stocked fridge with beer, wine and sodas, hot cocoa/espresso maker, high speed Internet, 2 big screen TVs, gas fireplace, and nearby private parking. It offers owners a place to warm up after mountain biking a summer trail, or laying down fresh tracks in Steamboat’s world famous Champagne Powder.
Trail System
Nearly 20 miles of multi-use ranch trails wind through the Colorado mountain land at Marabou and provide some of nature’s most breathtaking scenery, perfect for horses, mountain bikes, and hiking. Spend the day exploring, or take advantage of the neighborhood loops for a nice 30-minute stroll in the evenings. It’s up to you. Groomed skate skiing trails are available in the winter months for owners and their guests to enjoy a leisurely ski through the open meadows of Marabou’s mountain property on a perfect, blue sky day.
Marabou controls over two miles of private water along the Elk River. Marabou ranch owners enjoy some of the best trout fishing this area has to offer. The gin-clear waters of the majestic Elk River are renowned for blue-ribbon fly fishing. The development team has collaborated with the best pond and stream experts in the West to design Marabou’s Elk River restoration and trout habitat enhancements. Carefully placed giant limestone boulders have created new habitat for Rainbows, Browns, and Cutthroats. Please keep in mind when fishing in the Elk River, a fishing license is required by State law. There is no license required, however, for fishing in Marabou’s private ponds and meadow meanders.
Marabou Meadow Ponds and Meanders
The ponds along the Elk River are connected by a mile long meadow meander teaming with willing fish.
In a program that is unique to Marabou, our Master Guides know all the right places and just the right level to provide Marabou owners and their guests with their perfect, safe adventure. Each Master Guide is a champion in their field, a mentor to their guests and passionate about the experience they provide to Marabou residents. Olympic medalists and World champions make up this unique group of people, each willing to share their passion and knowledge with Marabou residents. In summer, find trails crisscrossing the ranch property, winding through wildflower fields and on single tracks–biking, hiking or on horseback. Spend the day fly fishing in the Elk River or the ponds and meadow meanders. In winter, glide cross country through the Marabou’s mountain meadows and trees on the perfectly groomed corduroy or whoosh through the Champagne Powder on the mountain. Our expert sporting guides make it all easy, enjoyable and safe.
MARABOU MASTER GUIDES
Unique to Marabou is the Master Guide Program. Inspired by a vision to celebrate and sustain the mountain and ranching way of life present throughout Colorado, Marabou has Master Guides on hand for residents to learn and live all aspects of the outdoors. The Master Guides will lead experiences in horsemanship, fly-fishing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking. All Master Guides are true masters in their field from world champion athletes to past Olympians.
Currently, there are seven master guides at Marabou. Every guide is a true master–one who understands the real joy of catching a fish, laying down the first tracks on a fresh powder morning, riding horses, or biking or hiking a little-known trail.
The Master Guides are teachers and storytellers, mentors, coaches, leaders, and friends to the youngest child and oldest granddad at Marabou. Under their guidance, residents of the ranch and guests of all ages can participate in a “safe adventure” and tackle as little or as much as they’d like in all aspects of ranch and outdoor living.
Master Guides for downhill skiing, cross-country and fishing are available one day each week, and two days each week for biking, at no additional charge to Owners. If a Master Guide is booked outside of their scheduled days, the Owner will be billed at the Master Guides daily rate. Rates vary between each guide. Check with the Lifestyle Coordinators for rates.
SECURITY AND HOMEOWNER INFORMATION
Marabou is a private community for the exclusive use of Owners and their guests. A caretaker’s home is located at the main entry, providing the opportunity to observe and monitor access to the Ranch and surrounding mountain land. The caretakers will know you and your family and will know when an outsider comes onto the Ranch. The gate at the secondary entrance will open for owners and guests by entering a code provided by the General Manager.
All electrical and phone are underground and have been run proximate to each homestead. Electric is provided by Yampa Valley Electric Association. They can be contacted for more information by calling (970) 879-1160. Telephone service is provided by Qwest. Their residential service department can be reached at (800) 244-1111. High speed internet is also available.
Each home has access to a fire hydrant placed within approximately 1,000 feet from each homestead.
We have gone to great expense to provide a complete water system for Marabou that provides approximately 100 gallons per minute to each homestead.
ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC STANDARDS
The Marabou Project is one of stewardship, extending to the protection of the environment and the proximate Colorado land, as well as the preservation of the cultural heritage of the community. Permanence, tradition, and the Western ranch heritage represent the Marabou philosophy raising the preservation bar to new heights.
The design guidelines have been carefully written to incorporate Built Green principles, and a $10,000 incentive will be given to owners who choose to incorporate these green building techniques. Owners earn points using wind-generated electricity, planting Xeriscape-level landscape, building with reclaimed and engineered construction materials, and extra insulation for walls around plumbing. Although the design guidelines call for a palette of materials and colors that blend the building in with their surroundings, there is ample play for individual expression and creativity of architectural detail and craftsmanship. The use of logs, rough-hewn timber, and stone is encouraged when designing and building your luxury ranch home.
As a part of our Development Agreement with Routt County, Marabou is allowed to provide 22 homesteads to construct caretaker units. This option must be discussed during the contractual phase of your purchase as the relinquishment of each of these caretaker unit homesteads is carefully monitored by the County.
Separate living quarters for caretakers may be designed on these homesteads, as long as they are under the same roof structure as the main house and meet Routt County building regulations. A breezeway between the home and the separate living quarters are an excellent solution to this criteria and meets building regulations. Detached caretaker units are not allowed.
Routt County zoning regulations allow each homestead to have detached, separate structures, so long as they do not include plumbing systems; for example, detached art studio or storage shed may be permitted.
No. Although Marabou homesteads are considered horse property, homeowner’s are encouraged to stable their horses at the community barn where they can be cared for by the Ranch Manager.
Depending upon the site considerations of each homestead, the maximum size of homes at Marabou is limited to a maximum of 10,000 or 12,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area. There is no minimum requirement.
At this time, there is no requirement for homeowners to build by a certain date; however, once construction begins, the home must be substantially completed in 24 months or less.
Currently, annual dues are $26,400 or $6,600 quarterly. A complete explanation of what these dues include is available by contacting Marabou Realty, LLC at (970) 879-7919.
Yes, we have some excellent packages that lenders have made available for homestead purchase.
Closing of any available homesteads can occur anytime at the Buyer’s convenience, typically within 30 days.
A deposit of $50,000 is required. It is held in an interest-accruing escrow account by Land Title Guaranty in Steamboat Springs until closing. Accrued interest is credited to the Buyer at closing.
We are using a contract prepared by our attorney. Copies are available for review, and we encourage you to review it with your attorney.