9 Best Shopping in Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado, Colorado

Owned by the same family for four generations, F. M. Light and Sons caters to the cowpoke in all of us. If you're lucky you'll find a bargain on Western wear here.

A former member of the U.S. Ski Team and a veteran of the rodeo circuit, Jace Romick has shifted from crafting splendid textured lodgepole furniture at his now-closed Into the West shop and focuses instead solely on his photography here, which features contemporary Western images for sale. Two other galleries also share the space: RWR Roland Reed Gallery, which features Native American photographs from the turn of the 20th century, and R-Diamond Collection, devoted to Western contemporary art.

The generic-sounding name doesn't do justice to the intriguing and appealing collection of Native American turquoise, locally crafted jewelry, and museum-quality fossils and rocks (including dinosaur eggs and megalodon teeth as well as chair-sized pieces of quartz) housed here. It's fascinating to browse even if you're not in the mood to buy.

Off the Beaten Path is a throwback to the Beat Generation, with poetry readings, lectures, and concerts. It has an excellent selection of New Age works, in addition to the usual best sellers and travel guides. The on-site coffee shop is the best in town, with fresh baked goods and sandwiches. Hours vary by season so call ahead to confirm.

Downtown Steamboat's Old Town Square is a collection of upscale boutiques and retailers. There are also plenty of places to sit and people-watch or get a good cup of coffee.

If you need to be outfitted for the slopes, look no further than Ski Haus, which has a full line of winter gear and also offers rentals. The Ski Haus Bike Shop rents bikes directly across the street.

This outfitter is about 30 miles west of Steamboat and worth the drive if authentic Western attire, including boots and hats, is on your shopping list. They also sell all manner of cowboy collectibles; home-decor items; gear; kitschy stuff for your dog, horse, and truck; and locally crafted jewelry.

This sporting-goods store is a good bet for downhill necessities.

Native American images, local landscapes, and wildlife adorn the walls of the Wild Horse Gallery. This shop across from the Steamboat Art Museum is the place to buy artwork, jewelry, and blown glass.