by Jesse

When you say Steamboat Springs, Colorado most people will think skiing. When you say skiing most people think snow, and when you say snow most people think mountains. If you say mountains I think of the beautiful Rocky Mountains that I call my home. The Rockies possess an aura that is completely unique, and a majesty that is unmatched. These monstrous mountains would seem the least likely place to live, but I feel absolutely comfortable living in their hands. For some, the mountains are the only reason that they live in a place like Steamboat: to be able to scale their peaks or glide down their sides. I don't live here for the mountains, but I live here because they are my home. The beautiful Rocky Mountains just happen to be where I call home, and I feel as though I have grown up with them, not just on them or for them. I love this land because it is has raised me.

by Will

It's just another site in Steamboat, snowy field upon snowy field. Fortunately this snowy field does not include me! Snow is a staple of Routt County and especially Steamboat, however, I do nothing in the snow. Half of the year Steamboat is six feet under snow. The other half I am often found outdoors. Partially this is because during the winter my life is consumed with wrestling. If I wanted to be out and about in the snow I would not have the time or the energy to do so. Fortunately I don't prefer being in the snow anyway. I can't stand being cold so when it is snowing I can be found indoors. I do think the snow is beautiful. It is just to cold for me to be outside. Spring is my preferred time of year, partially because it is the longest time until winter returns. Even when I do go out into the cold abyss I do not have the proper winter equipment. I have a pair of snow pants that are about eight years old and three sizes too small, a pair of hiking boots, and a jacket. Snow is important to the community, and I respect that. I understand that without snow Steamboat would likely be a ghost town, however I find it a nuisance.

by Thai

I took a picture of our night sky, for all of the places that I have lived you weren't able to see the stars, only satellites. There was always a lot of smog where I have lived so its nice to see what it really looks like out there. Every night ends the same, me looking up at the stars sometimes with people I enjoyed being with but most the time alone. When I leave this county I know the one thing I will miss is the dark night sky with the bright stars and our countryside being lit up by our bright moon.

by Christian

These three trees are the only vegetation that grows over four inches high on the land around my house. I don't understand why they grow but I have spent the last twelve years looking at them and appreciating their beauty and stark contrast to the land around them. In the hot summer days you can find thirty or forty cattle scrunched under them seeking the meager shade that they provide. This haven of shade to me represents the community of Steamboat Springs, here I am sheltered, but when I leave the shadow of Mt. Werner I will get burned by the world a few times. The test will be to see if I can survive this and become stronger because of it. I feel I am ready to leave the shade.