As we get set to launch the Steamboat Locals app and online platform in July of 2024, we are going to release weekly blogs that focus on the “Five W’s” – Who, What, When, Where, and most importantly Why .
This week, let’s focus on…When!
Here is a question that could lead us down two different conversational paths.
When is somebody considered a Steamboat Local?
There are many theories on how to answer this question. Do you earn the coveted “local” status after a certain number of years living here? Is it 5? 10? 25?… Maybe it is when the gear racked on your car is worth more (both in monetary and sentimental value) to you than the car itself? Some people will argue you can’t be a local until you’ve had your first knee surgery… or DUI… or, unfortunately for some, both!
At Steamboat Locals, we don’t believe there is an easy list of tangible qualifications to check off to obtain your “Locals” card. Instead, it’s a mentality. Something you came here to find, or adopted once you were here, the Steamboat community is special. Talk to anyone who chose to move here over other resort areas. Sure, they were attracted to the area because of the skiing, biking, hiking, arts, entertainment, or even a prospect of a certain job. But, a lot of places have all of those things. So, why did we all choose the Steamboat area specifically? The answer for almost everyone will be that it was the community!
Choosing to move to Steamboat for the community is a start, but in and of itself, that is not enough to call yourself a local. You are a local when you’ve aligned yourself with the mentality of the local community that attracted you to move here… When you’ve committed to supporting local businesses, even though it might cost slightly more… When you’ve spared your time for a local organization or cause… When you find yourself walking through the grocery store aisles looking more for the neighbors that you might be able to catch up with than for the food on your shopping list, then you might be a local!
When you know that the “Yampa Valley Curse” would claim you as a victim if you were to ever move away, then you must be a local!
When does a Steamboat Local use the Steamboat Locals app?
The simple answer here is whenever you want to be entertained by locals, and feel a stronger connection to your local community.
- At Home: Listen to local musicians, bands playing our local stages, and music appreciated by local residents through your smart speakers. Whether it’s a Bluetooth connection to your phone app, or streaming services like Sonos, Google Echo, Alexa, TuneIn and more, you can tune into the Steamboat Locals Choice for Mountain Vibes Music anywhere you have an internet/data connection!
- In Your Car: Connect your phone to your car, and now you have access to all that Steamboat Locals can offer. Beyond music, you can listen to your favorite locally produced podcasts, like Common Folk in the Boat, Steamboat Sound Check, Steamboat Comedy and more.
- On the Gondola (Or anywhere you find yourself sitting and waiting for a few minutes): Any time you find yourself with a few minutes to kill, open up the Steamboat Locals app and check out our latest blogs. You’ll get locally inspired stories about community advocacy groups, legends, lore, lifestyle and more.
In short, you use the app not only when you need to feel more entertained, but when you want to feel more like a Steamboat Local!