The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Nothing showcases Steamboat Springs’ sex breakdown better than a couple of nights on the town.

About 55 percent of Steamboat’s residents are male, and about 45 percent are female, U.S. Census figures show. But this 20-something woman doesn’t need fancy data to get a sense of the imbalance.

I rocked out Friday night to On the One at Mahogany Ridge and spent Saturday evening sipping cocktails to the tune of Back Door Slam at Old Town Pub. Both bands were impressive and loads of fun, but that wasn’t what struck me about the scene.

At both spots, I’d put the male-to-female ratio at about 2-to-1.

Now, I understand that I’m not telling anyone anything they didn’t already know. But it still strikes me after only six months of Steamboat socializing. In fact, it’s kind of nice. I’m no supermodel, but I’ve had a few nights where I’ve felt like Lindsay Lohan in “Mean Girls” (you know, after she stops wearing flannel).

An average gal can head out in a T-shirt and jeans and walk home with a confidence boost and some digits. They might belong to a fella with $3 to his name and two lazy eyes, but it’s better than nothing. Right?

Example: When I arrived here in March, I spent an evening flying solo at Old Town Pub and was approached by dudes ages 25 to 65. Again, this is from an average girl who was recently told by a Wii Fit that she could stand to lose a few pounds (that doesn’t factor in my sparkling personality, however).

On the other end of this, of course, you have the gentlemen of Steamboat. Boys, you have my sympathy. If I had to walk into that fray and battle for a piece of the limited girl supply, I’m betting I wouldn’t bother.

But for those who do, keep it up, and keep it respectful. Some of us are suckers for a polite handshake and witty conversation.

— Blythe Terrell, 4 Points