First stayed at Steamboat in 2010 and then again with my adult family in 2013. Love the mountain, the town is terrific and people are "western style" friendly. Many Aussies stay here so they are used to our "funny" accent! Lift passes / ski school are expensive by many US resort standards - but they do provide a free public bus service to downtown and are spending a lot on ski area development.
We stayed both times in February to coincide with their winter ski carnival; not to be missed: marching bands on skis, cowboys on horseback thundering down main street (Lincoln Avenue of course!) and all the locals join in the events, culminating with the "lighted man" night time ski events. Steamboat is around a 3-4 hour transfer from Denver (some good private xfers available ex Denver in comfort) or you can fly in / out from the upgraded local airport (1/2 hour away). On the highway up from Denver you should stop off at the gold mines etc at places like Idaho Springs (2 minutes off the highway) and step back in time. Incredible photo opportunities everywhere and you must visit the family owned FM Light western outfitters in town. Many good photographic and art galleries as well. Really can't say anything bad about "the 'Boat"! Good ski school, entertainment; would happily spend 2 weeks without getting bored, skier or non-skier.