Deeply Rooted in the Rockies
The Yampa Valley served as the summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians for centuries.
Tribes such as the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho frequented the area, drawn to its mineral or "medicine"
springs, which were considered sacred places of healing.
French trappers traveling along the Yampa River heard a "chug-chug" sound. The sound reminded
them of a steamboat. Upon investigating, they discovered that the sound came from a natural mineral spring,
which eventually led to the naming of Steamboat Springs.
Businessman James Crawford visited the Yampa Valley and was captivated by the mineral springs. He
built a home near the Iron Spring. Crawford later teamed up with investors to form the Steamboat Springs
Townsite Company, leading to the official founding of Steamboat Springs.
Les and Clara Chalmers purchased 160 acres of land, known as “the potato patch,” where Sky Valley
Chateau is now located. In 1937, they opened the Valley View Lodge with a festive party on New Year’s Eve.
The Lodge quickly became a popular destination for Sunday vacations, dinners, parties, and club meetings.
The Cliff Buchholz Tennis School was established at the property, which was later succeeded by the
Colorado Ski and Racquet Club. The tennis complex featured six championship courts, spectator seating for
150, and a 6,200-square-foot pavilion. This helped establish Steamboat Springs as a destination for both tennis
enthusiasts and ski lovers.
Buckingham Academy, a private, coeducational high school, opened next to the tennis center. In its first
year, 67 students from 21 states attended. The building that is now Sky Valley Chateau was originally used as a
dormitory for the students.
In February 1975, a predawn fire destroyed the boys' dormitory at Buckingham Academy. The school
struggled to recover from the disaster and financial difficulties, leading to its closure in 1976.
In January 1988, the property known as Sky Valley was put on the market. The 76 acres included the
former tennis center, a restaurant, and several other buildings, including the current-day Sky Valley Chateau.
Sky Valley Lodge was revived and reopened in 1990. It began offering romantic getaway lodging packages
and complimentary breakfasts, becoming a charming retreat in Steamboat Springs once again.
In 2021, David and Erica purchased Sky Valley Chateau and undertook extensive renovations, investing
over a million dollars into the property. The goal was to preserve the rich history of the building while
transforming it into a luxurious vacation rental that could accommodate families and friends in the heart of
Steamboat Springs.
Today, Sky Valley Chateau continues to welcome guests as a highly sought-after vacation rental.
David and Erica continue to enhance the property, creating an exceptional destination for those seeking a
relaxing and elegant place to gather in Steamboat Springs.
Come be a Part of Sky Valley Chateau’s History
