Wood split on the westside of Steamboat Springs as the Timber Axe Throwing Lounge celebrated its grand opening Saturday.

In hopes of spicing up Steamboat’s repertoire of evening activities, Jerry and Anna Davis joined forces with Craig and Mandy Preston to bring axe throwing to Routt County. 

The process began about two years ago, and the facility described as a family-friendly adult playground opened this weekend at 2851 Riverside Plaza, unit 190, with 10 axe throwing lanes, giant Jenga, cornhole, darts and more. 

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“When you come in, we set your timer up so you can pay for 75 minutes or two hours,” Jerry said. “We do 75 minutes because 15 minutes is more for instruction. We show you how to throw for 15 minutes, explain some of the games and then turn you loose for an hour.” 

Those who have previous throwing experience will be able to skip most of the instruction and get straight to play after a few ground rules are covered. 

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Available in the lounge are eight “AXEcitement” lanes that have projected targets for 10 distinct games with a digital scoring system. Nine of those games are permanent, including tic-tac-toe, Zombie Hunter and WordWhack. The 10th game rotates weekly as a trial game, giving throwers a chance to try something new each time they visit. 

Visitors also have the chance to throw three distinct axe types. The smallest is called a tri-point, which is the lightest and easiest to stick to the wooden boards at the end of each lane. There are also larger viking-style axes and regulation axes for the World Axe Throwing League. Reserving lanes online is strongly recommended, though walk-ins are welcome. 

“Before anyone comes into the building, it doesn’t matter if they are throwing or not, they have to sign a waiver,” Jerry said. “Something could happen, so for insurance purposes we have to have people sign a waiver.”

Anna suggested patrons sign the waiver online at TimberAxeLounge.com to save time when arriving at the facility on throwing day. 

“Also on our website is an instructional video so (throwers) can watch a video before they come in on how to throw with pointers,” Anna said.

Minors will need adults to sign their waivers, and no one under age 13 can throw an axe without an adult present. Throwers must be age 8 and above. Open-toe shoes are not allowed. 

Though chips and candy will be available for purchase, the lounge encourages visitors to bring in food from other nearby locations. Canned beverages including beer and Coca-Cola products are available at the lounge as well. 

Anna said future plans for the lounge include adding themed nights and WATL league play once they get certified. 

The facility is also open to hosting private events for large groups and company outings. There’s even a traveling axe trailer option to bring the fun on the road to events across Routt and Moffat counties. Visit TimberAxeLounge.com for updated pricing and lane availability. 

“It’s something different,” Jerry said. “We don’t have anything like this in the area.”