Steamboat

Champagne Powder, tree runs and a real cowboy town.

A big, tree-filled mountain above a working Western town, known for light Champagne Powder, night skiing and more than 100 Winter Olympians. Hot springs, the Cowboy Downhill and the oldest Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi give it more character than most resorts. Great for families and tree skiers, but weekends get busy with Ikon Pass holders.

The mountain

Vertical drop

3,668 ft

Summit

10,568 ft

Skiable terrain

3,741 acres

Trails

184

Lifts

23

Average snowfall

283″ a year

Longest run

3 mi

Snowmaking

12% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 12%
• Intermediate 38%
• Advanced 50%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Ice skating
• Scenic lift rides
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Snowmobiling
• Cat skiing
• Hot springs
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSat, Dec 12, 5:30–6:30 pm

  Holiday Balloon Glow

  Four lit-up hot air balloons stand in the Mountain Village while night skiing runs.

• ChristmasSat, Dec 19, 1 pm

  Santa Saddles Up

  Santa rides horseback down the slopes into Steamboat Square with two local ranchers, then visits on the Steamboat Stage, with free hot chocolate.

• New Year’sThu, Dec 31, 5:30–6 pm

  New Year’s Eve snowcat parade and fireworks

  Lit-up snowcats and torch-carrying ski instructors parade down, then fireworks over the base. Later, a 21+ masquerade party at Thunderhead, by gondola.

• Opening daySat, Nov 21

  Opening Day

  Festivities from 7:30 am and lifts at 8:30. The first 100 up get a tee and socks, with free donuts, coffee and mimosas.

• RaceMon, Jan 18

  Cowboy Downhill

  The 52nd running: about 100 pro rodeo cowboys in a ski rodeo, held during Denver’s National Western Stock Show.

• FestivalFeb 2–7

  Steamboat Winter Carnival

  The 114th carnival: ski jumping, skijoring down Lincoln Avenue, a parade with the skiing high school band, and a night show at Howelsen with the Lighted Man and fireworks.

• MusicMar 5–7

  WinterWonderGrass

  Bluegrass and craft beer festival at the base, with a free kickoff show on Mar 4.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outOne Steamboat Place

  Luxury residences right at the gondola.

  Slopeside
• slopesideSteamboat Grand

  The resort’s own big hotel and condo building, a short walk from the gondola.

  Short walk to the gondola
• hotelRabbit Ears Motel

  Classic downtown motel with the famous neon rabbit sign, across from Old Town Hot Springs.

  10 min drive or free city bus
• hotelThe Nordic Lodge

  Simple, well-rated lodge downtown on Lincoln Avenue.

  10 min drive or free city bus
• innHotel Bristol

  Small historic hotel on Lincoln Avenue downtown, close to restaurants and bars.

  10 min drive or free city bus

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs · 30 min drive

  Rock-lined natural pools in the woods north of town, with shuttles from town. Reservations required, cash only, $30 adults, and adults only after dark (clothing optional).

• Old Town Hot Springs · 10 min drive

  Downtown pools and waterslides, an easy family soak.

• Howelsen Hill · 10 min drive

  Colorado’s oldest operating ski area (since 1915), with ski jumps, weeknight skiing until 8 pm and Tube Howelsen ($40 an hour). Opens Nov 28.

• Skeeter’s Ice Rink · At the base

  Outdoor rink at the base area for an evening skate.

• Steamboat Ski Touring Center · 5 min drive

  Groomed cross-country trails, rentals and lessons near the mountain.

• Steamboat Snowmobile Tours · 30 min drive

  Guided rides in the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears Pass, with pickup from your lodging.

• Steamboat Powdercats · 30 min drive

  Snowcat skiing in Buffalo Pass’s deep snow, with intro days for newer powder skiers.

• Steamboat Springs History Museum · 10 min drive

  The town’s ranching and ski history, formerly the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

Après and nightlife

• T Bar

  Slopeside shack bar at the base, a laid-back first stop off the hill.

• Timber & Torch

  The resort’s base-area restaurant and bar, open into the night-skiing hours.

• Gondola Pub & Grill

  Pub at the base by the gondola, an easy first stop off the hill.

• Schmiggity’s

  Downtown live music and dance bar for later in the night.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) · about 30 min drive
• Denver · about 3 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 5.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps