This is “Ski Town USA.” Steamboat Ski Resort‘s snow is so unique, it’s trademarked as Champagne Powder® and with over 3700 acres of skiable terrain you will not be disappointed. If you’re looking for tree runs, the best snow in the Rockies, a laid back atmosphere, or top tier family amenities then Steamboat is the place to visit.
The mountain resort and lodging options are top notch and the town is lined with boutiques and restaurants. Steamboat has robust family programs with one of the highest rated ski schools around with the dedicated Greenhorn Ranch Learning area. There are also some programs and lift ticket packages for kids under 12 to ski for free.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- Over 3,668 vertical feet
- 10,568 ft Summit elevation
- 3,741 acres of skiable terrain
- The best tree skiing
- Over 300 inches of Champagne Powder® annually
- Night Skiing
- IKON Pass
“Gliding through Steamboat’s legendary Champagne Powder® feels like dancing with winter itself.”
Why it’s awesome
What is Champagne Powder®? The snow that is so light and dry you can’t make a snowball out of it. Steamboat after a good snow day really has the best conditions you could ask for. This distinctive snow is the result of Steamboat’s location in the Rocky Mountains, where cold temperatures and low humidity create the perfect conditions for snowflakes to stay soft and powdery. With an average of over 300 inches of snowfall annually, Steamboat offers some of the most consistent powder skiing in the world. Combine Champagne Powder® with classic Steamboat glades and some boards strapped to your feet and you’ll have the best time of your life.
Steamboat is well-known for tree skiing, off the peak of Mt. Werner where you can hit the double-black Chutes, Christmas Tree Bowl or the Gullies where you can carve through perfectly spaced aspens.. Morningside Lift has some nice runs off the backside as well and usually be less crowded.
Photo courtesy of Steamboat Resort
Steamboat’s Crown Jewel are the glades (tree skiing), and these are some of the best in the world. For skiers who love weaving through perfectly spaced trees, the options are nearly endless:
- Sundown & Sunshine Express: Trails and Glades: These areas are ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. The trees runs on Closets and Shadows here are well-spaced and forgiving, making them a great introduction to glade skiing. The Sunshine express has more groomers and intermediate terrain for when you legs start to tire out.
- Mahogany Ridge & Pony Express: These areas cater to advanced skiers looking for a challenge. All of the terrain is black or double black diamond. Mahogany Ridge trails off tight lines through powder-laden forests that feel like a backcountry experience without the need for a guide.
- Morningside: The Morningside lift is on the backside of the mountain, this area is great for intermediate to advanced skiiers paradise. It’s less intimidating than Steamboat’s steeper bowls and generally less crowded as well. You can usually find untracked powder and a good dose of glades before finding the lift line again.
- Christmas Tree Bowl and The Chutes: For experts only, this double black diamond terrain is where Steamboat shows its teeth. The Christmas Tree Bowl combines steep descents with open glades, while The Chutes offer heart-pounding drops and tight, technical tree lines. These areas are for adrenaline junkies.
Please review safety material when tree skiing especially in deep snow. Tree are very real and dangerous and can be deep enough to submerge an adult.
Family Friendly
Steamboat Ski Resort stands out as one of the most family-friendly destinations in North America, thanks to its combination of varied terrain, top-notch ski schools, convenient amenities, and a relaxed mountain-town vibe. Whether your kids are seasoned shredders or strapping on skis for the first time, Steamboat makes it easy for your families to enjoy the slopes and everything else the town has to offer.
Greenhorn Ranch Learning Area
For beginners, the Greenhorn Ranch Learning Area accessible via the Wild Blue Gondola’s mid-station is a game-changer. It offers wide-open, gentle slopes designed specifically for first-timers and kids getting comfortable on skis. The isolation of the area ensures that novices won’t feel overwhelmed by faster skiers whizzing past, adding an extra layer of safety.
The instructors can guide on uniquely shaped slopes to facilitate Terrain Based Learning®. This is a coined and well regarded methodology of teaching skiing and snowboarding which will be facilitated by the Steamboat’s SnowSports School.
Kids Ski for Free & Rent for Free
Budget-conscious families will love Steamboat’s Kids Ski Free program, which lets children 12 and under ski for free when a parent or grandparent purchases a multi-day lift ticket. It’s an incredible value that can make a big difference for families planning a ski vacation.
Kids Ski Free and Grandkids Ski Free programs enable children 12 years of age and under to ski free for the same number of days as a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian when the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian purchases a 5-or-more day adult lift ticket. The child must be 12 years or younger to qualify, only one(1) adult purchase per one(1) child, and the lift ticket must be for the same number of days as the adult. If booking online in advance, the option to add a kids ski free lift ticket will be offered and displayed on your screen when the adult 5-or-more day lift ticket is added to your cart.
NOTE: Kids Ski Free must be purchased before the start of the winter season. Season Pass products (Ikon, Ikon Base or Steamboat only pass) do not qualify for the Kid’s Ski Free program. Not valid for in-season purchases.
Off-Slope Activities for All Ages
While skiing is the main draw, Steamboat offers plenty of off-slope activities to keep the entire family entertained. The Howelsen Ice Arena, located in downtown Steamboat, is a favorite for families. It features public ice skating sessions, bumper cars on ice, and hockey games for a fun break from the slopes.
Another must-visit is the Old Town Hot Springs, where families can relax in natural mineral pools or zip down waterslides. If your crew loves the outdoors, consider snowshoeing or tubing at the Steamboat Tubing Hill for a change of pace.
Photo Courtesy of Steamboat Chamber
Après Ski
On Mountain & Village
Ask anyone in Steamboat Springs where to hang out and they’ll tell you same answer, the T-Bar. This is the one of the highest rated ski bars in Colorado, head over there one afternoon to find out why. They are only open during the ski season and the food is absolutely bangin. Grab a spot around lunchtime or come in off the slopes for a drink and good vibes. They close at 5pm so if you’re looking for nightlife this is the place to warm up after a day on the slopes.
You can also go to Truffle Pig for craft beers, cocktails, and live music. If you want to stay laid back in the village you can grab a drink and hangout fireside at a mountain lodge.
On the third floor of the Thunderhead Lodge on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:45 to 7:45 you can make a reservation for the Western BBQ. This is a family style feast of a BBQ with live music and Western themed entertainment.
Photo Courtesy of TBar
You can also enjoy Stranahan’s Whiskey Barrel Dining Experience with is essentially a full meal and drink tasting inside of a giant cedar whiskey barrel. The table seats up to four. Reservations are required.
Photo Courtesy of Steamboat Resort
On the mountain you’ll find some of the best dining options of any ski resort. Between Four Points Lodge, Rendezvous Food Court, and Thunderhead Food Court you can find options from hot soups, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, healthy salads, pastas, and Asian specialties made with locally sourced ingredients. The Chicken Pot pie at Four Points Lodge is my personal favorite and perfectly hot and hearty for a day on the mountain.
The Town of Steamboat
Steamboat Springs is a bout 3 miles from the resort and has a charm that goes far beyond its world-renowned ski slopes. The town’s downtown area, centered around Lincoln Avenue, and is filled with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Unlike some resort towns, Steamboat’s authenticity shines through in its unpretentious vibe. Steamboat is called “Ski Town USA” for a reason.
Check out F.M. Light & Sons, a century-old Western store or the Old Town Hot Springs. Situated right in the downtown on Lincoln Avenue across the street from the Rabbit Ears Motel. This historic facility operates as a nonprofit and offers natural hot pools, waterslides, and a fitness center. It’s a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
All the ‘night life’ will be in downtown Steamboat. Sun Pies, Old Town Pub & Schmiggity’s for live music. The Barley for all Colorado-brewed beers and liquors. The Press is a hit or miss depending on the acoustic set.
Keep in mind Steamboat as a whole doesn’t have a bangin’ bar scene, the town will quiet down around 9pm except for those few bars listed above.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Make sure you plan a visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a mountain oasis where you can soak in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by snow covered trees and mountain landscape. The spring water comes out of the mountain at approximately 170° F where it runs down and mixes with the frigid Hot Spring Creek. There are pools constructed at various points so you can choose how or hot or cold you want the water to be. The contrast between the almost boiling steamy water coming straight out of the ground and the frozen creek allows you choose between everything from jacuzzi to cold plunge for whatever suits your fancy.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
The hot springs are about a 20 minute drive from Steamboat Resort and open everyday. Ubers and Lyfts are not allowed to transport to the springs so you will either need to drive or book a shuttle with either Sweet Pea Tours or The Hot Springs Shuttle. Booking a shuttle from your hotel includes the $20 park admission and allows for a few hours at the springs.
Be advised that clothing is optional after dark until opening the following day, so no minors are permitted to enter after sundown.
Steamboat Lodging
There are so many great options for places to stay in Steamboat Springs lodging depending on your budget and needs. Steamboat is an ideal destination for powder hunting, family trips, luxury ski travel, or group and corporate ski trips.
If you are interested in apres ski and exploring the town of Steamboat I highly recommend staying in a lodge with a complimentary shuttle transportation like the Steamboat Grand or Gravity Haus.
For quick and easy recommendations Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary.
Luxury Accommodations
The Steamboat Grand
If you’re looking to stay in a cozy, warm lodge with all the amenities and walking distance to the slopes than the iconic Steamboat Grand is for you. With an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, a full-service spa, and on-site dining. It is centrally located location near the base with a short walk to the lifts and après-ski activities.
Accommodation options range from traditional hotel rooms to spacious suites and condos, with kitchens that can sleep up to 10. The Grand Cafe serves up fresh pastries and coffee and the Cabin bar and restaurant features authentic Colorado produce, meat, and game.
The Steamboat Grand also has a complimentary shuttle which will take you downtown Steamboat and makes it easy to explore the town of Steamboat Springs during your stay.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Ski in/ski out at the Wild Blue Gondola and Christie Peak Express the Resort Villas are absolutely perfect for families or larger groups. You’ll studios to villas which sleep up to 8, with full kitchens.
They sell out fast. Outdoor heated pool, hot tub, Bar & lounge, restaurant, and a complete spa with aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and couples treatment rooms you will find all the amenities at the villas. The slopes are right outside the door.
These are often sold out, however Contact Us today to get the best deals and easiest ski trip itinerary of your life.
Eagle Ridge Lodge & Townhomes
This luxurious community has condos and townhomes up to 5 bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 people. Perfect for families or group trips and offers some privacy for a more intimate vacation. All units have full kitchens with washer and dryers.
There is a complimentary shuttle to the lift or walking will take 8-10 minute walk. Enjoy one of the 3 hot tubs after the slopes. Staying here will give you access to a fitness center, ski storage, concierge services, and a business center if you need to use it. There is also parking onsite. Definitely a top getaway for groups or families at Steamboat.
Mid Range Accommodation
Gravity Haus Steamboat
Ski-in/Ski-out Access at Base of Steamboat. This place is great for couples or families up to four looking for a hassle free Steamboat experience.
You will have no commute to the slopes and a gym, hot tub, sauna, equipment rentals, and restaurant on site. Gravity Haus is also pet friendly. They have a complimentary area shuttle up to 5 miles which can take you into and around the town of Steamboat.
Budget Accommodation
Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Suites
By far the best bang for your buck, that’s probably why they’re always sold out.
Rooms and apartments with full kitchens that sleep up to six with a complimentary shuttle to the lifts and a complimentary made to order breakfast. They have a hot tub, parking, sauna, kitchen, and laundry as well as a light grab-and-go breakfast.
Legacy Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs Hilltop
Legacy’s Hilltop Suites are usually slight cheaper than the other but still a quality place to stay with a complimentary shuttle to the slopes.
Guest rooms with full kitchens that can sleep up to 8, hot tub, pool, fitness center, game room, and a business center.
Cost Breakdown: 4-5 Days
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lift Tickets | ~$1000/4 days (multi-day pass discounts available, IKON). |
| Accommodations | ~$2000/ 5 nights depending on choice of lodging. |
| Gear Rentals | ~$250/4 days if needed (or BYO gear). |
| Food & Drinks | ~$60–$120/day (options range from casual eats to fine dining). |
| Transportation | ~$120-$160 roundtrip from HDN |
Total for 5 days: ~$3200–$4200, depending on your lodging and dining preferences.
5 Days BYOG w/ Pass in Budget accommodation can surely cost less than $1200 per person. Contact Skizi to find you the best deals at no cost to you.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport(HDN), then drive 35 minutes
- Transfer from the Airport
- I highly recommend you schedule a ride ahead of time. Uber and Lyft are available but unreliable.
- Transfer Companies
Other Options
- Drive from Denver
- Steamboat is about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Denver International Airport (DEN)
- I definitely recommend snow tires and 4 wheel drive for this drive in the winter
- There are both private and shared transfers available from DEN to Steamboat but for the price I would recommend just flying into HDN
Contact Skizi
Now is the best time to book your vacation to the Steamboat Springs ski resort.
Let us create the ultimate trip for you! From lodging and flights to lift tickets, transportation, and activities, we handle all the details—at no extra cost to you.
Send in a Trip Intake Form or Book online to start planning your perfect getaway today!
After submitting the contact form I will reach out to you via email with either some itineraries or to set up a quick call to discuss your specific needs. Before your trip you will receive confirmations and a detailed itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
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