Skiing & Snowboarding in Steamboat

Skiing and Snowboarding in Steamboat is legendary.  Few ski destinations in North America offer the combination of authentic mountain-town charm, legendary powder snow, family-friendly terrain, and western hospitality found in Steamboat Ski Resort.

Located in northwest Colorado’s scenic Yampa Valley, Steamboat delivers a more relaxed and approachable atmosphere compared to some of the state’s larger luxury ski resorts. Visitors come for the skiing but often return because of the town’s welcoming vibe, incredible tree skiing, natural hot springs, and year-round outdoor culture.

Whether you’re planning your first ski or snowboard trip or searching for deep powder and advanced terrain, Steamboat offers one of the most balanced ski vacations in Colorado.

Why Ski Steamboat Springs?

Steamboat stands apart from many Colorado ski resorts.  Known worldwide for its famous Champagne Powder® snow, Steamboat Springs has become one of Colorado’s premier ski and snowboard destinations for families, powder seekers, beginners, and advanced riders alike. It offers a unique combination of:

• Consistent snowfall
• Exceptional tree skiing
• Family-friendly terrain
• Authentic western culture
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Excellent ski school programs
• Terrain Parks

Unlike some ski towns that feel crowded or overly commercialized, Steamboat still feels like a genuine mountain community with deep ranching roots and laid-back Colorado personality.

With an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, with much of that snow arriving in the form of light, dry powder, helped create the resort’s famous Champagne Powder® reputation.

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Steamboat Ski Resort

The ski resort spans thousands of skiable acres across Mount Werner and surrounding terrain. The resort offers a wide variety of runs and experiences for nearly every skill level.

Visitors will find:

• Wide groomed beginner trails
• Long intermediate cruisers
• Steep advanced terrain
• Extensive glade skiing
• Terrain parks
• Family-friendly learning areas

The mountain layout makes navigation relatively easy compared to some larger Colorado ski resorts, which helps Steamboat appeal strongly to families and first-time visitors.

Steamboat’s free transportation system makes it easy to travel between downtown and the resort.

Champagne Powder® Snow

Steamboat is internationally famous for its legendary Champagne Powder® snow. The term was coined to describe the light, fluffy, low-moisture snow conditions that frequently develop in the Yampa Valley.

This snow creates:

• Soft powder turns
• Excellent tree skiing conditions
• More forgiving terrain
• Great snowboard conditions
• Fun skiing for all ability levels

Powder days in Steamboat are a major draw for skiers traveling from around the country.

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Lift Tickets and Ski Passes

Steamboat participates in the Ikon Pass network, making it a popular destination for pass holders traveling throughout Colorado and the western United States.

Visitors without season passes should strongly consider purchasing lift tickets in advance, especially during Christmas holidays, spring break and peak ski season.

Advance online booking often saves money compared to same-day window pricing.

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Best Terrain for Beginners

Steamboat is consistently ranked among the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners and families. New skiers and snowboarders benefit from wide open beginner runs, gentle learning terrain, and excellent ski school programs. The resort’s beginner terrain allows new skiers to progress comfortably without immediately encountering intimidating slopes.

Many families choose Steamboat specifically because children and beginner adults can enjoy the mountain without feeling overwhelmed.

Intermediate Skiing at Steamboat

Intermediate skiers will likely spend most of their time exploring Steamboat’s long cruising runs and scenic groomers.

Popular intermediate areas include:

• Sunshine Peak
• Thunderhead
• Bashor
• Rendezvous trails

Intermediate terrain makes up a significant portion of the mountain, which is one reason Steamboat works so well for mixed-skill groups and families.

Advanced Terrain and Tree Skiing

Advanced skiers often visit Steamboat specifically for its exceptional glade skiing and powder terrain.

Some of the resort’s most popular advanced areas include:

• Morningside Park
• Pioneer Ridge
• Christmas Tree Bowl
• Closets
• Shadows

Steamboat’s tree skiing is among the best in Colorado. Powder-filled glades, natural terrain features, and soft snow create incredible conditions during storms and powder days.

Advanced skiers can explore steep tree runs, ungroomed bowls, powder stashes, technical terrain and expert glades.  Snowboarders also love Steamboat’s natural terrain flow and powder conditions.

Terrain Parks

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find a strong variety of terrain park options at Steamboat Ski Resort. The resort has continued expanding and improving its freestyle terrain over the years, creating parks that cater to everyone from first-time park riders to advanced athletes looking for large features and technical lines.

Steamboat’s terrain parks are thoughtfully designed to allow riders to progress comfortably while still offering plenty of challenge for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Lil’ Rodeo Terrain Park

Lil’ Rodeo is the entry-level park, offering features for all riders and abilities. Small boxes, jumps, and a mini half-pipe, viewable from the Bear River deck, are waiting day and night to introduce beginners to the sport. This park is sure to please the little ones and beginners of all ages.

LOCATION | Off Christie Peak Express near the base area

TYPE | Jumps, rollers, boxes, jibs, mini-mavs half pipe

LEVEL | Small and medium

Rabbit Ears Terrain Park

Rabbit Ears is the next step one you are feeling comfortable with Lil’ Rodeo.   A local favorite with over 20 assorted jumps, bonks, jibs and rails. A great all-around park for beginner to intermediate riders.
LOCATION | Off Christie Peak Express take Main Drag or Boulevard to Big Foot
TYPE | Jumps, rails, boxes, jib features
LEVEL | Small and medium

Mavericks Terrain Park

Mavericks is Steamboat’s largest terrain park. With jumps ranging from 50 to 70 feet, this park is no joke. Check out the Bashor Pavilion for lunch, and amazing views of the largest park and pipe in the ‘Boat.
LOCATION
Just off Christie Peak Express, take Jess’ Cut-Off to Bear Claw
TYPE
Jumps, rails, log jobs, boxes
LEVEL
Medium and large

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Howelson Hill Ski Area

Season: November 30, 2025 – March 30, 2026

Howelsen Hill Ski Area is owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and holds a unique place in the history of skiing. It is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area, since 1915, and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America.  It has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America.

Howelsen has been the training ground for 100 Olympians making over 150 Winter Olympic appearances, 22 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame, and 13 members of the National Ski Hall of Fame. And even more importantly, it has been the place sharing the love of snow for generations.  And it is open for you to enjoy, even Sundays are free!

Skiing Howelson Hill costs $49 per day per adult and $34 for kids 5-12.  And Sundays are a free ski day!

There is also tubing, Nordic skiing and fat tire bike trails.  Nordic Skiing is $23.00 per day.

Ski Free Sunday

Ski Free Sunday Overview

No reservations required! Sunday Funday is taken to an entirely new level as Howelsen Hill hosts Free Skiing every Sunday throughout the winter season. Now your family can enjoy the slopes for absolutely FREE at North America’s Oldest Operating Ski Area and Steamboat’s original ski area.

Colorado’s most affordable Sunday lift ticket is a way to celebrate the community’s Olympian spirit and honor the tradition of this historic ski area. Skiing since 1915, Howelsen Hill has produced nearly 100 winter Olympians and has helped generations of Steamboat residents enjoy the sport.

During the season, it’s as easy as simply stopping into the Ticket Office to pick up your free ticket, which is required to access the lifts and the Nordic trails (cross-country, fat bike and snowshoe) on these special ski free days.

Free Spree Continues

After each Ski Free Sunday, continue your Free Spree that same day at Mountain Tap Brewery (910 Yampa Street)  with a free beer (certain beers excluded) or a cauldron of popcorn from 2pm to 5pm by simply showing your Ski Free Sunday lift ticket. The brewery even crafted a special seasonal beer in honor of the ski area – Howelsen Haze IPA.

Additional Information

• Reservations are not required for Ski Free Sundays, just visit the Ticket Office and pick up free ticket before hitting the slopes.
• Snow Tubing at Tube Howelsen is not free on Ski Free Sundays.
• Howelsen Hill closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
• Over the winter, specific Sundays could see limited or closed terrain due to special events or competitions.
• Select Sundays will also see Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club training on a portion of the Face.

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Ski & Snowboard Rentals

Steamboat has numerous ski and snowboard rental shops located both at the resort base and throughout downtown, such as Christy Sports.  Here you can rent standard ski packages, performance demos, snowboards, and kids ski and snowboard packages.

You can also bring your boots and just rent skis.  Reserve online ahead of time to save 20% off walk in rates.

Travelers flying into Colorado may also want to consider using ski shipping services like Ship Skis instead of checking equipment through the airport.

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Skiing for Families

Steamboat is one of the best family ski resorts in Colorado.

Families appreciate:

• Friendly mountain atmosphere
• Excellent children’s ski programs
• Convenient lodging
• Family-oriented terrain
• Activities beyond skiing

The resort’s ski school is highly respected and offers and offers group lessons, private instruction, kids programs, beginner packages and adaptive skiing.

Off the mountain, families can enjoy numerous activities when taking a break from skiing.

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Winter Activities Beyond the Slopes

Steamboat offers numerous winter experiences for non-skiers or travelers looking for additional adventure.

Popular winter activities include:

• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Nordic skiing
• Sleigh rides
• Dog sledding
• Ice skating
• Hot springs visits

Many visitors combine skiing with evening trips to:

Nordic Skiing

Steamboat’s cross-country ski trails and Nordic centers offer hours and miles of cross country skiing.  There are trails for experts and beginners.  Steamboat Springs also provides amazing access to backcountry Nordic opportunities in the surrounding U.S. National Forest areas.

Howelsen Hill Ski Area

Trail Difficulty | Easy, Moderate and Difficult

Trail Usage | Cross Country and Snowshoeing

Directions | From downtown Steamboat Springs, head west on fifth street and make a right onto Howelsen Parkway. Take this to the parking area in front of the ski area. Hours and prices vary.

View Interactive CO TREX Trail Map

Lake Catamount Ski Touring Center

Trail Difficulty | Easy, Moderate and Difficult

Trail Usage | Cross Country and Snowshoeing

Directions | Drive east out of Steamboat Springs on Hwy 40 to 131 South. Turn left onto County Road 18. Ski Touring Center on your left hand side. Please call 970-871-6667 for more information.

Steamboat Ski Touring Center

Trail Difficulty | Easy, Moderate and Difficult

Trail Usage | Cross Country and Snowshoeing

Directions | Take Mount Werner Road off of Hwy. 40 to Steamboat Boulevard. Head west on Steamboat Boulevard to the Ski Touring Center on right.

Steamboat Lake State Park

Trail Difficulty | Moderate

Trail Usage | Cross Country and Snowshoeing

Directions | Go west two miles on U.S. 40 to County Road 129 (also called Elk River Road). Turn north and drive 25 miles. The Visitor Center is on the left-hand side of the road. The groomed trails provide refreshing workouts and great scenery.

Call the office (970) 879-3922 or click here.