Winter Activities in Steamboat

While Steamboat Springs is world-famous for its legendary Champagne Powder® skiing, the town also offers one of the best collections of off-slope winter activities in Colorado. Visitors who want a break from skiing — or travelers who never plan to click into ski boots at all — will find plenty of unforgettable winter experiences ranging from snowmobiling and dog sledding to hot springs, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tubing, and authentic western adventures.

Steamboat’s combination of deep snow, wide-open ranchland, surrounding wilderness, and laid-back western atmosphere makes it especially strong for winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding.

If you are looking specifically for lift tickets, terrain information, rentals, or ski resort details, visit our Skiing & Snowboarding in Steamboat Springs Guide

For everyone else, here are the best ways to experience winter in Steamboat off the slopes.

Soak in Natural Hot Springs

No winter trip to Steamboat is complete without visiting the area’s famous hot springs. Sitting in steaming mineral water while snow falls around you is one of the signature Colorado winter experiences.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Located approximately 20–25 minutes outside downtown Steamboat, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most scenic hot springs destinations in Colorado. Visitors soak in natural rock pools, surrounded by waterfalls and forested mountain surroundings.  There are several multi-temperature ,mineral pools with soft bottoms.  During winter, the experience becomes especially magical as snow piles up around the pools and steam rises into the cold mountain air. Reservations are often required during peak season

Since the road to Strawberry Hot Springs is unpaved, it can be snowy and icy in winter.  Many visitors use local transportation companies to avoid winter driving concerns.

Shuttle Providers include:

• Steamboat Limousine
• Go Alpine

Old Town Hot Springs

For families and visitors wanting something closer to town, Old Town Hot Springs offers large mineral pools, waterslides, hot soaking pools, fitness facilities and kid-friendly swimming areas.   The facility is located downtown near the Yampa River Core Trail.  It is especially convenient for families staying downtown.

Snowmobiling in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat is one of Colorado’s top snowmobiling destinations thanks to its extensive backcountry terrain, deep snow, and scenic mountain landscapes. Snowmobiles are available as rentals or a guided tours taking you through powder-filled meadows, aspen forests, high mountain overlooks and open ranchland terrain. Tours typically include snowmobile instruction,
helmets and gear and scenic backcountry routes.  Many tours climb to elevations above 10,000 feet with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Steamboat Snowmobile Tours

One of the area’s best-known operators, Steamboat Snowmobile Tours offers guided adventures for beginners, families and experienced riders.

Saddleback Ranch

Saddleback Ranch offers some of the most scenic and family-friendly snowmobile experiences near Steamboat. Visitors can book guided snowmobile tours, evening tours, ranch dining experiences. The ranch’s terrain features open valleys and broad mountain views that photograph beautifully during winter sunsets.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Steamboat’s western heritage comes alive during winter through traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides. This is one of the most popular family and romantic winter activities in town. Visitors ride through snowy ranchland beneath the surrounding mountains before arriving at a rustic western dinner setting. This experience often includes draft horse sleigh rides, cowboy-style dinners, fire pits and western entertainment.  This activity works especially well for families, couples, non-skiers and multi-generational groups.

Bar Lazy Ranch

Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinners

Saddleback Ranch

Snow Tubing

Tubing is one of the easiest and most fun winter activities for families visiting Steamboat. Tubing is available at Howelsen Hill Ski Area located right in town.  Howelsen Hill offers snow tubing with groomed tubing lanes, lift-served tubing and affordable pricing.

Because it sits close to downtown, Howelsen Hill tubing is especially convenient for evening family activities after dinner.

Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Centers

For travelers wanting a quieter winter experience than alpine skiing, Steamboat has excellent Nordic skiing opportunities.

Haymaker Nordic Center offers groomed trails, lessons, rentals in both skate skiing and classic skiing.  The terrain works well for beginners while still offering enough challenge for experienced Nordic skiers.

Steamboat Ski Touring Center, located near the ski resort, this touring center provides groomed Nordic trails and snowshoe routes as well as rentals and instruction.

Dog Sledding Adventures

Dog sledding remains one of Steamboat’s most memorable winter activities.  Visitors can experience guided sled rides through snow-covered wilderness with working sled dog teams.
Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works is one of the most respected dog sled operators in the region, Grizzle-T offers immersive experiences where visitors can ride in the sled, learn about the dogs and meet the mushers.  You even get to help control the sled!  This activity is especially memorable for families with children.

Experience Nature Filled Winter Activities in Steamboat

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to quietly experience the winter landscape surrounding Steamboat. Visitors can explore the hiking trails throughout the Yampa Valley that are open during the winter.  Snowshoes make that possible!  You will encounter snow-covered forests, river corridors and scenic overlooks.

Popular snowshoeing areas include:

• Rabbit Ears Pass
• Fish Creek Falls area
• Buffalo Pass
• Yampa Valley trails

Guided Snowshoe Tours

Local outfitters and Nordic centers offer guided snowshoe tours suitable for beginners and families. Steamboat Powdercats is primarily known for snowcat skiing, however, they also offers winter backcountry experiences that showcase the stunning wilderness terrain surrounding the Yampa Valley.

Winter Fat Biking

Fat biking has become increasingly popular in Steamboat during winter. Wide tires allow riders to explore snow-packed trails, groomed winter routes and scenic forest roads.  Several local outfitters rent winter-ready fat bikes for visitors wanting a unique winter adventure.

Ice Fishing

One of the favorite pastimes in Steamboat is fly fishing the Yampa River.  The fun doesn’t stop when the snow starts falling as lines are cast year-round.  Local outfitters offer daily guided trips. Get hooked up with one of our local shops in town if you need to rent equipment or would like to take a fishing excursion with a knowledgeable local guide.  If you would rather fish solo, you can explore the state park fishing grounds in winter by heading out to Stagecoach State Park, Pearl Lake or Steamboat Lake State Park.

Scenic Winter Walks Along the Yampa River

The Yampa River Core Trail remains beautiful during winter and offers one of the easiest ways to enjoy the snowy scenery without committing to a major outdoor excursion.  You can walk riverside trails, watch ice formations along the river and visit the Yampa River Botanical Gardens.  Easy access to downtown restaurants and breweries are a plus!  The trail is especially scenic after fresh snowfall.

Ice Skating

Steamboat offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor skating opportunities during winter at the Howelsen Ice Arena.  There you can enjoy public skating sessions, hockey games, figure skating and indoor ice facilities.  This is a great “bad-weather” activity during snowstorms or colder evenings.

Indoor Winter Activities in Steamboat

Shopping, Breweries, and Museums

Not every winter activity in Steamboat needs to involve snow.  Downtown Steamboat offers western boutiques, outdoor gear shops, art galleries, coffee shops, breweries and distilleries.  Steamboat’s downtown scene feels noticeably more relaxed and local compared to some larger Colorado resort towns.

Tread of Pioneers Museum

The Tread of Pioneers Museum features a 1908 Queen Anne-style Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings. On display are various ranching, mining and pioneer life and Native American artifacts from Routt County.  The museum is also home to a comprehensive History of Skiing exhibit.   The Western room, home of an extensive firearms collection, traces our agricultural history and the story of an infamous outlaw, Harry Tracy.

Signature Winter Activities in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival | February  3 – 7, 2026

The Winter Carnival, proudly hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club with Presenting Sponsor Yampa Valley Bank, brings the community together to celebrate athleticism, winter, and Steamboat’s Western ski heritage. Established in 1914, Winter Carnival began as a way to lift spirits during the long winter months and today continues to honor the snow sports that define Ski Town, USA. This year’s theme is Dream Like a Champion!

Why Steamboat is One of Colorado’s Best Winter Destinations

What makes Steamboat unique is how many winter experiences exist beyond the ski resort itself.

Visitors can:

• Soak in natural hot springs
• Ride snowmobiles through powder meadows
• Enjoy sleigh ride dinners
• Explore Nordic trails
• Walk snowy river paths
• Experience authentic western culture

That combination of adventure, scenery, and genuine mountain-town atmosphere makes Steamboat one of the most complete winter vacation destinations in Colorado — even if you never step into skis or a snowboard.

Additional Resources

• Skiing & Snowboarding Guide
• Steamboat Springs Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
• Getting to Steamboat Springs
• Restaurants Guide

Steamboat Ski Resort Opens in November for the 2026-27 Winter Season! Check out information on skiing and snowboarding.