SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Steamboat Springs is a city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort. The latter has 6 peaks including Mount Werner. With geothermal hot springs that are said to have therapeutic properties, the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs is equipped with swimming and soaking pools, plus water slides.
Steamboat Springs Resort boasts such large amounts of fluffy, light, dry snow for skiing and snowboarding that its marketing team secured a registered trademark. Steamboat’s brand of snow is officially called “Champagne Powder®.
What you need to know:
MOUNTAIN RANGE
Steamboat is actually a complete mountain range: Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak. 2,965 acres (1200 hectares) of permitted terrain offer a diversity of trails for all levels of ability. Gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak are Steamboat’s particular claim to fame, with legendary Champagne Powder® snow in the trees for the most avid powder hounds.
LOCATION
Steamboat, located in northwest Colorado, 160 miles/267kms northwest of Denver, is an easy three-hour drive from Denver. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to the Silverthorne exit (#205), then go north on Colorado Highway 9 to the town of Kremmling, then west on US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat is accessible by nonstop air service from seven major U.S. airports on American, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines in addition to connecting service from over 230 other domestic and international cities.
TRAIL SYSTEM
Permitted Acres: 2,965 acres/1,200 hectares
Trails: 165 named trails
Trail Classification: 14% Beginner 42% Intermediate 44% Advanced
Longest Run: Why Not – over 3 miles/4.8km
SNOW
Annual Snowfall: 336″/854cm
Snowmaking: 375 acres/152 hectares
Lodging is not inexpensive but if you’re visiting Steamboat Springs Resort for a week or two and praying to the snow gods for just one, incredible powder day then you want to be staying on the mountain to be in the best position to get first tracks. You certainly don’t want to be digging out the car, sitting in traffic behind a snowplow and losing 20 minutes walking from the parking lot to the lifts. And given the powder brings out the locals as well as vacationers, it can get tracked out fairly quickly.
Of course we would love you to use our services here at SkiHouseSwap but if you do not have a ski house or simply need more space; one of the great advantages of vacationing at a resort as large as Steamboat Springs is your ability to choose. When it comes to lodging, not only do you have every conceivable type of accommodation to choose from, there is also something to suit every level of travel budget. We’re certain you’ll find the perfect location and amenities to suit your needs for an unforgettable vacation. Check this LINK at the Steamboat website to learn more local lodging options.
Mountain forecasts does a great job at covering the weather accurately for specific mountain ranges and gives precise snow and temperature forecasts for the next 10 days. This site is particularly helpful for climbers as it references precise mountains.
For the best on the snow reporting we recommend reading the local snow report brought to you by Opensnow!
When you visit Steamboat, you’re visiting a genuine Colorado mountain town that’s steeped in history, surrounded by ranches, barns, horse and cattle, and just so happens to boast one of the biggest and best ski mountains in the country. While people come for the winter, they stay for the summers full of sunshine, hiking, and the beautiful Yampa River. Located in the heart of the American West, with a ranching heritage that is still such a big part of our community. We also know how to put our western hospitality to work and spoil you rotten. Like the people who live here, this place is real, genuine and friendly.
In Steamboat, there are two main areas for shopping, dining and recreating: Gondola Square and downtown. No matter where you’re staying it’s easy to get between the two without your rental car. There is a great free bus system and every commercial lodging property also offers free shuttle services to get you wherever you want to go.
Likely due to the exorbitant cost of real estate, Steamboat Springs’ dining scene tends to grow at a glacial pace, especially when compared to that on the explosive Front Range. But over the past few years, it has seen a wave of change, with city-slick hot spots and craft taprooms joining established white-cloth destinations and après-ski watering holes.
For a list of Steamboats recommended dining spots check out the Steamboat website HERE.
While being a wonderful mountain for the entire family, Steamboat also offers multiple world-class children’s programs throughout the day to keep kids occupied and engaged all day long. For more information on the fun Steamboat brings to the classroom as well as the mountain check out the Steamboat SITE to select the best option for your family.
Also an important aspect to consider when purchasing tickets, kids 12 and under ski free with the purchase of a 5-or-more day adult lift ticket.
Looking for a world-class ski school experience on some of the best powder in the world? Well look no further than Steamboat’s own ski school that offers lessons to kids 5 and up as well as adult group lessons for those 18+. To explore each lesson group further check out Steamboat’s very own page to place yourself in a lesson that’s best for you.
When you visit Steamboat, you’re visiting a genuine Colorado mountain town that’s steeped in history, surrounded by ranches, barns, horse and cattle, and just so happens to boast one of the biggest and best ski mountains in the country. We are in the heart of the American West, with a ranching heritage that is still such a big part of our community. Read below to find out the best ways to get here and other useful information.
STEAMBOAT IS EASY TO GET TO
With nonstop flights to Steamboat from 14 cities during the ski season and 2-3 daily express flights from Denver during spring, summer and fall months, you can be on the mountain in only a few hours.
AIRPORT SHUTTLES
Steamboat Springs is only minutes from the Hayden Airport and between 3 and 4 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN).
FROM HAYDEN AIRPORT
The Hayden airport is located just a few miles east of Hayden and approximately 22 miles/35 km west of Steamboat Springs off Highway 40. From the airport, take the access road about 2 miles/3.2 km out to Highway 40 and turn right. Steamboat is about 22 miles/35 km east. While there is no public bus service from the airport, but shuttle services are available.
FROM DENVER
157 miles/250 km northwest of Denver, an easy 3 hour drive. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, Exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles/59 km), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles/85 km).
View conditions on Highway 40|View conditions on CO 9
FROM FORT COLLINS
Take CO 14 West, through Poudre Canyon, over Cameron Pass until Walden, CO. Take CO 14 (toward Steamboat Springs) until US 40, and turn right (West) over Muddy and Rabbit Ears Passes to Steamboat Springs.
FROM COLORADO SPRINGS
230 miles/368 km Northwest of Colorado Springs. Take I-25 north to C 470 (53 miles/85 km) then C 470 west to I-70 west (15 miles/24 km). Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles/59 km), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles/85 km).
FROM GRAND JUNCTION
Take I-70 West through Glenwood Springs and Eagle to Exit 157 (117 miles/187 km). Take CO 131 North (75 miles/120 km) to US 40. Turn left on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (4 miles).
FROM PARK CITY/SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Take US 40/UT 189 South to Heber City, UT. Stay on US 40, Steamboat Springs is about 5 1/2 hours from Park City.
FROM LARAMIE, WYOMING
Take WY 230 West (Snowy Range exit) through Mountain Home to the Wyoming/Colorado border, the road changes to CO 127. Stay on CO 127 to Walden. Take CO 14 West to US 40 at Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs.
