Very Good!4.1 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Mark W. expert skier
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Learn more about Steamboat
Pros
- Opportunity to unwind in one of the many geothermal hot springs!
- Located in a small authentic Colorado Western town
- Best uncrowded ski resort in Colorado
Cons
- A bit further out from Denver
Overall
Serving up some of the best glade skiing in Colorado combined with its trademarked Champagne powder, Steamboat is undeniably one of the best in the state. There are incredible tree runs to suit everyone from intermediates to experts and hike-to-terrain packed with freshies. Unlike the big corporate ski resorts in Colorado, Steamboat maintains a local atmosphere in its Cowboy ski town as it's further to get to from Denver than most other resorts in the state and sees less day-trippers. To top it all off, the geothermal hot springs in town make for the perfect après ski activity after a long day on the slopes!
Best month to go
January and February
January and February is the best time to visit Steamboat because they are snowiest months to experience amazing Champagne powder!
FLY TO
Denver International Airport
DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO
Steamboat Springs (3.5-4 hours)
Base of Steamboat (Walk)
- Ski-in/ski-out accommodation available
- Expensive lodging
- Less restaurants and shops than in town
Steamboat Springs (3-5 mi)
- Wide range of affordable and luxury lodging
- Free shuttle bus services around town and to ski resort
- Has various restaurants and stores
For beginners
Steamboat is great for beginners with tons of connecting green runs from the top of Christie Peak Express! For beginners with more skills, check out at the top of Sunshine Peak Express for some steeper green runs! Around Rough Rider Basin, there's a poma lift for the little ones to lap all day while skiing through small buildings, little bumps and short trees, fantastic for practicing turns.
For intermediates
Intermediates can find suitable trails across the whole resort! Buddy's run is a popular and fun first track run with great snow! Intermediates can also get a taste of Steamboat's amazing glade skiing in "Wally's World" the area off the Sunshine Express lift. The area isn't too steep and there is plenty of room for intermediates to weave comfortably between the trees.
For experts
For a ton of fun with groomers, bumps and glades, our pick for experts is to take on the black runs off the Four Points lift and Storm Peak! Closets and Shadows are the most popular glades (and for good reason) but for fresh champagne pow, experts can find it at the Christmas Tree Bowl, No Name and other hike-to glades on Mt Werner.
Find freshies
The large skiable terrain at Steamboat means freshies are less likely to get tracked out quickly. Most of the time, the mountain will get a "second dump" from the powdered trees which is even better since there are fewer crowds than a powder day to track it all out! If you're willing to hike 10-20 minutes, you can also find pockets of fresh snow at the Christmas Tree Bowl to plow through.
Ditch the crowds
The Gondola lines can get quite long in the morning so as an alternative, take the Christie Peak Express and ski to the Thunderhead Express which will take you to the same place! Though be warned, Christie Peak Express can also get a bit busy in the morning. When the Storm Peak Express gets packed, hop on the Pony Express instead and explore quieter yet fun terrain off this lift!
Non skiers
Besides the hot springs Steamboat is known for, there's not a whole lot on offer for non-skiers. Snowmobiling and riding the Mountain Coaster (the longest coaster in North America!) are some things non-skiers could do but with limited shopping and activities in this small Cowboy ski town, non-skiers might be left disappointed here.
Families
For some fun family-friendly skiing, Steamboat has it all. Christie Peak and Thunderhead Express are the most family-friendly areas for beginners while intermediates will enjoy the numerous blue runs off Sunshine Peak and in Wally's World. This area is especially ideal for more advanced parents who can also have fun while taking their kids through the glades!
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Steamboat Reviews
Mark W. Superb!5 / 5May 03, 2019
Eli B. intermediate skier
Very Good!4.1 / 5Mar 22, 2019
PLPhilip L.
Great resort with lots of options for the whole family. The lifts and lodges are up to date and clean. Great snow, great selection of trails, but a little tough to get to from Denver.... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.8 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Gregory B. intermediate skier
Superb!4.8 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Gregory B. intermediate skier
Superb!4.8 / 5Jan 02, 2019
Matthew E. expert snowboarder
Superb!5 / 5Nov 08, 2018
Bruce B. advanced snowboarder
Good!3.9 / 5Dec 04, 2017
TMTravis M.
Steamboat is definitely a fun resort to play at. The runs take you past a halfpipe and down right into the village area. Suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, the only complaint i have is how long the line for the main lift can be down at the bottom. It is a very family friendly resort town.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DCDale C.
Steamboat is a special place. It is more about the experience than just the mountain. It is an old West feel with amazing snow and a great town. You can get a laid back on mountain experience or a true Colorado mountain town experience. More Authentic than Vail, more real world than Aspen. Far enough from Denver so not as crowded with day skiers.... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 23, 2017
DTDean T.
Me and my spouse went to steamboat during the December festivities and it was absolutely fantastic. Skiing that champagne powder snow which they are known for was absolutely world class. On another note I would sum it up as a drinking town with a ski problem!!!... Moreexpert skier