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!
Denver International Airport
Steamboat Springs (3.5-4 hours)
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
