Good!3.9 / 5Nov 07, 2017
SWScott W.
Steamboat has some of the best snow around and probably the best tree doing in the US. Not the most advanced trails but enough to keep you busy with the tree runs. ... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Build your Steamboat Ski Trip
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!
Save up to 36% when you book a Steamboat package!
View Steamboat packages
Steamboat Reviews
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 07, 2017
HZHunter Z.
I love steamboat! I lived there for many years, and I can say there is no other powder like it! The back country is also amazing and it's a huge mountain!please help me win this, I truly love boarding and would use the crap out of it:)❄⛷... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 07, 2017
BBBryan B.
I love the small mountain town feel of steamboat! Fun little downtown with a ton of good restaurants. The best part is the main attraction though, the beautiful mountain with prestine champagne powder that you get to enjoy through aspen groves is a backcountry skiers dream.... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 06, 2017
NNoah
Steamboat is incredible! Definitely better than hitting resorts in summit county that are way overcrowded. Love visiting the town of Steamboat and it's fun even if there isn't any new Fresh snow!... Moreadvanced skier
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 06, 2017
JJJeffrey J.
My wife and I first visited Steamboat in 1995 when we were first married and both thought, "if we ever have kids, we will bring them here to learn to ski!" 23 years and four daughters later- we made good on that idea. Steamboat is a fabulous place to make memories for a lifetime.... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 06, 2017
CBCollin B.
I have been luck enough to call Steamboat my home for a year. If youre looking to go on a ski vacation definately keep us in mind. We have shorter lift lines with world class accomodations. You wont be dissapointed.... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!5 / 5Oct 25, 2017
EAErcol A.
Steamboat is the most beautiful resort I have ever been to. The mountain is unbelievable, with the best trees I have ever ridden. The staff are fantastic, and the resort itself is a great time. This mountain is one of the main reasons I am planning to move to steamboat l.Superb!5 / 5Oct 21, 2017
DDavid
The Best...What more can you say? The snow is unique. The runs are great for any skill level. The town is filled with charm....and the hot springs....woohoo. Great terrain and trees galore!Superb!5 / 5Oct 18, 2017
MSMitchell S.
Steamboat is an incredible resort and has a great town outside of the base area to boot. Tomahawk is a great run with a little bit of everything for a blue. This is by far my favorite place to ski and flights into Hayden airport are easy to get.Superb!5 / 5Oct 17, 2017
SAStephen A.
Steamboat is hard to beat when it come to an all around Colorado Ski destination. It's remote but not too remote...and although it's seen a lot of growth it's still a "small mountain town" experience. Lots of Mom&Pop eateries and bars as well as some of your familiar corporate venues. The people are GREAT and from all over the world! Hot Spring,... More