Superb!5 / 5Sep 03, 2013
CCindy
I selected it for the conditions, usually REALLY good and it provides a family atmosphere.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!
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Steamboat Reviews
Superb!5 / 5Aug 18, 2013
CCj
There are always some fun groups playing (live music) and fun clubs to go to!Superb!5 / 5Aug 01, 2013
TTodd
Great snow, fantastic town, huge mountain, and i have great friends who live there.Superb!5 / 5Jul 05, 2013
RRobin
This is a great resort to go to when you have a large group of varying ski abilities. Anyone can find something challenging at Steamboat.Very Good!4 / 5Jun 29, 2013
BBill
Geat location for condos on the mountain, convienent to everything, great snow, great mountain, cool cowboy atmosphere, great for kids tooSuperb!5 / 5Apr 10, 2013
TTheresa
There is always lots of snow and lots of different terrain for all levels of skiers. And we really like to stay slopeside. This continues to be our favorite.Superb!5 / 5Mar 24, 2013
JJohnny
The mountain and town are really awesome. They have the best snow conditions and the kid's love it.Superb!5 / 5Mar 18, 2013
MMichelle
Great terrain, not to many tourists, there is a starwood property at the base of the mountains. Great dining.Superb!5 / 5Nov 13, 2012
RRon
Easy to get to from Dallas unless American Airlines cancels the flight and leaves you strandedSuperb!5 / 5Sep 24, 2012
JJerry
It's a great mountain! The snow is always fantastic. The people are amazing, warm and friendly. The terrain is suited for the entire family. The lodging opportunities are endless. Out of the last ten years, we've been back to Steamboat at least eight times.