Superb!5 / 5May 06, 2012
RRox
Even though I chose the snow conditions, I could have selected many other choices. Among others are scenery, natural beauty, & family/kids programs.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
Very Good!4 / 5Mar 11, 2012
BBob
Steamboat also has great snow... its just not as nice or consistant as Park CitySuperb!5 / 5Jan 26, 2012
CCarol
I love steamboat and have been to many ski resorts and this one fits all my needs.Superb!5 / 5Jan 03, 2012
CCaroline
We like ski in/out and this place was great because ski school, lifts and everything were right downstairs at our hotel.Very Good!4 / 5Jan 01, 2012
JJoe
Very Friendly town, Great Ski conditions, lots of Great places to stay, and reasonible pricesSuperb!5 / 5Dec 27, 2011
RRon
Great groomed blues and a couple of nice groomed blacks...very nice skiing in the trees on the side by Buddy's Run..the new stuffSuperb!5 / 5Oct 22, 2011
PPamela
Bus system is easy to find and easy to use. Everyone was friendly and helpful.Very Good!4 / 5Jul 10, 2011
FFred
Steamboat has beautiful scenery in all the runs. If you burn your legs up too early, just turn down the degree of difficulty one notch and keep that smile.Superb!5 / 5Jan 30, 2011
EElizabeth
Accessibility to Steamboat is great. Flyinging into the Hayden Airport is easy. The skiing terrain is great for beginners to advanced skiers. Lots of wonderful choices for eating out.Very Good!4 / 5Jun 25, 2010
KKen
STEAMBOAT HAS GREAT SKI CONDITIONS, USUALLY MINIMAL WIND MOSTLY WARM, GREAT FOOD, FRIENDLY PEOPLE.