Steamboat is a popular ski resort located in Colorado, known for its world-class skiing and picturesque mountain views. The resort boasts over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, with 165 trails and 18 lifts, making it a great destination for skiers of all levels. Steamboat is also famous for its Champagne Powder snow, which is light and fluffy, making for an excellent skiing experience.
Apart from skiing, Steamboat offers a range of other winter activities, including snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The resort also has a vibrant après-ski scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Steamboat is a family-friendly resort, with a dedicated Kids Ski Free program that allows children under 12 to ski for free when accompanied by a paying adult. The resort also has a ski school that offers lessons for all ages and abilities.
Overall, Steamboat is a popular ski destination that offers a great skiing experience, a range of winter activities, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent ski school make it a great choice for families and beginners, while its challenging terrain and Champagne Powder snow attract more experienced skiers.
Need to know
Location and Access
Steamboat is a city located in northwest Colorado.. It is accessible by car via US Highway 40 or by plane through Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
- Drive time from the nearest airport (Yampa Valley Regional Airport): approximately 30 minutes
- Public transport links from the nearest city (Steamboat Springs): Steamboat Springs Transit provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas
- Drive time from the second closest airport (Denver International Airport): approximately 3.5 hours
About the Skiing
Steamboat is one of the better-known destinations for skiing in Colorado. Its terrain is varied, with over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, including groomed runs, tree skiing, and challenging steeps. The views are stunning, with the Yampa Valley and surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
Some of the skiing highlights at Steamboat include:
– Champagne Powder: Steamboat is known for its light, fluffy snow, which locals call “Champagne Powder.” This makes for excellent skiing conditions, especially on powder days.
– Tree Skiing: Steamboat has some of the best tree skiing in Colorado, with glades and forests providing a unique and challenging experience for skiers and snowboarders.
– Terrain Parks: Steamboat has several terrain parks, including Mavericks, which is one of the largest parks in Colorado. These parks offer a variety of features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
– Night Skiing: Steamboat offers night skiing on certain runs, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes even after the sun goes down.
– Ski School: Steamboat has a renowned ski school, with programs for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone.
Steamboat by Numbers
- Height point in ski area: 10,568 feet / 3,221 meters
- Resort level height: 6,900 feet / 2,103 meters
- Vert distance: 3,668 feet / 1,118 meters
- Total number of ski trails: 169
- Combined distance of ski trails: 2,965 acres
- Percentage of beginner trails: 14%
- Percentage of intermediate trails: 42%
- Percentage of expert trails: 44%
Lift tickets
Single-day lift ticket options and prices for Steamboat:
Adult (ages 18-69): $169
Teen (ages 13-17): $139
Child (ages 6-12): $89
Senior (ages 70+): $139
Please note that prices may vary depending on the date and time of purchase. It is recommended to check the official Steamboat website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Accommodations
There are several accommodation options in Steamboat, Colorado. Some popular choices include:
Steamboat Grand: This hotel is located at the base of the ski resort and offers a variety of rooms and suites, as well as amenities like a spa, fitness center, and on-site dining.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas: These villas are also located at the base of the ski resort and offer spacious accommodations with full kitchens and fireplaces.
The Lodge at Steamboat: This condo complex is located a short distance from the ski resort and offers one- to three-bedroom units with full kitchens and balconies.
Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs: This hotel is located in downtown Steamboat and offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub.
Rabbit Ears Motel: This budget-friendly motel is located in downtown Steamboat and offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Dining and Après-Ski
Steamboat offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a hearty meal at The Shack Cafe, which serves classic American breakfast dishes. For lunch, the Rye Restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. For dinner, guests can choose from several upscale restaurants, including Cafe Diva, which serves contemporary American cuisine, and Harwigs, which offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
In terms of bars and apres ski options, Steamboat has a lively nightlife scene. The T-Bar is a popular spot for apres ski drinks, with a large outdoor patio and live music on weekends. The Slopeside Grill is another popular apres ski spot, with a large selection of beers and a lively atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, guests can head to the Bear River Bar and Grill, which offers craft cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere. Overall, Steamboat offers a diverse range of dining and nightlife options to suit any taste or budget.
Steamboat is a popular dining experience where diners cook their own food in a pot of boiling broth at the center of the table. This communal meal is perfect for groups and allows everyone to customize their own meal with a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. Some popular steamboat ingredients include thinly sliced beef, shrimp, fish balls, tofu, and mushrooms. The broth can be flavored with a variety of spices and herbs, and dipping sauces are often provided for added flavor. Steamboat is a fun and interactive dining experience that is perfect for cold weather or special occasions.
Wrapping Up
If you are considering a ski trip to Steamboat, you won’t be disappointed. With its world-class skiing, stunning scenery, and charming town, Steamboat has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of runs to explore, and the resort’s excellent facilities and amenities make for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From the hot springs to the après-ski scene, there’s always something to do in Steamboat. So pack your bags, grab your skis, and get ready for an unforgettable winter vacation in one of the best ski resorts in the world.
