We arrived in Steamboat Springs to several inches of fresh powder. The snow was deep enough for skiing but also perfect for snowshoeing and tubing. After a day on the slopes, soaking in Old Town Hot Springs is the best way to unwind. Whether you're here for the ski resort or the hot springs, there are plenty of things to do in Steamboat Springs in the winter. The town has a friendly vibe, a walkable downtown, and a free shuttle that makes getting around simple.
- Best time
- December to February for peak snowfall
- Where to stay
- Condos at the ski resort or in town, like the Steamboat Grand or The Bristol
- Perfect for
- Skiers, snowboarders, families, and non-skiers looking for winter adventures
- Don't miss
- Soaking in the natural hot springs after a day of snow sports
Things I'd tell a friend
After several trips, here are the insider tips I keep repeating.
Book ski lessons online
Steamboat Resort's ski school groups kids by age and ability, and full-day lessons include lunch. If you buy lift tickets online ahead of time, you save a lot of waiting at the window.
Source · From my own trip
Try snowshoeing at Howelsen Hill
The trail to Emerald Mountain is easy to follow, and the view at the top is worth the climb. You'll likely share the trail with cross-country skiers and fat bikers.
Source · Local tip
Don't skip the craft cocktails
The Laundry Restaurant serves delicious food and craft cocktails. For a treat, order a Bloody Mary at the Thunderhead Lodge bar after a gondola ride.
Source · Checked this myself
Steamboat Springs Resort
Steamboat Springs Resort offers 3,741 acres of terrain with 181 trails, making it a favorite for skiers of all levels.
- 3,741 acres of ski terrain
- 181 trails for all skill levels
- Quick and reliable lifts
- Known for excellent powder and groomed runs
Steamboat Springs Resort is one of the most accessible ski areas in Colorado. It's not the biggest, but it's friendly and easy to navigate. The views on a bluebird day are stunning, and the snow is often powder. Ski school at the resort uses seasoned instructors who group kids by age and ability. Full-day lessons include lunch. If you're skiing at least five days, kids ages 5 to 12 get free lift tickets for the same number of days. Kids under 5 pay just $10 for a lift ticket. The resort also has a gondola that non-skiers can ride to Thunderhead Lodge at 9,000 feet for views and meals. Snowcat sleigh rides to Ragnar's and Four Points Lodge are another option for evening adventures.
Buy lift tickets and book lessons online
On a slow day, buying tickets and setting up a lesson can take an hour. Make arrangements online before you arrive to save time.
Great for groups with mixed abilities
The resort has trails for all levels. If you're skiing with a group of differing skill levels, Steamboat is a great fit.
Free shuttle runs between resort and town
Steamboat Springs has a free shuttle that connects the resort and downtown, so you don't need a car for getting around.
Come early to beat the crowds on the lifts.
Howelsen Hill
Howelsen Hill is a hub for winter activities right in the center of town, from snowshoeing to tubing to ice skating.
- Snowshoeing to Emerald Mountain
- Most convenient snow tubing in town
- Olympic-size ice skating rink
- Fat biking and cross-country ski trails
Howelsen Hill sits in the middle of Steamboat Springs and offers a range of winter sports. I snowshoed from Howelsen Hill to the top of Emerald Mountain. The track was easy to follow, and the view at the top made the climb worth it. The trail network is shared with cross-country skiers and fat bikers. For tubing, the most convenient spot in town is right at Howelsen Hill. If you prefer ice skating, the Howelsen Hill Ice Arena has an Olympic-size sheet of ice, plus drop-in hockey and bumper cars on ice for kids. The hill also has groomed trails for fat biking. Check Routt County Riders for a full trail list.
Tubing at Howelsen Hill is cheaper than Saddleback
Tubing at Howelsen Hill is the most convenient and cost-effective option in town. No need to drive 15 miles.
Trail can be confusing on the way down
On the descent from Emerald Mountain, the untracked snow can make it easy to get turned around. Stick to the main track.
Walk from downtown or take free shuttle
Howelsen Hill is right in town. You can walk from Lincoln Avenue or catch the free shuttle.
Go early in the morning for the best snow conditions on the trail.
Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs sits right in the middle of Steamboat Springs and offers natural hot spring pools for a relaxing soak after a day in the snow.
- Heated outdoor pools with natural hot spring water
- Waterfalls and a climbing wall
- Two 230-foot water slides for summer
- Convenient downtown location
Old Town Hot Springs is the most accessible hot spring in Steamboat. It's located at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue. The facility was recently renovated and includes several heated outdoor pools, whirlpools, and a locker room. There's also a pool-plunging climbing wall. The two 230-foot water slides are open in summer only. Towels can be rented for a small fee. The pools are warm even when it's snowing, and kids love building snowmen while standing in the hot tub. It's family-friendly and a great way to soothe muscles after skiing.
Daily admission includes access to all pools
A day pass gets you into all the heated pools and whirlpools. Towel rental is extra. The facility is open year-round.
Go on a weekday afternoon for fewer people
Weekday afternoons are less crowded. Locals often wear winter hats with their swimsuits to stay warm.
Summer features water slides and obstacle course
The two 230-foot slides and the water obstacle course are only open in summer and come with an extra fee.
Bring your own towel and flip-flops to avoid the locker room rush.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
For a more rustic hot spring experience, Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits seven miles outside town with natural pools and a creek.
- Various temperature pools
- Teepee changing area
- Creek for cooling off
- Clothing optional after dark
Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more natural setting than Old Town. You change in a teepee and soak in pools of different temperatures. Shoulder-caressing waterfalls add to the experience, and you can plunge into the nearby creek to cool off. The drive takes about 15 minutes from downtown. Note that after sunset, clothing becomes optional, so plan accordingly if you're visiting with children.
Drive 15 minutes from downtown
Strawberry Park is seven miles outside Steamboat Springs. You'll need a car as there's no shuttle.
Clothing optional after sunset
After dark, swimsuits are optional. If you're going with kids, plan to leave before sunset or visit during the day.
Go during the day for a family-friendly soak
Daytime visits are family-friendly. The different pools let you find your perfect temperature.
Check the sunset curfew if you bring kids.
Rabbit Ears Pass
A guided snowmobile tour into Rabbit Ears Pass takes you through the rugged wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.
- Guided tours available
- See more of the area than on foot
- Iconic pass with rabbit ear rock formation
- Half-day or full-day options
My siblings took a half-day guided snowmobile tour to Rabbit Ears Pass. They said it was the best snowmobiling adventure they've had. Rabbit Ears Pass is an iconic pass in the Rocky Mountains, named for a rock formation that looks like rabbit ears. The wilderness out there is rugged, so having a guide is a good idea. By exploring on a snowmobile, you can see a lot more of the area than on foot or skis.
Half-day tours are budget-friendly
Half-day tours cost less than full-day and still offer plenty of time to explore the pass.
Guided tours are recommended for safety
The terrain can be challenging. A guide ensures you stay on track and see the best spots.
Tours depart from outside Steamboat Springs
The snowmobile company meets you just outside of town. You'll drive a short distance to the trailhead.
Book a half-day tour to leave time for other activities.
Tread of Pioneers Museum
Housed in a Victorian home downtown, the Tread of Pioneers Museum offers a look into Steamboat's history, from Utes to skiing pioneers.
- Victorian-era preserved home
- Exhibits on pioneer life and Native Americans
- Original Lighted Man suit and ski history
- Kid-friendly scavenger hunt
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is located at Eighth and Oak streets in a stately Victorian house. Half of the space is preserved as a 19th-century home. The other half holds exhibits on pioneer life, Native Americans, and local culture, including a strong focus on skiing history. Highlights include a traveling candy salesman's case with original candy and the equipment used by 'Lighted Man' night skiers. Kids can pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk to make exploring more fun. The museum also has a map for a self-guided hot springs walking tour of seven springs around town.
Open daily with affordable admission
The museum is open daily and charges a small admission fee. The scavenger hunt is free.
Pick up the hot springs walking tour map here
The museum has a map for a walking tour of seven historic hot springs around town. It's a free addition to your visit.
Scavenger hunt makes it fun for kids
The scavenger hunt has riddles and items to find. It helps pull kids into the exhibits.
Ask for the scavenger hunt at the front desk - it keeps the kids engaged.
What are the best things to do in Steamboat Springs in the winter for non-skiers?
Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing at Howelsen Hill, tubing, ice skating, hot springs (Old Town and Strawberry Park), a gondola ride to Thunderhead Lodge, snowmobiling, fat biking, and the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
How much does it cost to ski at Steamboat Springs Resort?
Prices vary, but kids ages 5 to 12 ski free with a paying adult skiing at least five days. Kids under 5 pay just $10 for a lift ticket.
Do I need a car in Steamboat Springs?
A car is useful for reaching Strawberry Park Hot Springs and snowmobile tours, but the free shuttle covers the resort and downtown. If you rent a car, get four-wheel drive and snow tires.
Which hot spring is better for families?
Old Town Hot Springs is more family-friendly with a downtown location, heated pools, and a climbing wall. Strawberry Park is more rustic and clothing-optional after dark.
When is the best time to visit Steamboat Springs for winter activities?
December, January, and February have the most snowfall, averaging 60 to 80 inches per month.
Can I go snow tubing in Steamboat Springs?
Yes. Howelsen Hill offers convenient snow tubing right in town. Saddleback Ranch has a larger tubing hill with a lift, 15 miles out of town.