Steamboat Springs Winter Activities
When snow covers the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs transforms. The mountains become a playground for skiers, snowboarders, and other winter enthusiasts. This town has produced 98 winter Olympians, more than any other North American town. There is much more than just skiing.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
The Steamboat Ski Area is among North America's largest ski mountains. It sits 7,000 feet up in the Colorado Rockies. You will find 165 trails on six peaks. The area covers nearly 3,000 acres. It includes groomed cruisers, bumps, steeps, and open meadows. Tree skiing is available, along with Mavericks, the continent's longest superpipe. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy Steamboat. For lessons, contact the Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School. Kids ages 12 and under ski free with a 5-or-more day adult lift ticket at Steamboat Ski Area. You can also enjoy night skiing at Steamboat Resort. Howelsen Hill Ski Area offers ski free Sundays.
Kids 12 and under ski free with a 5-or-more day adult lift ticket at Steamboat Ski Area.
Ski free Sundays are available at Howelsen Hill Ski Area.
Snow Tubing and Alpine Slide
For fun and speed, try snow tubing. You can glide down hills on a tube. Saddleback Ranch offers a Yee-Haw Tubing Hill. It is 15 miles from town and has a tube-tow lift system. Warm up with a hot drink from their concession stand. Howelsen Hill has a new tubing hill that is perfect for families. Enjoy scenic views of downtown Steamboat Springs on the Howler Alpine Slide. This slide winds down a 2,400-foot rack on Howelsen Hill.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing trails
Snowshoeing is easy and fun for all ages. It is a great way to see the Colorado High Country. Miles of serene backcountry trails or maintained paths await around Steamboat. Rent gear from a local shop or take a guided tour. The Haymaker Nordic Center has snowshoe trails for different skill levels. It also offers cross-country ski rentals, skate ski rentals, and instruction. Steamboat has over 75 miles of trails at five Nordic centers for cross-country and skate skiing. Explore forests and glades, where you might see deer.
Snowmobiling and Snowcat Skiing
Glide over the snow on a snowmobile tour. You can see the winter landscape at high speed. Tours are available for two-hour, four-hour, and full-day trips. These backcountry tours show areas like Rabbit Ears Pass, Steamboat Lake, and the Upper Elk River Valley. Steamboat also offers snowcat skiing for powder skiing. A comfortable, heated snowcat takes you to over 10,000 acres of glades and bowls. You can enjoy 10 to 18 runs on pure powder. Each snowcat has three guides and terrain for all abilities.
Ice Skating and Ice Climbing
The Howelsen Ice Arena is the only ice rink in Steamboat. It offers an Olympic-size rink for open skating, hockey, and broomball leagues. Private lessons are available for all skating styles. You can rent equipment and find a repair shop there. The rink also offers bumper cars on ice and Rock On Ice, where kids skate to music. Skeeter's Ice Rink in Steamboat Square is free if you bring your own skates. You can also try ice climbing. Scale a frozen waterfall in a spectacular expedition. No experience is needed, and all equipment is provided. There are higher climbs for experienced climbers.
Skeeter's Ice Rink is free to the public with their own skates. Skate rentals are available for a fee.
Guests must be wearing skates to enter Skeeter's Ice Rink.
Winter Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Take a leisurely horse-drawn sleigh ride to see views of the mountain, valley, and forest. Local ranches offer afternoon tours through the countryside. You can also find romantic dinner rides under the starry sky. Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinners are available Thursday through Sunday, and reservations are required. Saddleback Ranch offers rides with Belgium horses and bells. Hahn's Peak Roadhouse provides sleigh rides to and from its lodge in North Routt County. At Steamboat Resort, you can ride a sleigh behind a snowcat to Ragnar's or take a snowcat ride to Four Points Lodge. Other sleigh ride options include Bar Lazy L Ranch.
Reservations are required for Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinners.
Dog Sledding in Steamboat
Experience Steamboat by traveling at the speed of a dog. Mush through backcountry trails on a sled pulled by Alaskan or Siberian Huskies. Trips can be planned by the hour, half-day, or full-day. These trips come with a thermos of hot chocolate. Many dogs you will drive have competed in the Iditarod. Kids can also learn to drive a team with an adult behind them.
Winter Driving School
The Bridgestone Winter Driving School helps you take your skills to the next level. This applies whether you are a new driver or a racing professional. Learn the mechanics and practice on real ice and snow-covered tracks. Both safety and performance-based programs are offered. These range from a half day to two days. The school's 77-acre facility has three tracks. These are coated with over 250,000 gallons of water to simulate winter conditions.
Programs range from a half day to two days.
Steamboat Springs Summer Activities
When the snow melts, Steamboat Springs reveals a landscape of green. The Yampa Valley becomes a hub for outdoor summer activities. From peaceful gardens to adventurous helicopter tours, there is something for everyone.
Golfing in Steamboat
Steamboat has four golf courses open between April and October. Each course is designed to show the natural wonders of Steamboat. You are guaranteed a good time as you watch your ball soar through the thin mountain air. Courses include The Haymaker, Steamboat Golf Club, and Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club. There is also the Tom Weiskopf Championship Course; contact a Guest House General Manager for access to this private course.
Courses are open between April and October.
Contact a Guest House General Manager for access to the private Tom Weiskopf Championship Course.
Mountain Biking and E-Bike Rentals
Steamboat is ideal for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The Steamboat Ski Mountain alone has 50 miles of professionally designed trails. You can rent bikes and safety equipment at the mountain. Then take the gondola up to Thunderhead for a ride. Different trails suit varying skill levels. In surrounding areas, you can take casual rides or longer trips. These include Coulton Creek, Rabbit Ears, or Buffalo Pass. A Pedego electric bike rental is another great way to see Steamboat Springs. Pedego also offers guided tours.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Boat Rentals
Head out for a day of fun in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. This is a thrilling way to experience the mountains. The Yampa, Elk, and Upper Colorado Rivers are a short drive away. They offer rapids for all levels. Lessons are available. Guides can help plan your kayaking adventure. You can also rent a boat for paddling, fishing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding. Marinas at Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir are about 30 minutes from Steamboat. They offer pontoon, fishing boat, and canoe rentals for one to eight hours. Speedboat rentals are also available. Water temperatures often reach 70 degrees or more.
Pontoon, fishing boat, and canoe rentals are available for one to eight hours.
Fishing in Steamboat Waters
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate Steamboat's public and private waters. These include the Yampa and Colorado Rivers, Stagecoach Reservoir, and Steamboat Lake. Trout and pike are popular catches. You can go on your own or arrange an outing. These outings include transportation, fishing gear, flies, and a professional guide. Half-day, full-day, or multi-day trips are available for individuals and groups. A license is required unless fishing on private waters. Licenses can be bought from several places in and around town.
A fishing license is required unless fishing on private waters.
Licenses can be purchased from several places in and around town.
Horseback Riding and Wagon Rides
Experience Steamboat in Western style on horseback. Trails go through aspen groves, evergreen forests, and wildflower meadows. They also lead to high mountain lakes. Guided trips can be arranged with local cowboys for riders of all levels. You can also enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride along the Elk River. This is a good pre-dinner activity. You can tailor a romantic ride for two or bring the whole family. Del's Triangle 3 Ranch offers family-friendly rides north of Steamboat. Saddleback Ranch also provides horseback riding.
Rodeo and Cattle Drives
Take your family to see real cowboys at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. This is the most successful weekly rodeo in the country. Performances occur on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. They begin at 7:30 p.m. at Romick Arena at the Howelsen Hill Park Complex. Arrive early for good seats and barbecue. Bring a jacket for after sunset. You and your family can also work cattle on a real ranch. Find out what it is like to be a cowboy. Ride 8,000 acres of a working ranch. Drives are available as a half-day outing suitable for all riding levels.
Rodeo performances are on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer.
Cattle drives are half-day outings.
Rock Climbing and Sporting Clays
You will find climbing for beginners, intermediate, and advanced climbers in Steamboat. Push your limits with top-rope, traditional, and sport routes. Many are within city limits. For beginners, local half-day and full-day guided climbs offer instruction. You can scale rock faces from 25 to 450 feet high. Advanced climbers can visit a local sporting goods shop for a written guide. For an afternoon activity, check out Three Quarter Circles. This independent ranch has sporting clays and a driving range. Enjoy target practice from one of 12 log shooting platforms.
Hunting Opportunities
Steamboat offers hunting opportunities in any season. Whether you prefer rifle or bow, you will enjoy the wilderness of Colorado High Country. Guides are available for fully guided and drop-camp hunts. These are for animals like trophy elk, mountain lions, black bears, antelope, deer, and game birds. After a successful hunt, local meat processing plants and taxidermy specialists are available. Permits are required for hunting.
Hunting permits are required.
Steamboat Springs Family Fun and Attractions
Steamboat Springs offers various attractions beyond outdoor sports. These places provide fun and learning for all ages. You can find entertainment indoors or engage with local history.
Hot Springs and Pools
Natural springs surround the Steamboat area. They make for a supremely relaxing day trip throughout the year. Old Town Hot Springs has operated year-round since 1935. It features three spring-fed hot mineral pools. You can enjoy warm natural spring water all year. There is also an Olympic-size pool, a 350-foot water slide, a kiddie pool, a weight room, and tennis courts. Old Town Hot Springs is conveniently located at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue. The Strawberry Park Hot Springs are a short shuttle ride away. They offer natural springs in an idyllic setting with massage services. Reservations are highly recommended for the private experience. You can rent private areas overnight. Clothing is optional after dark, so heed the sunset curfew with kids. You can also visit and learn about seven local springs on a downtown hot springs walking tour. Pick up a map for this tour at the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
Reservations are highly recommended for Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
Clothing is optional at Strawberry Park Hot Springs after dark. There is a sunset curfew for children.
Gondola Rides and Hot Air Balloons
Steamboat's eight-passenger gondola is open throughout the summer. It offers views of Mt. Werner without snow. Ride up Mt. Werner, then hike, bike, or dine at a mountaintop restaurant. You can also bring a picnic lunch. Dress for wind even in summer. For a different view, take a hot air balloon ride. See the Yampa Valley and the surrounding mountains from above. Flights are offered by the hour and half-hour. They can be arranged for romantic trips or family outings. During Rainbow Weekend, usually in July, you can see over 40 balloons in the sky. Early morning rides give a bird's-eye view of town, the mountain, and Mount Werner.
Hot air balloon flights are offered by the hour and half-hour.
Dress accordingly for wind during summer gondola rides.
Rainbow Weekend, featuring many balloons, is usually held in July.
Helicopter Tours and ATV Rides
Get a view of Steamboat and nearby areas on a helicopter tour. These tours for two depart from Steamboat Airport. They can be customized to what you want to see. You can buzz treetops, scale mountains, or see rivers and lakes. Mount Werner and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness look great from the air. For a thrilling ground experience, try ATV or four-wheeling. Tour Hahn's Peak, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, and other areas. Over 44 miles of off-road trails are available. Tours are offered for two-hour, half-day, full-day, and overnight trips. Vehicles can accommodate single, double, or triple riders. Experienced guides ensure safety.
ATV tours are available for two-hour, half-day, full-day, and overnight trips.
ATV vehicles can accommodate single, double, or triple riders.
Family Fun Parks and Bowling
The Amaze'n Steamboat Family Fun Park offers activities for all ages. It is along Fish Creek. Amaze'n has mini golf, laser tag, a giant maze, squirt gun fun, and gemstone panning. Snow Bowl is Steamboat's bowling alley. It is perfect for when you prefer indoor activities. They have open bowling, cosmic bowling, and moonlight bowling. Leagues run year-round, and tournaments are held. Snow Bowl has a food menu and can host parties. Steamboat Tennis & Pickleball is a four-season facility at the base of Mt. Werner. It has indoor and outdoor courts for all ages. You can rent a court by the hour, drop in for Open Play, or sign up for lessons.
Steamboat Tennis & Pickleball courts can be rented by the hour.
Museums and Olympic Heritage
The Tread of Pioneers Museum offers a glimpse into American history. It shows the lives of Colorado pioneers. The museum is in a 1908 Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings. It features ranching and mining artifacts. Displays of Native American cultural artifacts are also present. The Western room has century-old firearms and tells stories of the rodeo and local outlaws. It also pays tribute to the history of skiing in Steamboat Springs. Steamboat has produced 98 winter Olympians. You can learn about them on the Sunshine Olympian Trail between Quickdraw and Flintlock runs. Find tributes to local Olympians at Thunderhead Lodge and Howelsen Hill Lodge. A downtown tour features bronze plaques honoring Olympians.
Botanical Gardens and Hiking
The Yampa River Botanic Park complements the mountains around Steamboat. It is open dawn to dusk from spring until the first heavy snow. The park has ponds, native and non-native plants, and a variety of birds and butterflies. Admission is free for everyone. On Thursdays, you can attend a morning walk and a noontime concert. Even in winter, there are hiking options. Fish Creek Falls is a 283-foot waterfall, a three-mile drive from downtown. Spring Creek is a multiuse trail from downtown. It leads up a snow-covered dirt road along a creek. Blackmere Drive on Emerald Mountain leads to the quarry overlook. Visit the Steamboat Chamber for hiking information.
Yampa River Botanic Park is open dawn to dusk from spring until the first heavy snow.
Admission is free for Yampa River Botanic Park.
The Music on the Green series offers a noontime concert on Thursdays at the Yampa River Botanic Park.
Steamboat Springs Downtown and Arts
Downtown Steamboat Springs blends history with modern amenities. You can explore shops, relax in the library, or enjoy live music. The town has a distinct Western heritage.
Shopping and Western Heritage
Steamboat's historic shopping district offers old-time storefronts and boutique shops. You will also find galleries and more. If you are staying on the mountain, take the free city bus to Fifth Street. From there, you can pass the historic Routt County Courthouse. Then enter the heart of downtown. Here, restaurants, bars, and shops await. For a true taste of Steamboat's Western heritage, visit F.M. Light and Sons. This store was founded in Steamboat Springs in 1905. It is now in its fifth generation of family management. It offers authentic ranch and cowboy apparel and footwear.
Bud Werner Memorial Library
The Bud Werner Memorial Library is 33,000 square feet. It is located at 13th Street and Lincoln Avenue, next to the Yampa River. The library has dedicated spaces for children and teenagers. It also features a coffee shop and large community rooms. You can find artwork and a Library Hall for presentations. The library holds over 88,000 titles and offers free wireless internet. They host group story times. The kids' library side has a back room with a rolling ball setup.
Strings in the Mountains Music Festival
Strings in the Mountains is an award-winning music festival. It presents over 85 performances every summer. Genres include chamber music, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, and world rhythms. Artists include Grammy winners and nominees. You will also see internationally-renowned soloists. Principal players from leading orchestras perform. The venue overlooks Mt. Werner and the Yampa Valley. This provides an ideal setting for world-class music.
The Strings in the Mountains Music Festival occurs every summer.
Steamboat Springs Events Calendar
Steamboat Springs hosts a variety of family-focused events and festivals throughout the year. These celebrations add to the local charm and offer more things to do in Steamboat Springs.
Check the events calendar for a full listing of activities. Plan your visit around these celebrations for extra fun.
Winter Festivals
Celebrate winter with family-focused festivals. These include the Cowboy Up Balloon Glow and the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill. The 109th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is another event. Do not miss the Steamboat Light The Night Celebration. The Springalicious Festival wraps up the season in April.
The Springalicious Festival occurs in April.
Indoor Activities for Kids in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs provides various indoor options for children. These are ideal for younger kids or for days when the weather is not suitable for outdoor play. You can find places for active play or quiet learning.
Excel Gymnastics
Excel Gymnastics offers open gym sessions on weekday mornings. This is a good way for children to get out energy through jumping and running. The gym has uneven bars, rings, balance beams, and trampolines. It also features a foam pit. Excel Gymnastics provides classes for kids and hosts open gyms for the public.
Excel Gymnastics has open gym on weekday mornings.
Bud Werner Memorial Library Programs
The Bud Werner Memorial Library has great group story times. If it is not an official story time, there are many things to play with on the kids' library side. Go to the back room for a fun rolling ball setup.