Things to Do Steamboat Springs Winter

This is the main reason people come here. The resort has 3,741 acres of mountain and 181 trails.

• 3,741 acres with 181 trails
• Trails for all levels, easy to navigate
• Great for groups with different skill levels
• Powder snow and quick lifts

I have skied many resorts, but Steamboat stands out for how friendly the mountain feels. It is not the biggest resort around, but nothing is confusing here. The views on a bluebird day are stunning. Lifts run fast and the snow is worth writing home about. Ski school for kids is excellent. Instructors are seasoned adults who group kids by age and ability. Full-day lessons include lunch at the kids' center or mountain lodge. If an adult skis at least five days, kids aged 5 to 12 get free lift tickets for the same number of days. Lift tickets for under 5 are $10. Camps for ages 2 to 6 combine skiing with other activities. Do not forget sunscreen and goggles, the sun is bright and reflects off the snow. Dress in layers so you can unzip as the slopes warm up.

The town gets its name from all the natural hot springs. Two main options stand out for visitors.

• Old Town Hot Springs right in town with slides and pools
• Strawberry Park Hot Springs in a rustic setting 7 miles out
• Both are open in winter for a relaxing soak
• Old Town has a climbing wall and 230-foot water slides

Old Town Hot Springs is located at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue. It has several heated outdoor pools, whirlpools, a climbing wall, and two 230-foot water slides. Towels can be rented. The kiddie pool and water obstacle course are only open in summer. Still, kids love it. It snowed when I went and my daughter built snowmen while standing in the hot tub. Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits seven miles outside town and requires a drive. It feels more rustic. You change in a teepee. The pools vary in temperature, and a creek lets you cool off. After sunset, clothing becomes optional, so plan accordingly if you bring kids. Both places are great for soothing tired muscles after a day of skiing or snowshoeing.

If you want a quiet outdoor adventure, snowshoeing up Howelsen Hill is a good choice.

• Hike from Howelsen Hill to the top of Emerald Mountain
• Easy-to-follow trail network
• Amazing views at the summit
• Shared with cross-country skiers and fat bikers

I went snowshoeing alone and wanted a safe route. Howelsen Hill delivered. The track up the mountain is easy to follow. On the way down I got turned around because I tried new paths and the snow made everything look white. But the view at the top made all the hard work worth it. The whole trail network in the area is fun to explore. You will see cross-country skiers and fat bike riders using the same paths. If you prefer a more structured experience, Haymaker Nordic Center offers maintained trails, rentals, and even lessons. But for a free and self-guided adventure, Howelsen Hill works well. Bring a map or stick to the main trail to avoid getting lost in all the white.

For a faster way to cover ground, a half-day guided snowmobile tour is a great option.

• Half-day guided tour into Rabbit Ears Pass
• Named for a rock formation that looks like rabbit ears
• Rugged wilderness best explored with a guide
• Rated as one of the best snowmobile adventures by visitors

My siblings took a half-day guided snowmobile tour outside Steamboat Springs. They said it was the best snowmobiling trip they have ever done. Rabbit Ears Pass is an iconic Rocky Mountain pass. The rock formation that looks like rabbit ears lords over the valley. The wilderness out there is rugged. Having a guide is a smart move. On a snowmobile you see much more of the area than you could on foot or skis. The tour company provides the machines and gear. You just show up and ride. It is a good choice for a group activity if you want to trade the ski slopes for engines for a few hours.

If you need a break from the cold, the Tread of Pioneers Museum is a warm spot with fascinating local history.

• Located in a Victorian house at Eighth and Oak streets
• Exhibits on Utes, pioneers, and skiing history
• Displays the Lighted Man's original suit
• Kids scavenger hunt available

The museum sits in a stately Victorian house in the center of town. Half the space is preserved as a 19th-century home. The other half contains exhibits on pioneer life, Native Americans, and local culture. One highlight is a traveling candy salesman's case with the original candy still inside. Another is the equipment for the Lighted Man, a night skier who covers himself with lights. The museum also has a tribute to the history of skiing in Steamboat Springs. Ask for the scavenger hunt at the front desk for kids. It helps them explore the exhibits. The museum is small but full of character, worth an hour of your time.