Steamboat Springs is truly a winter wonderland. Visitors flock here each winter to experience the true lifestyle of living in a snow globe. Skiing and snowboarding are at the top of the list of most popular activities, but there is so much more to do here to enjoy our Champagne powder snowfall!
We have a full breakdown for you of what you can do in town, ranging from simple and free to full-day adventure splurges!
Keep It Simple (and free or low-cost):
Sledding! (all free)
Howelsen Hill
Where: Accessed through the Fifth Street entrance to the Brent Romick Rodea Arena. (Please don’t park near the outdoor ice rinks, Nordic area or main parking for the ski area.)
Steamboat’s beloved Howelsen Hill opened up a new sledding option this year! It is free to the public and open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Currently a 20 ft.-high slope.
Steamboat II / Anchor Way Baptist Church
Where: 40650 Anchor Way, just off U.S. Highway 40 in Steamboat II
It’s accessible and groomed! A nice, long and smooth ride for sledders. Not too steep, which is perfect for the young sledders, but maybe too slow for the more adventurous.
Steamboat II / Silver Spur
Where: It’s located along the groomed cross-country skiing trail at Steamboat II, accessible most easily by car by parking near a cluster mailbox on the back side of the Anchor Way loop that circles the neighborhood. Hike down the trail for several hundred yards.
This slope will get you some speed! This slope is big, wide and groomed. It’s nice and wide to accommodate a lot of people but take note it may not be the best for the youngest of sledders.
Tubing ($)
Saddleback Ranch
You’ll scream with excitement as you swoosh down Saddleback Ranch's tubing hill! The hill has three groomed runs and is equipped with a two system to pull you back up lap after lap. Saddleback Ranch is located 15 miles west of Steamboat.
Ice Skating (Free & $)
Outdoor Ice Skating at Howelsen Hill – Free, no reservations
The magic of backyard skating glides into Howelsen Hill when the tennis courts are converted into two outdoor lighted oval ice sheets for the upcoming winter season. 10 skaters per rink – capacity limit. No skates available for rent. No reservations. Closed on Mondays. Open 7 – 9 a.m. and 5 – 10 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
Indoor Ice Skating at Howelsen Ice Complex – $, Reservations Required
Public skate reservations required. Reservations open at 7 a.m. on the day prior to the scheduled session. Check the public calendar for the most up-to-date information. Public Skate admission rates: Adult $8, Youth (Under 18) $7, 5 & Under FREE. Skate rentals available.
Cross-Country / Nordic Skiing (Free & $)
Howelsen Hill - $
Distance: 13 miles. Day pass required. No rentals available. A mix of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain. Trails are multi-use, may see snowshoers and fat-bikers. Call their Nordic hotline for updated info, 970-871-7084.
Steamboat Ski Touring Center - $
Distance: 15 miles. Rentals available for classic and skate skiing. Lessons available. This is the hub of cross country in Steamboat. Check website for updated information.
Full- and Half-Day Adventure Splurges:
Snowmobiling
The Steamboat area has some of the best snowmobiling terrain in the country! And there are tours and terrain for every level – whether you’re a novice or passionate about pursuing the powder! Rabbit Ears Pass is a winter wonderland for snowmobile enthusiasts, offering 250 miles of groomed trails through tress and open meadows.
Routt National Forest has stunning views of the rugged Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area and with an average snow fall of over 12 feet, offers deep powder and miles of groomed trails.
Ice fishing
Today's technology has reshaped the sport and given fisherman the safety and comfort on the ice like that of being in your warm hut living room. The day will be spent inside a custom Aluma-Lite fish houses. Inside you will experience non-stop fishing action, while using the most advanced electronics available today. Vexilar sonar and Hummingbird fish finding electronics show the exact depth of the fish. A 32” flat screen TV displays a crystal-clear video captured by underwater AcquaVU cameras equipped with LED and infrared technology.
Dog sledding
Experience the “call of the wild” as you drive a team of Alaskan Huskies along a scenic backcountry trail. The pristine, groomed trail snakes through the heart of mountain ranch country, offering amazing scenery.
Horseback Riding
For an authentic Steamboat experience, kick off your skis and put on your cowboy boots for a winter horseback ride through a winter wonderland!
Winter Fun In Steamboat to Look for Next Season
(currently closed due to COVID-19)
- Sleigh Ride Dinners
- Cowboy Downhill
- NYE Celebrations
