Skiing in Steamboat

Here’s our Insiders’ Guide to Steamboat!

Skiing and the Mountains

• No lift queues – 7 days a week! Steamboat is just far enough from Denver and other Colorado urban centres to avoid day-trippers, and that means more fresh tracks for you.
• When you wake up to a Steamboat Powder Day, head for the trees! Closet, Shadows and Twilight are fabulous tree runs named on the piste map, but ask a local to direct you to these: Two-Thirty, Twistercane, Broadway Trees and everywhere on Pioneer Ridge off the Pony Express lift. And check out the edges of Flintlock for a gentle cruise through the forest.
• New for the 06/07 season is a brand new high-speed quad on Sunshine Peak: the Sunshine Express, making this blue cruiser paradise even better!
• Snowboarders adore Steamboat! The Sobe Terrain Park is great, with the longest half-pipe in North America. And freeriders love cruising around 1189 hectares of well-connected terrain with no evil flat spots.

Resort and après ski

• Après ski is lively in Steamboat. You’ll find most people at the Gondola base at the Bear River Café or the Slopeside Grill. For something a little different, enjoy a margarita at the Snowbird Lounge in the Best Western Ptarmigan Inn. On many Saturday afternoons you’ll find big-name bands performing free in Gondola Square.
• If you want a very delicious and creative dinner menu with an extensive wine list, make a reservation at Café Diva. If you want fast and inexpensive high-carb treats, order a Gyro and a milkshake at Johnny B. Goods.
• Steamboat must-do: reserve a spot on the 4:30pm Sweet pea shuttle out to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. You arrive with daylight and beautiful views and then ease into to a dark starry sky while soaking in the relaxing natural spa. Closer to town you can enjoy the Old Town Hot Springs with lap pool, soaking pools and a water slide.
• Steamboat Springs maintains a 7km walking path along the Yampa River all winter long. Go for a stroll to enjoy the natural beauty – and it’s very romantic on a chilly moonlit night.
• A new six-screen cinema complex opened recently in Steamboat, adding to the four movie screens at the Chief Plaza on Lincoln Avenue. Since they’re obligated to carry different films, you’ll always have a choice of 10 different first-run films to see.
• If you must take a day off from skiing or snowboarding, start your leisure day at the Creekside Café on 11 th Street in Downtown Steamboat. You’ll find plenty of great breakfast food and charming atmosphere.
• Steamboat Springs has a second lesser-known ski area: Howelsen Hill. Located in downtown Steamboat, it’s open day and night for your skiing and riding pleasure. And for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts, the trails at the Howelsen Sports complex may be your favourite place to be.

Resort Facts