When you visit Steamboat Springs, you’ll quickly learn that every season has something different to offer, and there is no such thing as a wrong time to visit Steamboat. If you’re thinking about planning a getaway to our gem of a mountain town, here’s an easy 3-day itinerary to experience all that our mountain and town have to offer.

This is the time to take advantage of the best spring skiing Steamboat has to offer and get a great deal on mountain access with our Springalicious® pass. The Springalicous® Pass lets you ski and ride any three days you choose April 1 – 10, 2022. 

6 airlines offer 16 nonstop flights into Steamboat, meaning once you hop off the plane, you are a short 20-minute drive away from Steamboat Ski Resort. Don’t feel like driving? Book one of the many shuttle services early to get you from door-to-door, taking the worry out of traveling.


Things To Do In Steamboat During Your 3-Day Trip

Day 1:

Rise and shine- it is time kick off your your amazing 3 day trip to Steamboat! Start the day off right with a sumptuous breakfast at The Cabin. The Cabin provides a sit-down breakfast with hearty servings of your favorite breakfast meals, perfect for fueling up for the day ahead. Don’t miss the Steak & Eggs! 

Spring skiing in Steamboat is all about following the sun. Head over to the Sunshine area to enjoy the snow that softens up first, and then move over to the Storm side as the day moves on. Sunshine lift line is a favorite—an easy groomer with dips and rises to make it one of the best warm-up cruisers. After you’ve played around on High Noon, West Side, and Rolex, head up Sunshine lift and over to Buddy’s Run for a great blue run with an even better view of the Sleeping Giant- the mountain across the valley that looks a lot like a man lying on his back sleeping. 

At this point, you’ve worked up quite the appetite, and it is time to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the incredible down valley views from the deck at Four Points Lodge with delicious lunches like the Bison Burger or the Chicken Caprese Salad- all made to order. If you’re hungry but want to prioritize more skiing and riding, find the Taco Beast, Steamboats own taco truck mounted on a snowcat, for perfect grab-and-go options to fuel up for the rest of the day.

For afternoon runs, head back over to the Sunshine side of the mountain and follow the Steamboat clock by hitting up High Noon, One O’clock, Two O’clock and Three O’clock. Legend has it those are the times when the sun makes the snow just perfect. 

When your day on the slopes is complete, soak your tired muscles in one of Steamboat’s two hot springs—the Old Town Hot Springs or the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Both feature natural, thermal hot springs and are the perfect way to relax after a long day of skiing. The Old Town Hot Springs features several soaking pools, ranging from 100-104° and slides, and a climbing wall for family entertainment. 

To get to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, you will need an advanced reservation, as well as a 4WD vehicle or snow tires/chains. We also recommend taking Sweet Pea Tours, who will take care of the driving. Relax in one of the many soaking pools and enjoy the remote mountain surroundings. If you have time, book one of their watsu massages for the ultimate relaxation.

Once you’re feeling refreshed, it is time to check out a few local spots for dinner. Head downtown for a variety of flavors featuring Latin-inspired cuisine at Besame, Italian from Mazzola’s (pro tip: get the Tiramisu for dessert), or a delicious steak dinner at E-3 Chophouse overlooking the Yampa River.

Then it is time to hit the hay and get ready for your next adventure-packed day in Steamboat!

Day 2:

On day two, give your legs a rest and explore the town of Steamboat Springs. Head downtown to try one of the local breakfast spots. Check out Winona’s for an amazing breakfast, but make sure you save room for one of their homemade desserts, like their incredible cinnamon rolls. Or, visit Yampa Valley Kitchen for locally-sourced cuisine and some of the best hand-crafted cocktails in town. 

Once you’ve filled up on breakfast, get ready for some good old-fashion fun on the newly added sledding hill at Howelsen Hill– Steamboat’s community ski and snowboarding hill. This area is home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and has helped produce the most winter Olympians of any town in the U.S.- 100 and counting! Sledding here is the perfect activity to do with your family, right in the heart of downtown.  

When you get hungry, check out the fantastic sandwiches at Yampa Sandwich Co. (try the Summit in a wrap or the Bushwhacker). For a sweet snack, saddle up to the counter at Johnny B’ Goods for a delicious shake—it will give you the strength you need to shop Steamboat’s stores for unique products from local companies like BAP or Ohana. Don’t miss out on the historic FM Light & Sons for western gear (you may have seen their many landmark yellow signs on your way into Steamboat) or Steamboat Apparel and Gifts for souvenirs and memorabilia.

Now that you’ve enjoyed all that downtown has to offer, it is time to head back to the mountain for night activities. Steamboat is only one of a handful of resorts to offer night skiing and riding. After the sun goes down, the slopes light up, and kids of all ages can feel the thrill of sliding on the snow at night. Christie lift provides access to five trails ranging from green to black, while the Outlaw Mountain Coaster lets non-skiers and riders swoosh down the mountain after dark in a different way. Once you’ve had your fill, head over to Timber and Torch to enjoy a delicious dinner with a relaxed, mountain-inspired atmosphere. Try one of the signature cocktails (we can’t get enough of The Woodsman Old Fashioned) with one of their delicious mains.

Day 3:

One of the best secrets to spring skiing and riding is Steamboat’s First Tracks program. Start your day early by grabbing a coffee and quick bite at Hot Mess Coffee & Grilled Sandwiches, then board the Steamboat Gondola earlier than usual and be one of the first to enjoy the Sundown area of the mountain before it officially opens for the day. That means, if Steamboat gets one of those perfect spring storms, you’ll be enjoying fresh Champagne Powder® snow. Even if it doesn’t snow, getting first tracks on those crisp, fresh groomers is one of the best feelings around. Lay down some amazing turns, and take in the quiet mountain atmosphere, all before the Sundown Express lift opens to the public at 9 am.

Take a breather after burning your legs on some early morning laps, pop into Four Points Lodge for one of their legendary Bloody Mary’s. It is the perfect reward for getting up a little earlier and a great filler to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Once you’ve given your legs a rest, it is time to listen to that sound—the bumps are calling your name- and spring is the best time to tackle these feats of snow! Around 10:30 am or 11:00 am is when the bumps start softening up, which makes them easier to navigate- that’s why they’re called “hero bumps” this time of year. Check out Nelson’s Run (where you may run into Olympic medalist Nelson Carmichael himself) to White Out to Surprise, one of the best springtime bump routes on the mountain. Then ride Storm Peak Express and head over to Morningside to access the Chutes or North St. Pats for more springy, carvey turns on expert terrain.

Head back up Storm Peak Express to do a top to bottom run- Sideburn to Rainbow to Vagabond- which will lead you to the T-Bar, a restored Ski Patrol hut, and local’s favorite, for some legendary and unique food. Don’t miss the Peanut Butter Panini, the Swiss Rosti, or the Crawfish Green Chili grits. Chef Tres puts a great spin on mountain eats, and it is an incredible mountain-side meal you won’t forget. 

Now that you’ve experienced Steamboat Ski Resort, it’s time to wrap up your vacation and reward yourself with one of the most authentic western dining experiences in Steamboat- The Ore House. Set in a historical barn that dates back to 1889, you will be treated to delicious blackened salmon, steak bites, or their famous prime rib with the not-to-be-missed house potato. We know you’ll be tempted to order double the house potato, but you have to save room for their unreal mountain mud pie dessert. 

And that, my friend, is how you make a 3-day trip to Steamboat right!
Visit steamboat.com to plan your perfect trip.