New to Steamboat? Howdy! C’mon in. We’re glad you’re here. Get the lay of the land and make yourself at home with this Steamboat checklist.

Explore the new base area.

Steamboat is transforming the Colorado mountain experience. Investing nearly $200 million on and around our mountain, the completely revamped Steamboat Square base area features an après ski plaza, new restaurants and bars, stage for concerts and an ice rink.

Opening for winter 2022/23, Skeeter’s Ice Rink (named for the oldest child in the famous Werner family) is the centerpiece of Steamboat Square. Enjoy the festive winter scene and take a spin around the rink before kicking back with a signature cocktail fireside.

Check the events calendar.

There’s always a party in Steamboat. We love to celebrate our western roots, talented musicians and athletes and our unique Colorado mountain town. Catch legendary festivals, concerts and events in Steamboat Square and rub elbows with locals at popular family-friendly happenings like WinterWonderGrass, Winter Carnival and the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill.

Ride the Wild Blue Gondola.

Another exciting part of our transformation is the new Wild Blue Gondola, which will be the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10-person gondola in the country. The lower leg opens in winter 22/23 and the upper leg in 23/24. Exit at the newly created mid-station adjacent to Bashor bowl or the final destination at the top of Sunshine Peak in a swift bottom-to-top trip of 13 minutes.

Ski or snowboard our famous Champagne Powder® snow.

Soon to be the second largest ski resort in Colorado, Steamboat is loved for its light, dry snow and varied, accessible landscape. Head to the Sunshine Bowl area and explore the Olympian Trail (in the mellow trees between Quickdraw and Flintlock runs) where you can learn about Steamboat’s best-known Olympians. As you work your way across the mountain be sure to tap the head of Buddy Werner’s statue at the top of Storm Peak for good luck. Finish your day on Heavenly Daze, a blue run that will give you some of the best views of our wide-open valley. TRAIL MAPS

New this winter, Greenhorn Ranch — located near the previous Rough Rider/Bashor Basin area — will feature progressive Terrain Based Learning^® to give Snowsports School guests the most enjoyable experience that is designed to build fundamental ski and snowboard skills that will last a lifetime.  

The lower leg of the Wild Blue Gondola will have an unloading option at Greenhorn Ranch starting for the winter 22/23 season making access to beginner terrain easy for those new to skiing and riding.

Try night skiing.

Steamboat is one of the few Colorado resorts to offer skiing after dark. Embark on your night adventure across five groomed trails, including Sitz, See Me, Vogue, Stampede and Lil’ Rodeo. All levels of skiing and riding are available with two beginner, two intermediate and one advanced trail open. Stay up late as you cruise down 1,100 vertical feet of terrain under state-of-the-art Ultra-Tech™ Lighting that significantly improves the night skiing experience.

Hit the hot springs.

Unwind and soothe minds and muscles at Strawberry Hot Springs. The popular natural soaking pools are tucked into the forest and feature therapeutic waters ranging from 101° to 105°. On the edge of downtown, Old Town Hot Springs was a special spot for Steamboat’s Ute Indians and early homesteaders. Today, it’s a family favorite offering hot-springs-fed pools (including an adults-only option), two waterslides, a climbing wall and a fitness center.

Discover your new favorite restaurant.

Steamboat’s downtown dining scene is something to write home about. Our ever-evolving restaurant lineup offers hungry guests everything from Thai and locally ranched steaks to stylish small plates and legendary Italian. Can’t decide? Do a little happy hour hop-around. Cheerful chefs and bartenders serve up deals on cocktails, microbrews, and gourmet apps.

Visit Howelsen Hill.

The largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America has produced nearly 100 winter Olympians. Visit on Ski Free Sundays throughout the winter season. Stop into the lodge to pick up your ticket, which is required to access the lifts and Nordic trails (cross-country, fat bike and snowshoe), on these special ski free days.

Giddy up. Take a winter trail ride.

Book a snowy winter wonderland horseback ride with Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. Take in the season’s simple, quiet beauty from your saddle. Guides will match you and your personality with one of the ranch’s well-trained horses for a tranquil tour through snow-covered aspen stands.

Visit Saddleback Ranch.

Embrace all the winter fun with a visit to Saddleback Ranch. Snowy horseback rides, exhilarating snow tubing hills and engine-revving snowmobile tours across 8,000 acres of private land keep your crew smiling.

Get out on a snowshoe tour.

Visit the Haymaker Nordic Center for designated snowshoe and cross-country trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Take in the serene winter landscape and Yampa Valley vistas on a family snowshoe outing.

Skate and boat.

Spin, bump and glide across the ice during a 20-minute bumper car session on the Olympic-sized rink at the Howelsen Ice Complex. The popular interactive family activity is a non-stop giggle fest. Reserve your spots in advance and add on an ice skating session for post-bumper-boat fun.

These are just a few activities in Steamboat, head to our First Timer’s or activities page for more ideas.