Choose Your Ultimate Ikon Pass Winter Vacation
Steamboat is a genuine mountain town like nowhere you’ve ever experienced. Some believe there’s magic in our mountains, and that’s why we’ve produced more Olympians than any other town in the U.S. We believe it might just be a perfect combination of unrivaled terrain, our ranching history and spirit of perseverance, and the healing waters of our natural mineral hot springs that drive people in this beautiful valley for generations.
First, let’s choose how you’ll get here.
It’s easy to get here from almost anywhere.
If you’re in the front range area, or flying into Denver, Steamboat Resort is merely a 3-hour drive away. Ascending into the alpine and through mountain passes between Steamboat and Denver makes for a scenic and memorable drive.
Flying into Steamboat has never been easier. It’s the leaving that’s hard. With 6 different airlines offering nonstop flights out of 16 cities, and connecting flights from hundreds of others, flying into the Yampa Valley is the best way to maximize your time in Steamboat and on the slopes. Check out the Flights to Steamboat.
Regardless of how you get here, check out Ski Butlers, where expert ski technicians provide custom fittings in the comfort of your accommodations, offering a private and personalized fitting experience. Spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time waiting in line.
Next, let’s pick things to do.
While the snow conditions are predictably good every year, there’s so much more to do.
Did you know Steamboat is known around the world as Ski Town, U.S.A.® — home to more winter Olympians than any other town in the country? This December, the legacy continues as we host the Visa Big Air event in partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. This competition will serve as the first qualifying event for the 2026 Olympics and will include both men’s and women’s freeski and snowboard big air disciplines, it’s your chance to witness history in the making. Come cheer on elite athletes, soak up the electric atmosphere, and be part of a weekend packed with excitement on and off the mountain.
Don’t miss our 51st Anniversary Cowboy Downhill, one of the most unique and exciting races in all of skiing. What began as an invite from Billy Kidd to a few PRCA Rodeo stars has turned into an annual race featuring 100 of the best pro rodeo cowboys in the country racing to ski, saddle, and lasso to the finish line.
Another can’t-miss tradition is the 113th Steamboat Winter Carnival, hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the oldest and largest in the nation. This multi-day celebration takes over the entire town with ski jumping, races, and the only high school marching band on skis in the U.S. Thrill at the famous ski jöring down Lincoln Avenue, then cap it all off with the spectacular night show — featuring the legendary Lighted Man.
Prefer to kick up your boots and party? Check out the WinterWonderGrass music festival. This 3-day music festival is highlighted by up-and-coming artists, and names you know and love. This festival boasts a strong community connection that locals and guests alike can get behind.
While planning your trip, be sure to check out our events, so you can stay in the know for all the events and activations at the resort when you’re here.
What kind of Champagne Powder® snow are you craving?
Deeps and steeps, signature tree skiing, & world-class learning terrain.
Expanded in-bounds terrain by 650+ acres of expert and extreme terrain made Steamboat the second-largest resort in Colorado. Known as Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon, this expansion promises new powder stashes to explore… if you know where to look.
If groomers are more your speed, check out our First Tracks add-on, to ensure you’re the first up the mountain to sample that fresh corduroy. Steamboat is known for the high quality of grooming it produces on a nightly basis, so even if there isn’t fresh snow overnight, you’ll still be greeted by stellar soft snow.
#ProTip: Ikon Pass holders receive a limited number of First Tracks passes, free of charge, and can choose from select days during the winter season.
Level up your skills for a more enjoyable trip.
Even our Olympians still make time to learn and improve
Explore the Sunshine Bowl terrain, some of our most fun intermediate terrain. Our dedicated learning zone, Greenhorn Ranch, is located at the mid-station of Wild Blue Gondola, and offers terrain-based learning to ensure progression and ease.
Maybe you’re just looking for someone to show you the ropes, and the best routes without all the hassle of lift lines. Check out our new Private Guided Experience, where our SnowSports pros and Ski Patrollers are teaming up to give you the inside scoop.
We offer a number of different lesson options, from Private to Group, Family Private Lessons, Young Kids Group Lessons and more.
We’ve worked up an appetite, what sounds good?
Will you grab something on-mountain and get back to it, or kick back for aprés drinks and apps? Maybe both?
Whether you’re starting your day or grabbing a quick refuel, The Range Food and Drink Hall, has you covered. Stop in for breakfast or grab-and-go bites that are perfect for fueling up before heading back to the slopes. With a variety of options under one roof, it’s an easy stop for skiers and riders looking to maximize their time on the mountain.
Still taking laps? Take a break and grab a bite from the Taco Beast, a snowcat that has been overhauled into an on-mountain food truck… or food cat? Tacos, beer, margaritas and mas, this is such a fun and unique way to experience Steamboat.
Looking for something a little bolder? Steamboat takes après to another level with eight unique Bloody Marys served across the resort. Each one has its own personality, but a fan favorite is the Ragnar’s Bloody, topped with a skewer featuring a mini BLT and mini Reuben sandwich. It’s as much a meal as it is a drink — and a true Steamboat original you won’t want to miss.
There’s a wide variety of on-mountain and base area dining options, with Ikon Pass holders eligible for a 15% discount, and 10% for the base pass. Check here for more details and to see participating restaurants.
It’s been good, but we’re far from done.
Let’s soak some muscles before the evening activities.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the premiere spots in Colorado to unwind, offering geothermal pools with revitalizing minerals in an unrivaled mountain setting.
Stay steps from the slopes and all the evening action at The Steamboat Grand. With the largest pool in town, it’s the perfect place for you and your crew to unwind after a day on the mountain. Look out for Ikon Pass holder discounts on stays.
Steamboat knows how to push your limits during the day, but no vacation is complete without plenty of relaxing…and preparing for day 2.
The sun has gone down — but that doesn’t mean the fun stops.
Here’s a few ideas to keep you going.
Some evenings are best spent back on the mountain. Ride the gondola to Thunderhead Lodge for two can’t-miss experiences. Sunset Happy Hour — free for pass holders — is a family-friendly favorite with live music, good food, and perfect selfie moments as the sun sets over the Yampa Valley.
For something more elevated — 9,000 feet to be exact — make a dinner reservation at Hazie’s, Steamboat’s premier mountain dining experience. Hazie’s pairs breathtaking views, gourmet dining, and our legendary hospitality in honor of Hazie Werner’s welcoming spirit.
End your day with some Ice Skating under the lights at Skeeter’s Ice Rink, located in Steamboat Square. Explore dining and shopping options in all directions, this is a great way to spend an evening.
Night Skiing is offered Thursday–Sunday for most of the season, and Ikon Pass holders have unlimited access — perfect for sneaking in a few more laps if you haven’t quite had your fill.
Steamboat knows how to throw a party, and our free spring concert series — Bud Light Rocks the Boat — brings live music and après vibes to the base area. It’s the perfect way to cap off a full day of skiing and riding.
Sometimes a day on the mountain reminds you it’s time for new gear — maybe it’s warmer gloves, fresh goggles, or finally treating yourself to that North Face kit you’ve been eyeing. Visit one of our many Steamboat retail shops to gear up while you’re here, and you’ll also find plenty of Steamboat swag to bring a little Ski Town, U.S.A.® home with you.
Can’t wait until you arrive? You can snag exclusive Steamboat swag online 24/7 here.
There’s plenty to experience in Steamboat. We look forward to seeing you soon.
