Tucked away in Colorado’s northwest corner, Steamboat Resort catches storm fronts tracking from both Utah and Wyoming, so it often boasts powder days when other areas report scant snowfall. Pair that trademarked “champagne powder” with Steamboat’s abundance of moderate-angle glades, and you get some of the best lift-served tree skiing anywhere.

While there’s no off-the-chart extreme skiing here, the accessible terrain also makes it ideal for intermediates looking to get better, or a multi-generation ski trip that appeals to skiers of all ages: Grandparents and children alike can find their bliss on easy-going cruisers. Kid-centric ski instructors and a relaxed atmosphere round out the family appeal. Credit Steamboat’s distance from major cities (the closest is Denver, 150 miles away) for preserving authentic character at the resort and the adjacent town of Steamboat Springs.

Homesteaders settled this cowboy town long before the lifts started spinning, and even now, you’ll see as many Stetsons as ski hats on downtown sidewalks. Don’t forget to bring yours.

Resort Guide 2022—Steamboat Resort, Colo.

Steamboat Resort Mountain Stats

Steamboat Resort Pass Info

Steamboat, Colo., is on the Ikon Pass. Ikon Pass holders get unlimited access to the resort. Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 days.

Trip Planning

From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Steamboat, Colo.

LOCAL TIP

Bloody Marys abound, but Thunderhead Red’s (at the top of the gondola) outpaces the pack with a Breakfast Bloody that garnishes house-infused vodka with pickled veggies, hard-boiled egg, and maple-glazed bacon.

DINNER PICK

Four Points Lodge serves gourmet comfort food like chicken pot pie, Reuben sandwiches, and sweet potato fries.

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Steamboat’s morning vistas often feature colorful hot air balloons bejeweling the sky: Become part of the show with Wild West Balloon Adventures.

TERRAIN VARIETY

The Shadows offers 2,000 vertical feet of tree skiing that begins among high-alpine spruces and ends in paper-white aspens.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Check out—or enter, if it’s your thing—the Cowboy Downhill in mid-January.

DOWN-DAY ACTIVITIES

Become Wild West outlaws at The Crooked Key, an escape room offering a fun, interactive game for all ages.

MUST DO 

Visit F.M. Light & Sons on Lincoln Avenue for legit Western duds, souvenirs, and more. A Steamboat staple since 1905.

TREE STASH 

To sample some of Steamboat’s famous trees, take the Sundown Express to Twilight. Well-spaced, leg-burning glades await.

FAMILY ACTIVITY 

Don’t be surprised if you crush boot-top powder for three days and all the kids want to talk about is the new Outlaw Mountain Coaster, the longest such ride in North America.

DINNER PICK 

In an increasingly brilliant downtown dining scene, Table 79 stands out, and has even made up a new word, calling itself a “Foodbar.” Try the Smoked Elk & Chorizo Meatballs.

Steamboat’s Website