These 10 Resorts in the West Know How to Treat a Skier Right
Find out which Western resorts were ranked highest by SKI readers for guest service in the 2022 Resort Guide.
10. Steamboat Resort, Colorado
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.
No. 10 in the West: Steamboat Resort, Colo.
Steamboat Resort Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 314″ | 2,965 | 18 | 169 |
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 blackout-restricted 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.
What’s New
Steamboat has one of the most ambitious multi-year plans in ski country thanks to Alterra’s major investment. The $200 million, three-year Full Steam Ahead project adds a gondola, ice rink, mid-mountain learning area, and on-mountain eatery called The RangeFood & Drink Hall, all for this coming season. An added 650 acres of expert terrain will debut for the 2022-’23 season.
Gravity Haus, the membership-model hotel brand that has properties in Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Truckee, just acquired the ski-in/ski-out Ptarmigan Inn, and will bring its unique, community-focused product to Steamboat’s lodging scene.
Also noteworthy: Southwest is adding a nonstop flight from Nashville for this winter; the resort is investing in new ski rental fleets from Rossignol; it’s Steamboat’s 60th anniversary season and the resort will be hosting events throughout the winter.
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.
Mandatory Run
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 Activity
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.
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
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Steamboat, Colo.
The locals are the friendliest around, and the cowboy spirit gives the town its character.
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Join us in Steamboat Springs for a weekend of health and wellness.
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Join us in Steamboat Springs for a weekend of health and wellness.
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GO: Steamboat, Colo.
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OFFICIAL RULES: Enter To Win for 2 people: 4 nights, 3 day lift, and 3 adult day rentals, Sweepstakes.
Please read the rules carefully.
Steamboat Winter Round Up
Saturday, December 15th from 12pm to 3pm at Sport Chalet. 16242 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
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“Old School” footage of Steamboat Winter Parade
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Ride 4 Yellow this Weekend in Steamboat
Mountain bike with Lance Armstrong and raise money for cancer.
Life Essentials
A spa with a wide array of unique body treatments.
Serenity Spa
Comfortable, down to earth, and inviting.
Waterside Day Spa and Salon
A local-run spa with all the treatments you could want.
Eagle Ridge
A small, cozy hotel close to the slopes.
The Ptarmigan Inn
Sacrifice a little glitz, but get friendly service and a super-close location.
Saddleback Ranch
A real, working Colorado cattle ranch outside of town.
Yampa River Botanic Park
Tech your kids about their surroundings.
Fish Creek Falls
Spot ice climbers on this kid-friendly winter hike.
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
Find out why they call it Steamboat Springs.
Epicurean Café
An authentic, and often ignored French bistro.
Café Diva
Creative and eclectic cuisine steps from the lift.
L’apogee
A pared down and carefully crafted menu and a world-class wine list.
Mahogany Ridge
More than a simple brewpub.
Winona's
A New York-style deli with an awe-inspiring sandwich selection.
Backcountry Provisions
In Steamboat, where there is a sandwich shop on every corner, this places stands out.
Freshies
This local favorite lives up to its name.
Creekside Cafe
One of the best breakfast spots in Steamboat Springs
The Steamboat Grand
Right at the base of the mountain, the Steamboat Grand is convenient, comfortable and classy.
Mariposa Lodge
A quaint B&B with a local feel. Don't skip breakfast.
Bistro CV
Quality, fresh, local products prepared simply and deliciously.
Ore House at the Pines Grove
Good steak in a casual atmosphere.
Rabbit Ears Motel
A centrally located, incredibly reasonable hotel in Ski Town, USA.
Free Music in the Mountains
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Keep Your Climate Under Control, page 4
Check out Jennifer Davis's author page.
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Traveler Notes: Deals
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Steamboat Resorts (Sponsored Content)
Known for their thoughtful staff and remarkable service.
Pre-Season Savings at Steamboat
Book Steamboat before the snow flies to save.
Book Early & Save Package
Save up to 25% off your Steamboat Vacation
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Rocky Mountain Super Pass Online at $399
Available Today Through the All New Web Portal www.SkiColorado.com
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One-Day Event features some of the best monoskiers, three- and four-track skiers, adaptive snowboarders, and blind skiers in the world who will be competing for the title of Best Adaptive Powder Skier in the World