When you think of a winter paradise, one place stands above the rest: Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Known affectionately as Ski Town, U.S.A.®, this historic mountain town offers an unparalleled winter sports experience across two distinct and complementary ski areas.

Whether you are seeking the massive, legendary tree skiing of Steamboat Ski Resort or the intimate, historic, and community-focused atmosphere of Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Springs has the perfect slope for you.

Here is a complete guide to experiencing the best of both.

The Legend: Steamboat Ski Resort

The Vibe: Champagne Powder® & Western Hospitality

Steamboat Ski Resort is famous worldwide for its trademarked Champagne Powder® snow. This incredibly light, dry, and fluffy snow is caused by unique atmospheric conditions over the Yampa Valley, creating some of the smoothest, most enjoyable skiing on Earth. The resort balances world-class mountain stats with genuine, friendly Western hospitality that makes everyone feel at home.

The Terrain

Spread across six peaks—Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak—the resort offers nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.

• Beginner (14%): Gentle, wide-open learning zones at the base and mid-mountain.

• Intermediate (42%): Miles of impeccably groomed, flowing cruisers perfect for carving.

• Advanced (44%): Legendary glade skiing through aspens and pines, steep bowls, and challenging chutes.

• Terrain Parks: Multiple parks including the renowned Mavericks Superpipe.

Lift Tickets & Passes

• Day & Multi-Day Tickets: Available for alpine skiing and night skiing. Pro-Tip: Book online at least 7 days in advance for significant discounts compared to window prices.

• Passes: Steamboat is a premier destination on the Ikon Pass.

SnowSports School (Lessons)

The resort’s SnowSports School is recognized as one of the best in the world. Lessons sell out fast, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for all abilities, from first-timers to experts looking to master glades or bumps. includes Priority Lift Access.

• Group Lessons: Tailored by age (3-17 and adults) and ability level. Beginner groups have special two-day guarantees.

• Adaptive Programs: STARS (Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports) provides specialized instruction and equipment.

Rentals

Multiple slopeside rental locations ensure a seamless experience.

• Equipment: The latest technology in skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets.

• Packages: Beginner, Performance, and Demo packages are available.

• Pro-Tip: Book your rentals online when you buy your tickets. It saves money and time at the base.

The Heart: Howelsen Hill Ski Area

The Vibe: Olympic Heritage & Community Spirit

Howelsen Hill is a true American treasure. It is North America’s oldest continuously operating ski area (since 1915) and has sent more skiers to international competitions than any other area on the continent (over 100 Olympians). Owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs, it offers a nostalgic, low-cost, and family-friendly alternative right in downtown.

The Terrain

Though smaller than its neighbor, Howelsen provides varied terrain, impressive vertical, and unique attractions. It is famously the home of the SSWSC (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club).

• Alpine: 19 trails covering beginner to advanced terrain. It is known for its excellent race training grounds.

• Terrain Park: Fun features for all ability levels.

• Ski Jumps: The most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America.

• Night Skiing: Howelsen offers extensive night skiing hours throughout the week.

• Nordic/Cross-Country: Over 25km of groomed trails for skate and classic skiing.

Lift Tickets

Howelsen Hill pride itself on affordability.

• Day Tickets: Extremely low-cost daily passes available at the lodge. Children 4 and under ski free.

• Passes: Seasonal alpine, nordic, and combined passes are available. Howelsen is also a member of the Indy Pass.

• Ski Free Sundays: Howelsen typically offers FREE skiing on select Sundays throughout the winter—check their schedule!

Lessons

Lessons at Howelsen Hill are generally structured through the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), which offers competitive programs in alpine, nordic combined, freestyle, and snowboarding. For casual, private, or group beginner lessons, it is recommended to inquire directly with the ski area or the club regarding availability.

Rentals

Howelsen Hill has a rental shop located in the historic Howelsen Hill Lodge.

• Equipment: Provides alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe rentals.

• It is an excellent, convenient place to try different types of snow sports without the resort crowds.

When to Go

The Steamboat Springs winter season typically runs from late November through mid-April.

Which One to Choose?

You don’t have to choose! We recommend a hybrid experience.

• Choose Steamboat Resort when you want to explore massive acreage, hunt for deep powder stashes in the trees, and enjoy a full resort amenity experience.

• Choose Howelsen Hill when you want a quick session, night skiing under the lights, a low-cost family day, a unique Nordic workout, or to soak in the history of the sport.