Steamboat Springs Ski Tips for a Successful First Trip
Steamboat Springs in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley offers vacationers year-round outdoor recreation. However it’s ski scene can’t be missed. Steamboat is a complete mountain range home to six peaks and nearly 3,000 skiable acres for all skill levels. Whether it’s the first time or it’s been a few years, these Steamboat Springs ski tips will help plan a successful trip.
Steamboat Mountain Ski Stats
- Mountains include: Christie Peak, Pioneer Ridge, Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak
- Total lifts: 16
- Terrain parks: 3
- Base elevation: 6,900 feet
- Vertical rise: 3,668 feet
- Permitted trail acres: 2,965, 165 named trails
Steamboat Springs Ski Tips: Lift Tickets and Passes
The first step to ensure a successful Steamboat Springs ski vacation is to decide which ski package is right for the group. Passes are available for a variety of days, dates and times.
Those planning to spend a couple of weeks should consider the 8-day or 16-day pass for skiing in Steamboat. Additional passes include full-season, three-day, spring season, multi-destination passes and others. Many passes also come with extra benefits, such as discounts for friends and family. View all Steamboat ski passes.
Guests who buy individual lift tickets receive a special discount when purchased seven days in advance. Active and retired military personnel and their spouses also receive discounts on lift tickets, lessons and equipment rentals.
Ski School and Lessons
New to skiing? Steamboat Springs offers ski lessons for kids, teens, adults, first-timers and private options. In addition, adaptive lessons cater to children and adults with autism, and those with cognitive and physical limitations, including Wounded Warriors and their families. Other programs range from a women’s clinic, multiweek classes and adventures with local Olympians.
Getting to Steamboat Springs
The city is located in northern Colorado within three hours of several major cities. Residents in Denver, Fort Collins and Grand Junction, Colorado, enjoy a drive only a few hours long. Those who live in southern Wyoming — including Laramie and Cheyenne — drive less than four hours. Other states, such as Nebraska, Kansas, Utah and New Mexico, have major cities located within a 12-hour drive.
Steamboat Hayden Airport offers non-stop winter flights directly into Steamboat from 14 major airports and 300 smaller locations in the U.S. and worldwide. Top cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, San Diego and Seattle.
From there, consider renting a car or taking a shuttle. Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) offers free transportation between ski areas, downtown, accommodations and most major attractions. SST runs from 7 a.m. to 1:45 a.m., with stops every 20 minutes.
Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
The city ranks as a top destination year-round and has several hotels, rental homes, condos and cabins. Guests are welcome to shop around, however vacation rentals often provide a more affordable and comfortable space than hotel rooms.
Types of Steamboat Springs rentals range from two- to five-bedroom homes fully equipped with everything guests need for a relaxing vacation. Amenities include TVs, private and community pools and hot tubs, pet-friendly options, washers and dryers, and stocked kitchens. Large groups can split the cost to save even more and have more privacy. Book a Steamboat Springs vacation rental.
Equipment Rentals and What to Bring
Rent equipment in advance and save as much as 15 percent from area vendors. Ski and Sport offers ski and snowboard rentals as well as delivers directly to the home. Renting from a local company also reduces luggage, baggage costs and stress.
Visitors are encouraged to pack warm clothing and layers, waterproof shoes, hats, gloves or mittens, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. Other musts for skiing in Steamboat include tall socks with thin seams, short scarfs, ski goggles and helmet with liner.
Now the details are planned, find more things to do in Steamboat Springs.