Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
Steamboat Springs is a magical place in the winter and is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado.
In Steamboat Springs, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the Rockies, yet it’s still relatively accessible from Denver and the Front Range.
And whether you ski or not, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter.
I’ve lived in Colorado for almost 15 years, and I love visiting Steamboat Springs! It’s a great place to go for winter hikes in Colorado, and I truly think it’s one of the prettiest places in Colorado.
If you’re looking to travel like a local, not a tourist, and enjoy all the epic things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter then you’re in the right spot.
About this Guide to Steamboat Springs in Winter
Inside this local guide to Steamboat Springs in winter, you’ll find:
- A map of Steamboat Springs
- What to expect during the winter in Steamboat Springs
- A packing list for Steamboat Springs in winter
- All the best Steamboat Springs winter activities
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
How to Get to Steamboat Springs from Denver
You have a few options to get to Steamboat from Denver. You can fly directly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport, which offers 16 daily flights in the winter from cities around the US (with up to 3 flights daily from Denver).
You can also drive from Denver to Steamboat, which typically takes about 3.5 hours – west along I-70, then north on CO-9, then US-40 right into town.
Local Tip: Ski traffic can turn I-70 into a parking lot on winter weekends, so it’s better to drive to Steamboat during the week if you can.
The Snowstang bus also runs from Denver to Steamboat Springs on Saturdays and Sundays in the winter. Fare is $20 one-way or $40 round trip, and passengers can board at Union Station or Federal Center.
Winter Weather in Steamboat Springs
The weather can vary drastically in Colorado in winter, from sunny and warm to freezing snowstorms, but Steamboat Springs is one of the snowiest areas in the state.
The town of Steamboat averages around 184” of snow each year, while the mountain at the resort gets around 314” annually. Expect average temperatures in Steamboat Springs in winter to average in the low 30s.
Packing List for Steamboat Springs in Winter
Make sure you’re prepared for all the fun Steamboat Springs winter activities by bringing the right gear on your visit.
This isn’t a full list of what you’ll need in Steamboat Springs in winter, but you’ll definitely want to pack the following things:
- Waterproof Snow Boots
- Down Parka
- Beanie
- Mittens/Gloves
- Microspikes
- Handwarmers
You can also use this packing list if you want to check out some of the best things to do in Winter Park, Colorado too.
The Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs in Winter
Of course, skiing is at the top of the list of things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter, but the list doesn’t end there. From snowshoeing to fat biking to festivals, you’ll have a blast with these Steamboat Springs winter activities.
1. Enjoy a Powder Day
The famous “Champagne Powder” of Steamboat Resort makes it one of the most popular Colorado ski resorts, and the aspen glades provide incredible tree skiing.
Steamboat spans seven peaks and offers 170 named trails, with the majority for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The resort also offers several terrain parks, from the beginner Lil’ Rodeo to the Mavericks with its incredible Superpipe.
2. Experience Night Skiing
If you’re skiing at Steamboat, you definitely need to try out night skiing at least once! On Thursday-Sunday from 5:30-8:30 pm, you can get a lift ticket on the Christie Peak Express to ski under the stars.
Five runs are open for night skiing – two beginner, two intermediate, and one advanced. And don’t worry, you’ll have more than just the moonlight to navigate by, as the slopes are lit with special Ultra-Tech™ lighting.
3. Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in Steamboat Springs is an awesome way to explore the area and enjoy the snow, especially if you’re not a skier.
Steamboat Resort has dedicated trails on the mountain and offers snowshoe rentals and even a guided snowshoe photography tour.
You can also head out on your own on the local trails, such as Uranium Mine and Emerald Mountain.
4. Visit Fish Creek Falls
While this 280-foot waterfall is frozen instead of flowing in winter, that doesn’t make it any less stunning.
It’s only a quarter-mile hike to the base of the lower falls, and then you can choose to continue on a couple more miles to a second waterfall as you enjoy one of the best hikes in Steamboat Springs.
You can also ice climb the falls if you have the gear and experience or hire a guide to show you how.
Local Tip: You’ll probably want microspikes or snowshoes for this hike, especially if you plan to go beyond the base of the falls.
5. Cross-Country Ski
Cross-country skiing is another one of the many fun things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter.
If you’re new to Nordic skiing, Haymaker Nordic Center is the perfect place to practice classic or skate skiing on the 10km of trails, then enjoy a little aprés ski by the fire in the Nordic Clubhouse.
Also, check out Howelsen Hill Nordic Center, Steamboat Ski Touring Center, and Catamount Lake for more cross-country skiing trails to explore.
6. Soak in the Hot Springs
Spending some time relaxing in the hot springs is one of the absolute must-do things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter. You’ll find a couple of hot springs options in Steamboat Springs:
- Old Town Hot Springs – Right in downtown Steamboat, Old Town Hot Springs has four spring-fed pools ranging from 98 to 103 degrees. This family-friendly hot springs also features two 230-foot water slides for a bit of extra fun.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Head into the wilderness of the Yampa Valley to visit one of the best Colorado hot springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Reservations are required, and get you a two-hour window to soak blissfully. You can also rent a cabin and get access to the springs from sunrise to midnight (after sundown, the pools are clothing optional).
Local Tip: A vehicle with 4WD and snow tires is legally required to get to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in the winter.
7. Winter Festivals & Events
Festivals are some of the most fun things to do in Colorado, and Steamboat Springs keeps the party going in the winter with a few great live events:
- MusicFest at Steamboat – With over 200 hours of live Texas and Americana music, MusicFest at Steamboat is held in a variety of cool and funky venues for a week-long bash in mid-January.
- Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival – For over 100 years, the Steamboat Winter Carnival has been celebrating western heritage and winter sports in this mountain town. Mid-February brings unique spectacles like kids on skis being pulled behind horses, skiers jumping through fiery hoops, the Lighted Man and much more to the streets of Steamboat Springs.
- Winter Wondergrass – In early March, WinterWondergrass showcases more than 20 bluegrass bands over three days and also highlights the beer from local breweries.
8. Go Snowmobiling
Steamboat Springs is an excellent area to go snowmobiling in Colorado, whether with a guide company or on your own.
Rabbit Ears Pass is the place to be for snowmobiling in Steamboat, and you can also check out the forests Flat Tops Wilderness. Head toward the nearby town of Craig for more open landscapes to ride through.
9. Ride a Fat Bike
If you don’t want to stop biking just because the ground is covered with snow, then you’ll love fat biking in Steamboat Springs.
On a fat bike with extra wide tires, you can ride around on a lot of cross-country and snowmobile trails (but always check first and follow trail etiquette) at Howelsen Hill, Emerald Mountain, and Rabbit Ears Pass. Haymaker Nordic Center even has separate trails for fat bikers.
10. Slide on a Snow Tube
Let your inner child have some fun by going snow tubing in Steamboat Springs. Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch has three runs along with a tube-tow to get you back up to the top, and a warming lodge when you need a break.
Tube Howelsen has a track with cool curves and fast straightaways, and a carpet lift will make it easy to go for a ride again and again.
11. Sample Local Beer on the Steamboat Brew Trail
Follow the Steamboat Brew Trail for a tour of the local breweries. Start at Mahogany Ridge Brewery where you have to try the signature Alpenglow amber ale.
Then head to Mountain Tap Brewery which features heated gondola seating on its popular patio. Top off your glass at Storm Peak Brewery with an extensive rotating selection of beers on tap.
12. Peruse the Art Galleries
Explore Steamboat Springs in a different way through the work of local artists in the many art galleries in town. Pine Moon Fine Art showcases a variety of work from 14 local artists and features a new exhibition each month.
Also, be sure to stop by the Steamboat Art Museum for rotating exhibitions reflecting the heritage of Northwest Colorado.
13. Soar in a Hot Air Balloon
Fly above the snowy landscape of Steamboat Springs in a hot air balloon for an unforgettable experience.
Wild West Balloon Adventures will take you up for the ride of a lifetime over the snow-capped mountains of Steamboat Springs, the Flat Top Mountains, and Hahn’s Peak.
14. Take a Helicopter Tour
Another way to get high above Steamboat is on a helicopter tour! Zephyr Helicopter Company will help you take flight and give you a new perspective on Steamboat Resort, Fish Creek Canyon, Rabbit Ears Pass, the Never Summer Mountains, and the incredibly stunning Gore Range.
15. Explore Pearl Lake State Park
Located just north of Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake State Park is a gorgeous forested landscape at the base of Farewell Mountain.
The 167-square-acre mountain reservoir is a serene spot for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. You can even reserve one of the two yurts in the park for an extra special backcountry getaway.
Additional Colorado Travel Resources
Ready to travel like a local? I’ve got you covered with these amazing resources:
