Steamboat is one of Colorado’s largest ski resorts with many long runs and several peaks. With 2,965 skiable acres, 165 named trails and several terrain parks, there is something for every type of skier and snowboarder. Steamboat’s base elevation is 6,900 feet, which s is ideal for sleeping and may not cause as many problems with altitude sickness as other resorts. Steamboat’s trademark champagne powder is known to be light and dry, which makes it easier to turn than heavier snow. Steamboat averages an impressive 319 inches of annual snowfall.
Steamboat Terrain
To access the vast majority of the terrain at Steamboat you need to start off by getting mid-mountain. The most direct method is via the Gondola at the base (which can get crowded on weekends and powder days.) Tip: To avoid the Gondola, take the “Christie” lift to the top, ski off the front to “Jess’s Cutoff”, to “Yoo-Hoo” and over to the bottom of the “Thunderhead” lift. Ride the “Thunderhead” lift to the Thunderhead Lodge and from there you have access to anyplace on the mountain.
The most popular area at Steamboat is Sunshine Peak, which offers a broad variety of runs with beautiful views to the South and Southwest. From the three similarly-named lifts, Sunshine, Sundown and South Peak, you can ski anything from mellow greens to black diamond moguls. Sunshine is also known for its excellent tree skiing. Beginner tree-skiers will appreciate the mellow lines in the areas between Tomahawk, Flintlock, Quick Draw and High Noon. Advanced skiers will appreciate the O’clock runs (1,2 & 3) which offer more challenging runs that are usually ungroomed.
The Storm Peak / Four Points areas include a mix of steeper runs, open skiing, and more great tree skiing. A well-known, classic is Buddy’s Run, a long and wide blue cruiser. You can also reach “The Ridge” lower area by traversing across Buddy’s Run. Most of the runs are never groomed and are definitely meant for the advanced skier. “Triangle 3” is another nice area that is steep on top but mellows out into some easier tree skiing towards the bottom. If you keep skiing down from the top of Storm Peak, you will reach the Four Points Lodge. Directly below the lodge lies a series of black diamond runs including Hurricane, Nelson’s Run, Twister and Tornado. All are great runs and shouldn’t be missed on a powder day. You can also ride the Bar-UE chair to avoid lines on the Storm Peak Express, but I found it to be the most uncomfortable chairlift I ever experienced (the bar on the seat rest pokes your back the entire ride up.)
The front face on Mr. Werner includes The Ridge, Chutes 1,2,3 and the Christmas Tree Bowl. This area is for Experts Only areas and is considered “side country” meaning it’s not lift-served. You get up there via the Morningside Lift. Once you enter the gates there is no easy way out, this is the steepest and most difficult terrain in Steamboat. Choices include skiing the famous “chutes” on the frontside or hiking up to the Tower and skiing back down into Morningside. You can also hike over and hit the many acres of steep trees and deep powder areas but keep in mind that it’s a long traverse out depending where you end. TIP: For easier access, ski off the side of Buddy’s Run, traverse to catch some steeper terrain and then into “Big Meadow”.
Morningside is off the back of the Storm Peak Quad and is also quite popular. It starts off steeper but then quickly flattens out. The flatter area has some great tree skiing for intermediates. Tip: Access Morningside from Sunshine area via the Hot Cakes run.
Pony Express is accessed from the Gondola, ski down Rudi’s Run to Lightening, go left, and ski past the Storm Peak Lift. The Pony Express’s only blue run that will take you back towards the Flying Z area, the other runs are all black diamond. A local favorite, this area has features steeper terrain with a lot of natural features.
If you are looking for Freestyle Terrain parks, Lil’ Rodeo is perfect for entry-level riders. It’s located off Christie Peak Express near the base area. Take Christie Peak Express to the Bear Claw run to access three other terrain parks. Mavericks is the largest terrain park with large features, as well as a halfpipe and jumps reaching up to 70 feet.
Steamboat Ski School
I had heard that Steamboat had one of the best ski schools for kids and this was one of the reasons we decided to plan a family trip to Steamboat. Admittedly, I had the pretty high expectations and although I wouldn’t say Steamboat’s Ski School was dramatically better than others, I did notice several things they did better. Unlike Winter Park, getting kids and gear to the school in the morning was much easier as we only had to make a short walk, on heated pavement, from the Sheraton to the ski school. Steamboat’s check-in was well organized. Workers greeted us right at the door to grab our kid’s skis and they made sure to label their skis and all of their clothing items (gloves, helmet, facemask, etc.). For the first time ever, our kids came back at the end of the day with all of their stuff! Our first day of lessons was on a Saturday and although Steamboat was still busy, it wasn’t overwhelmingly busy like I’m sure other resorts closer to Denver would have been. Our kids said they had fun and that they liked their instructors. They were also tuckered out at the end of the day—how I judge if I got my money’s worth. I have no idea what my kids ate for lunch because they said they didn’t remember. Steamboat was also very strict with pick-up. Do not let your kids duck the fence before talking with their instructor first! Although our kids were wearing GPS units, we didn’t get a code to go online to see where they skied like at Winter Park. It appeared that Steamboat had a smaller workforce and it was nice to see the same instructors day-to-day. All things considered, I believe Steamboat has a great ski school and I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Getting To Steamboat
Where to Stay at Steamboat
Steamboat has a lot of options for lodging. The most convenient option for skiing is to stay near the Steamboat gondola. But a cheaper option would be to stay in downtown Steamboat Springs and ride the free bus in the morning. Night owls would also appreciate being closer to the many stores and restaurants in downtown. We were traveling with young children and I wanted to stay close to the ski school to make it easier to get them to their lessons in the morning. Although it cost more than I normally like to spend on lodging, we ended up staying at the Sheraton. It ended up being a great choice as things couldn’t have been more convenient. Not only were we extremely close to the gondola/ski school but we also had underground parking, ski valet, heated pool and hot tubs, daily maid service, and were only 16 steps—I counted!—from the door to the slopes. We booked through Steamboat direct which got us discount lessons and free night skiing.
Restaurants and Groceries at Steamboat
Steamboat has a City Market close to the resort if you need to stock up for the trip. Its easy to get to using the city bus. The selection was pretty good, but prices were higher than average. We stopped at the Walmart next door first, but the selection there was very limited. Tip: Cheapskates may want to stop at the Walmart in Evergreen on the way up as it has a great selection and very reasonable prices.
The only restaurant we stayed at wasn’t even really a restaurant… The Taco Beast is a snowcat that has been turned into a taco truck and it is, apparently, the first of it’s kind in North America. The Taco Beast serves a variety of trail tacos (street tacos), esquites (Mexican street corn) and Mexican-style beer (only 24 oz. cans!) Follow @TacoBeastSBT on Twitter for its current location. The food was tasty and included a selection of unique salsa to try out but make sure to walk up the right flight of stairs (not the exit) or face ridicule from the friendly staff!
Other Activities at Steamboat
Steamboat Friday Nights feature DJ music at the Gondola Square, night skiing, coaster rides, and a fireworks display. The view is great from the balcony of the Sheraton and guests are given free graham crackers and marshmallows to make smores on the outdoor firepits.
At the Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner guests are pulled through the snow by a pair of majestic draft horses pulls a sleigh through the Yampa Valley’s rolling hills before settling down to a delicious three-course dinner with all the trimmings. Prior to the sleigh ride, enjoy drinks and appetizers in the cozy Haymaker lodge. A fun adventure for the family, but a little on the fancy side for small kids.
The annual Winter Carnival in early February is worth the visit. During the day, the carnival features Skijoring (where the local children on skis are pulled down Main Street by horses). At night, many local skiers lead a torch-light parade down Howelson Hill featuring the “Lighted Man” and ends in a huge fireworks display.
