Steamboat Springs, Colorado is known as Ski Town USA (™) . Living up to it’s name there are plenty of options for all kinds of skiing and snowboarding. Whether it’s floating through the famous fluffy powder snow down the slopes of Mt. Werner, gliding down the oldest continuously run ski area in the nation at Howelsen Hill or shussing across peaceful trails at one of the numerous cross country options in the valley, there is something to soothe the soul of every skier. After a day exploring in the snow, come back to your welcoming Grand Adventure Co vacation rental for some good old fashioned rest and relaxation.
Steamboat Ski Area:
Covering nearly 3000 skiable acres on its own mountain range, the Steamboat Ski Area is a diverse resort that offers opportunities for all levels of skiers and riders. Families will love the Sunshine Peak area where tame greens and fun blues meander across a mountain and meet at the bottom of one lift so everyone can have fun on their own slopes but still ride up to the top together. Experts will love exploring the hike-to terrain at the top of Storm Peak featuring The Chutes and Christmas Tree bowl. Tree lovers will bask in the glory that is Closets or Shadows on an excellent powder day. Beginners can get their legs under them at the Greenhorn Ranch area accessed by the Wild Blue Gondola or test out the 3 mile long green run known as Why Not. The Ski School offers lessons for all ages and ability levels both group and individual.
Howelsen Hill:
Howelsen Hill is located in downtown Steamboat and is the oldest continuously run ski area in the nation. Owned and operated by the city of Steamboat, its the training ground for the Winter Sports Club which has brought up many Olympians over the years. Its a small and affordable ski area with a great history and beautiful views. You never know, you may have the privilege of skiing or sipping a hot chocolate with a future Olympian or glimpse a former athlete training the next generation.
Cross Country Skiing:
Steamboat also has plenty of options for those who like to really get after it and feel the burn. The Steamboat Touring Center at the Rollingstone Golf Course and Haymaker Golf Course Trails are both really popular options. They both maintain miles of groomed trails all winter and are just a short jaunt if you are staying in the mountain village area at the base of the ski resort. Howelsen Hill downtown also maintains some cross country trails for a downtown option. If you really want to get out there and explore, head to the top of Rabbit Ears Pass just East of town and get out on one of the many trails that the Forest Service maintains. Due to the elevation, these are usually the first trails ready to go in early season and some of the last trails with good snow at the end of the season.
