A Guide to Planning Your Ski Trip in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado! One of my favorite aspects is its uniqueness compared to other resorts. It's so cold that the trees get covered in a feathery frost called hoarfrost. It's incredibly magical and makes you feel so happy inside!

getting there

Different ways to reach Steamboat Springs, including airports and driving. Most people will be driving up from Denver, which is about 2-2.5 hours away. The drive is mostly easy until the Rabbit Ears pass, where you might encounter a decent amount of snow. This mountain pass is also a really popular place for snowmobiling (check avalanche conditions always!). Make sure you have AWD so you don't get stuck or have issues, and pack a snow shovel and ice scraper. Prepare for winter conditions, always!

when to go

Steamboat is best visited in mid February and after a large snowstorm because the trees get covered in snow and frozen with hoarfrost. It's a truly beautiful thing to see, and the runs are equally enjoyable. Since they get this beautiful frost, the temperatures get very cold here. When I was there, it was about 2 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack warmer than usual for skiing here.

Where to Stay

This area is huge, so there are a ton of options, and it's surprisingly more affordable than some of the other ski towns. So I stay in the ski-in and ski-out VRBOs near the gondola because it saves time; the lines get really long for first chair, so if you wait a little bit, they'll die down. I'd recommend this one for a large group without dogs, this large pet-friendly one, or this hotel for a smaller group. There's also a marriot, which is always a good option if you have points.

Many hotels or Airbnb's might be close to the shuttle to the ski resort, check before you go if you're not staying at a ski in / ski out resort.

Before you Go, Get your Ski Gear Ready

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat has it all and is such a fun resort to visit with a group of friends. It's only 2.5 hours from Denver, and it has some of the best hot springs, an adorable ski town/village to shop and walk around in, waterfall hikes, and a very diverse mountain that even offers night skiing! This is one of the few places in Colorado that offers night skiing. Though I personally wouldn't recommend it if you don't like the cold! I went one year and only lasted a few runs due to freezing temperatures (I'm talking about literal 2 degrees Fahrenheit...) The views of the town lit up, though, were so beautiful.

Strawberry Park hot springs

Strawberry park hot springs is one of my favorite hot springs to visit in Colorado! This is a MUST visit when you're in town; it's a short drive or shuttle ride from town (they do not allow Uber or Lyft entry for some reason). You need AWD to reach the resort in the winter because the road often gets heavy snow too (it makes it so beautiful and a literal winter wonderland, so it's worth it!). There aren't a ton of spa amenities (my favorite is the Scandanavie spa in Whistler Canada), but it's still really enjoyable for the price. Be aware that it turns into a clothing-optional after the sun sets, so if you're not comfortable with that, then plan to book before sunset after your ski day.

You can make a pool reservation 25-30 days in advance, so set a reminder and don't forget, as they can fill up. I have never had an issue making a reservation here, and I've gotten them closer to the day a few times during less popular times. Also, they are CASH only ($20), which is something I always need to prepare for. The earlier slots (2 pm ish) are usually available at the last minute, whereas the later slots (4 pm and onwards) sell out more quickly since people love to go after a full day of skiing.

other things to do

Sleigh ride: for Valentine's Day weekend, my boyfriend and I took a romantic sleigh ride through the snow at night and to a cozy cabin. It was very cold at night here, but they provide large warm blankets for the ride! Have a cozy meal at one of the restaurants in the town! No better way to warm up than to fill your stomach with some delicious pasta!

Hiking near Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls is a great dog-friendly hike near the town. It's short, but sometimes the waterfall can freeze over. There's also a calming river that flows under the bridge by the falls, so as you're walking through this winter wonderland, you can be fully immersed in nature. I love taking a little adrenaline break from the slopes and then coming here with my dog to unwind. This is the most popular hike around the area. I always come here with my dog when I'm visiting; it's guaranteed to have lots of fluffy snow and a beautiful flowing river that may or may not be frozen. You can just go less than a mile in and still get some nice views.