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13 Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs in Winter

ByPaige Watts

Steamboat Springs may be famous for skiing, but there’s a lot more to do here in winter than spend every day on the slopes. Between hot springs, snowmobiling, ice skating, mountain views, and time around town, it’s easy to plan a full winter trip even if you’re only a beginner skier — or not skiing at all.

We visited for five days as a family of beginner skiers, so we split our time between ski lessons and some of Steamboat’s other winter activities. I loved getting out on the ice (you can’t keep this figure skater from a frozen surface!), riding through the snow at Saddleback Ranch, and warming up at Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

If you’re looking for things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter, these are the activities I’d recommend for a fun, well-rounded mountain getaway.

A busy ski resort base area in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is filled with skiers and snowboarders walking between the slopes, lift area, and lodge buildings. Snow covered mountain runs rise behind the village beneath a partly cloudy winter sky.

Best Winter Activities in Steamboat Springs, CO

1. Take Ski Lessons at Steamboat Ski Resort

Paige in ski gear holds skis and poles at the base of a snowy mountain resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A yellow flag behind her reads "Steamboat Snowsports School" and "Private Lessons" while skiers gather near the lifts and slopes.
Paige's family in ski gear gather with an instructor from "Steamboat Snowsports School" on a snowy mountain lesson area in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Skis and poles rest on the snow nearby while other skiers and a large snowmaking machine are visible in the background.
Paige, Kevin, and Ryne in ski gear stand together on a snowy slope in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with their ski poles raised overhead in celebration. Snow covered mountain runs and evergreen trees rise behind them under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Skiing is one of the main reasons people visit Steamboat Springs in winter. And even if you’ve never skied before, there are plenty of opportunities to learn! We did Steamboat Ski Resort‘s SnowSports School, which offers beginner ski lessons, including a dedicated learning area at Greenhorn Ranch that’s only accessible to those taking lessons.

We booked a full-day private ski lesson for our family of five, and our instructor, Mikey, did a great job handling our different skill levels. We started on the bunny slopes at Greenhorn Ranch and gradually worked our way up to longer green runs.

By the end of the day, my brother, Kevin, and I had skied the 3-mile Why Not run halfway down the mountain! I definitely didn’t expect to accomplish that much in one day, and I’d recommend lessons if you’re new to skiing.

2. Stay at the Steamboat Grand

Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, large mountain a lodge with stone walls, balconies, and red brown siding, rises beneath a clear blue sky. Snow piles around the entrance and covered drop off area, where several vehicles are parked.
A lodge bedroom at the Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado features a large bed with white bedding and a gray throw beside matching bedside lamps. A wall mounted television hangs above a built in fireplace, with a framed mountain landscape on the opposite wall.
A covered terrace at the Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado frames a snowy ski resort and mountain slopes in the distance. Evergreen trees and lodge buildings fill the valley below, including a tall brick building marked with a large "S" emblem.

The Steamboat Grand is a cozy mountain resort at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, and it’s the perfect place to stay for a winter vacation. The hotel has an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a market for quick breakfasts, and a free shuttle into Downtown Steamboat Springs. You can also arrange ski lessons, equipment rentals, and lift tickets through the hotel.

We stayed here for our five-day winter vacation in Steamboat Springs. We were even upgraded to a spacious, two-story condo with three bedrooms and three bathrooms for our family of five adults. We had expected to all have separate hotel rooms for our stay, so being able to stay together in one condo was a nice surprise.

I loved relaxing by the fireplace and looking out at the snowy mountains after a day of winter adventures. The cozy mountain lodge decor made it even better, and having our ski equipment arranged right at the hotel was so convenient for us beginner skiers.

Book your stay at the Steamboat Grand here.

3. Relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Paige in sunglasses and a red swimsuit relaxes against the stone edge of an outdoor hot spring pool at Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Snow covered rocks and a forested hillside with evergreen and leafless trees surround the water in bright winter sun.
Kevin and Paige wearing sunglasses smile and hug while soaking in an outdoor hot spring pool at Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Other bathers relax in the water around them with rocky landscaping and evergreen trees under a bright blue sky.
Paige and family smile for a group selfie while soaking in an outdoor hot spring pool at Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Snow covered stone walls and a forested hillside surround the steaming water in bright winter sunlight.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a beautiful natural hot springs retreat tucked into the mountains outside Downtown Steamboat Springs. The stone-lined pools range in temperature from cold plunges to seriously hot.

During the winter, four-wheel drive is required to reach the springs, so I recommend booking a shuttle as an easy alternative to driving yourself. We booked The Hot Springs Shuttle, which picked us up at our hotel and included admission to the springs.

We spent about two hours trying nearly every pool, though the hottest was almost too hot for me! My favorite was the warm pool that felt like a perfect bath. Some of the smaller pools got crowded, but we had plenty of room in the larger ones. I’d recommend visiting during the day if you want a family-friendly experience; the springs become adults-only and clothing-optional at night.

4. Go Snowmobiling at Saddleback Ranch

Fresh snow blankets a quiet hillside with leafless shrubs and low rolling mountains in the distance in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Long shadows stretch across the snow beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A snowmobile is parked on a groomed snowy trail that curves uphill through leafless trees in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Fresh tracks and footprints cross the snow beneath a bright blue winter sky.
A smiling adult wearing a helmet and purple ski goggles sits on a snowmobile in a wide snowy field in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Low snow covered hills stretch behind them beneath a partly cloudy blue sky.
Two pairs of adults ride snowmobiles in Steamboat Springs, Colorado along a snowy mountain trail with Paige raising an arm in celebration. Snow covered hills and distant mountains stretch behind them beneath a clear blue winter sky.

For a little more adventure, head to Saddleback Ranch for a guided snowmobile ride through the Colorado countryside. This 8,000-acre private ranch offers snowmobile adventures through wooded trails and across snowy hills.

We booked the five-hour Snowmobile Adventure Package, which included hotel transportation, a three-hour snowmobile tour, lunch, and snow tubing. Our guide led us through the ranch, and we got to switch drivers so everyone could give it a try. I quickly discovered that driving a snowmobile is an arm workout, and I much prefer sitting back and enjoying the scenery!

Book the Saddleback Ranch Snowmobile Adventure Package here.

5. Go Snow Tubing at Yee Haw Tubing Hill

Paige in a knit hat and sunglasses takes a selfie while riding a snow tubing tow across a snowy field in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Another rider sits in a red tube behind her as the tow line climbs toward low snow covered hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A person rides a red snow tube along a tow line across a wide snowy field in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Low snow covered hills and a few small buildings sit in the distance beneath a cloudy sky with patches of blue.

Snow tubing is another fun winter activity at Saddleback Ranch. Their Yee Haw Tubing Hill has four runs ranging from medium to fast. One run was closed because of unusually warm weather during our visit, so the number of available runs can depend on snow conditions. There’s even a tow lift that pulls you and your tube back uphill, so you don’t have to hike up the hill after every ride.

We spent about an hour snow tubing as part of our Saddleback Ranch adventure package, and that was plenty of time for us. My mom and I preferred the medium runs, where we could sit back and enjoy the ride, while the boys enjoyed the faster run and went down head-first.

Book the Saddleback Ranch Snow Tubing & Snowmobile Package here.

6. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride

A panoramic view from a snowy ski slope in Steamboat Springs, Colorado overlooks a mountain town and broad valley beneath a vivid blue sky with wispy clouds. Gondola cabins descend along the left side while layered snow covered ridges stretch across the horizon.
A gondola travels above a wide snow covered ski run with lift towers and cabins descending toward the valley in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Snowy mountain ridges and a sprawling town stretch into the distance beneath a bright blue sky.
Paige in a blue winter jacket, knit hat, sunglasses, jeans, and snow boots stands on a sunny ski slope in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Snow covered mountain runs and evergreen trees rise behind her under a clear blue sky.
Paige and family in winter jackets smile together on an outdoor mountain overlook beneath a bright blue sky in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Snow covered mountains and valleys stretch behind the group in the distance.

You don’t have to ski to enjoy the mountain views at Steamboat Ski Resort! They offer a scenic gondola lift ticket so that you can ride the Steamboat Gondola up Mt. Werner to Thunderhead Lodge, where you can get panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and stop for food or drinks.

We took a gondola ride on a beautiful, clear afternoon, and the mountain views were incredible. Kevin, my brother, and I had already seen the scenery during our ski lesson, but my parents hadn’t made it beyond the beginner slopes, so this gave them a chance to enjoy the views, too. We stopped for cocktails at Thunderhead Red’s before heading back down.

Just make sure you know when the last gondola download is scheduled so you don’t miss your ride!

7. Go Outdoor Ice Skating at Skeeter’s Ice Rink

Skeeter's Ice Rink in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, an outdoor ice rink at a mountain resort, sits beside lodge buildings and a stage with snowy ski slopes rising behind it. A few people skate across the ice beneath a partly cloudy winter sky.

Skeeter’s Ice Rink is an outdoor skating rink in Steamboat Square, right at the base of the ski slopes. The rink is free if you bring your own skates, though they do have rentals available (but they’re pricey).

As a figure skater, I couldn’t resist getting on the ice, so I talked Kevin into skating with me after dinner. The rink was practically empty, and the ice was well-maintained. I wasn’t impressed with the rental skates, though; it took me three pairs to find something usable!

Despite that, I had a great time skating with the mountain in the background, and the rink attendant even let me stay on the ice for a few extra minutes before closing. I especially recommend skating in the evening, when you can enjoy the atmosphere of Steamboat Square with the ski slopes lit up behind you.

8. Explore Steamboat Square

A crowded ski resort base area in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is filled with skiers and snowboarders walking toward the lifts and snowy slopes during light snowfall. A yellow flag reads "Private Lessons" beside a covered wagon display while gondola cabins travel up the mountain in the background.

Steamboat Square is the main gathering area at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, with shops, restaurants, and plenty of activity throughout the day. It’s a fun place to explore even if you aren’t skiing, whether you want to browse the shops, grab a meal, or watch skiers coming down the mountain.

We spent time exploring Steamboat Square on our first evening, popping into shops before having dinner at Timber & Torch. We also returned throughout our trip for ski lessons, meals, and après-ski drinks. I particularly enjoyed visiting in the evening, when the daytime ski crowds had thinned out and we could take our time enjoying the mountain atmosphere.

9. Explore Downtown Steamboat Springs

A downtown sidewalk at night in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is lined with leafless trees wrapped in white lights and storefronts decorated for the holidays. A sign reading "Wild Horse Gallery of Steamboat Springs" hangs above the walkway beside an American flag and bronze sculptures.

Downtown Steamboat Springs has a charming mountain-town atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, and bars along its streets. It’s a fun area to wander when you want a break from the ski resort, whether you’re looking for souvenirs, a good meal, or somewhere to grab a drink. During the winter, the trees are decorated with twinkling lights that make downtown especially pretty after dark.

We spent an evening exploring downtown after dinner at O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill. Naturally, I was on the hunt for a bear souvenir, and I managed to find both a little bear keychain and a funny bear après-ski T-shirt.

10. Go Ice Skating at Howelsen Ice Arena

Howelsen Ice Arena in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a large indoor ice rink, stretches beneath a high arched metal ceiling with bright overhead lights and advertising boards around the perimeter. Spectators sit in bleachers along one side while the empty ice shows hockey markings and curling circles.

Howelsen Ice Arena is an indoor, Olympic-sized ice rink in Steamboat Springs that offers public skating sessions throughout the week. They even have ice bumper cars if you want to try something different!

I stopped by Howelsen Ice Arena during our trip, but unfortunately, there weren’t any public skating sessions scheduled while we were there. I still got to take a look at the rink, and it looked like a beautiful place to skate.

Be sure to check the arena’s schedule before planning your visit, since public skating and bumper car sessions vary by day.

11. Go Ice Skating at the Community Ice Rink

Howelsen Outdoor Community Ice Rink in Steamboat Springs, Colorado sits under stadium lights on a snowy night with bare trees and dark hills surrounding it. Snowbanks pile up around the rink, and small hockey nets rest near the edge of the ice.

Steamboat Springs also has a free outdoor community ice rink at the Howelsen Hill Tennis Courts. The rink is maintained by Howelsen Ice Arena staff and typically opens during the evening when temperatures are cool enough to maintain the ice.

If you don’t have your own skates, Howelsen Ice Arena has a small skate library where you can borrow a pair, though finding your size might take a little searching.

I was determined to try this rink, especially after finding a pair of hockey skates to borrow from the arena. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the tennis courts, the lights were off and the rink was closed because of the warm weather.

12. Enjoy Après-Ski Drinks

Two cocktails sit on a wooden table at the Crooked Antler at the Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one pale green in a coupe glass with a lime wedge and one pink in a flute with a lemon wedge. A pint of beer and water glasses sit in the background.
Two clear drinks sit on a wooden table at Saddles Lounge in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one in a tall glass over ice with a lime wedge and one in a martini glass with a lime garnish. A softly lit restaurant interior with booth seating and a television fills the background.
A clear glass mug holds a warm amber cider drink with a cinnamon stick steeping inside. The mug sits on a wooden table beside a folded napkin, with other diners blurred in the background, at Timber & Torch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Two cold drinks in clear compostable cups sit on an outdoor table with snowy ski slopes and tree covered mountains blurred in the background at Thunderhead Red's in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. One drink is pale yellow over ice and the other is clear with a lime wedge.
A pint of golden cider sits on a wooden table beside a menu and a basket holding part of a soft pretzel with dipping sauce at O'Neil's Tavern & Grill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The menu and coaster are branded "O'Neill's Tavern & Grill."
A can labeled "Colorado Cider Company" sits beside a glass reading "Mountain Tap Brewery Steamboat Springs Colorado" on a wooden table at Mountain Tap Brewery in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A pale cider fills the glass, with part of the brewery menu visible in the foreground.

Après-ski is an essential part of the Steamboat Springs winter experience, even if you don’t spend the entire day skiing. After a day on the mountain, you can warm up with a cocktail, relax with friends, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of the ski resort’s bars.

Here are some of the places where we found great drinks in Steamboat Springs:

13. Dine Around Steamboat Springs

A plate of fried chicken is covered in creamy white gravy and served with mashed potatoes and green beans. A cocktail and water glass sit on the wooden table behind the meal at the Crooked Antler at the Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
A grilled steak is topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions and served beside a mound of mashed potatoes covered in creamy gravy and chopped chives at O'Neil's Tavern & Grill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A steak knife rests across the plate on the wooden table.
Sliced medium rare steak is served over a rich brown sauce and topped with chopped herbs. Roasted fingerling potatoes and broccolini sit alongside the steak on a large ceramic plate at Timber & Torch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Between ski resort restaurants, mountain taverns, breweries, and downtown dining spots, Steamboat Springs has plenty of places to eat during a winter vacation. You can grab a quick lunch between ski runs, warm up with comfort food after spending the day outside, or settle in for a relaxed dinner downtown.

We ate really well during our trip! Here are some of our favorite places we ate:

Tips for Visiting Steamboat Springs in Winter

A snowy scene at Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado features a rustic stone shelter with wooden lounge chairs beside an icy path. Steam rises from the hillside among snow covered rocks and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

A little planning goes a long way when visiting Steamboat Springs in winter, especially if you want to try several different activities. Here are a few things I learned from our trip to help you make the most of your winter vacation.

Book winter activities in advance. I recommend reserving ski lessons, equipment rentals, and popular winter tours before your trip. We booked our skiing, snowmobiling and tubing adventure, and Strawberry Park Hot Springs shuttle ahead of time so we had our activities planned before arriving.

Be flexible with the weather. We visited during an unusually warm winter, which meant one of the snow tubing runs was closed and the community ice rink wasn’t open. Check conditions and activity schedules before heading out, especially for outdoor ice skating and other snow-dependent activities.

Take advantage of local shuttles. We didn’t rent a car during our trip! We took Storm Mountain Express between Yampa Valley Regional Airport and our hotel, used the Steamboat Grand’s free downtown shuttle, and booked transportation for our snowmobiling adventure and hot springs visit. It made getting around Steamboat Springs in winter easy without having to worry about driving in the snow.

Things to Do in Steamboat Springs Map

Ready to experience winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado? Find all the fun winter activities listed in this post on the map below.

I hope you have a great time enjoying all of these Steamboat Springs winter activities.

Top Steamboat Springs Tours

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs, CO

More Colorado Itineraries

Ready to visit Steamboat Springs, CO? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

13 Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs in Winter

What are your favorite things to do in Steamboat Springs in winter? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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