Winter is a fun time to explore Steamboat Springs, a town that’s a true Colorado ski resort. The town’s deep western roots also make it a great place for families with children.
The town is full of charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It also has a few unique candy stores for the kids to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Skiing
Steamboat Springs is one of the best ski towns in North America. Known for its pristine champagne powder snow, it is the perfect winter getaway for families and skiers of all ages.
It is also famous for its cross-country skiing opportunities and backcountry trails. You can enjoy these amazing trails at Rabbit Ears Pass, Stagecoach State Park, Pearl Lake State Park and more!
Alternatively, head over to Howelsen Hill Nordic Center for groomed and beautiful Yampa Valley trails. It is the oldest ski area in North America and the perfect place for beginners and pros to practice their skills.
Tubing
A favorite for kids and thrill seekers alike, snow tubing is an exhilarating and carefree way to enjoy the slopes. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, you’ll feel like a kid again after a day of fun on the mountain.
Go for the thrill and fling yourself down the hill on a giant tube with a modern tow-rope system. Saddleback Ranch’s Yee-Haw Tubing Hill offers multiple lanes of varying speed and slope.
A short drive from Steamboat Springs, this popular winter activity is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. After your time on the hill, you can relax and refuel with warm drinks in the Longhorn Lodge.
Fat Biking
Fat biking has grown in popularity over the years and is a great way to get outside in winter. Unlike a normal bike, fat bikes are equipped with wide, snow-ready tires that roll over snow and slush without sinking like skinnier tires would.
If you’re looking to try this sport out, many ski resorts offer lessons and a variety of outfitters rent the equipment for guests. A fat bike rental in Steamboat Springs is $55 for half a day or $75 for a full day of fat biking.
There are also a number of Nordic trails in the area where you can ride a fat bike, including the trails at Howelsen Hill and Emerald Mountain. And at Haymaker Nordic Center, there are even separate trails for fat bikers.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most fun ways to spend your time during your vacation in Steamboat Springs. It’s a great way to bond with your family and explore the mountain west.
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or just getting started, there are horseback rides for all skill levels in and around Steamboat Springs.
Riding a horse is an activity that strengthens your back, buttocks and legs. It also improves your balance and helps you develop a healthy body posture.
Winter Wondergrass Festival
The Winter Wondergrass Festival is a three-day celebration of bluegrass music and microbrews. This festival takes place in Steamboat Springs, one of the most picturesque ski towns in Colorado.
A unique blend of community and musical abundance, WWG is a weekend you won’t soon forget. Large warmed tents host sets that range from traditional bluegrass to funk, folk and rock.
The lineup for the 10 year anniversary edition of Winter WonderGrass is stacked with Colorado legends like Greensky Bluegrass and The Infamous Stringdusters to local favorites Leftover Salmon and Paul Cauthen. It also features rising mountain music acts including Trout Steak Revival, Kitchen Dwellers, The Lone Bellow and Neal Francis.
Hot Springs
Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day of skiing or mountain biking, a soak in one of the town’s beautiful hot springs is an excellent way to end a fun-filled Steamboat Springs Winter Vacation.
There are two popular hot springs in the town of Steamboat: Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Each offers a different experience and a great way to end your visit!
Old Town Hot Springs has been a favorite for locals and visitors since 1880. It’s a family-friendly recreation center that features eight outdoor hot spring pools and two water slides.