Steamboat Springs is a year-round destination, but it truly comes to life in winter. This magical ski town has a wealth of activities to keep you entertained during your stay, including skiing, ice fishing, and hot springs soaking.
One of our favorite things to do during a Steamboat Springs Winter Vacation is to soak in the naturally fed Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This place is so beautiful and it is a great way to relax after a long day of fun outdoors.
Go Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is a fun winter activity for the whole family. It’s also a great way to get out and explore Steamboat Springs without having to ski or snowboard!
Howelsen Hill and Saddleback Ranch are two of the most popular places to go snow tubing in Steamboat. These small resorts are only 2 minutes away from downtown and offer 1 hour of tubing for $30-35/person.
If you’re looking for an even more exciting experience, consider a trip up Mount Werner to take a gondola ride up the mountain. You’ll see a spectacular view from 9,000 feet above sea level, plus you can stop at Thunderhead Lodge for lunch or photos!
Take a Gondola Ride
Taking a gondola ride is a great way to experience Steamboat Springs. You’ll get a chance to see the mountains up close and enjoy the panoramic views from 9,000 feet above sea level.
You can also take the gondola to the top of Mount Werner for a nice view of the entire town. From there, you can go for a hike or hit the trails at the ski resort.
You can book a gondola ride online or at your hotel. The official fares are around EUR80 for 30 minutes, but you can negotiate a lower rate and length of time before boarding.
Go Horseback Riding
During your Steamboat Springs Winter Vacation, you can experience the Western way of life firsthand by going horseback riding. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced equestrian, knowledgeable guides will accompany you on your horseback ride.
You can go horseback riding at various ranches and stables across Colorado. Many offer year-round trail rides, while others offer seasonal horseback tours and sleigh rides.
Trackrock Stables offers a one-hour and two-hour guided tour of the surrounding wooded trails, mountain paths, and streams. Both include a lunch break. You’ll ride through scenic hardwood forest, green meadows, and clear mountain streams.
Go Ice Fishing
Steamboat Springs is a fantastic place to go ice fishing in winter. It’s a fun and safe activity that you can do in your free time with your family.
There are many places to ice fish around the state, and some of them are even within Steamboat Springs itself.
If you’re looking for a truly exciting ice fishing adventure, consider heading out to Stagecoach State Park near Steamboat. It’s only a short trip out of town, but you can catch monster Pike and trout on this amazing lake.
Go Ice Skating
When you go ice skating, it’s important to wear warm, comfortable clothing and shoes that can accommodate the bladed skates. This will help avoid blisters and prevent cold feet.
You should also wear a safety helmet, which is required by law in many countries. Test the helmet before you get on the ice to make sure it fits.
Beginners should try not to lean too far backwards on their skates as this can shift their centre of gravity and increase their risk of falling over. Instead, keep your torso upright and bend your knees.
Go to the Cowboy Downhill
Steamboat Springs is a winter resort town that offers a great blend of fun things to do in the snow, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a friendly local community. It is known for its amazing Champagne Powder, its deep Western heritage and its Winter Olympic history.
The annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is one of the most unique ski rodeos in the world. For 47 years, past and present professional rodeo cowboys have competed on the green Headwall trail at the base of Mt. Werner for the chance to swap their bulls and broncs for skis.
Go to the Winter Carnival
One of the most popular ways to celebrate the winter season in Steamboat Springs is to go to the Winter Carnival. Founded 109 years ago, this winter extravaganza pays homage to the town’s western heritage and acclaimed winter sports.
This event is an excellent way to combat cabin fever and break up the long, dark days of winter. Whether you’re a skier or not, this festival has something for everyone.
In addition to a parade, horse events and ski and rodeo races, you can also enjoy fireworks and snow sculptures! This is an incredible event for families to attend!