Howelson Hill Ski Area is the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado since 1915, and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. It is acknowledged as a “Pioneer Ski Resort” by the International Skiing History Association and the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame.
History
Howelson Hill Ski Area holds a unique place in the history of skiing. It has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America.
The oldest ski area in Colorado, Howelsen Hill has the largest natural ski jumping complex in the United States, and is home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, which provides training for alpine and nordic skiing, freestyle, and snowboarding at all ability levels from beginners to Olympians.
Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill has 50 skiable acres with 150 inches of snowfall per year and offers a variety of lodging and dining options. It also hosts night skiing/riding for a reasonable fee.
As a result of its long and rich history, Howelsen Hill is regarded as a Pioneer Ski Resort by the International Skiing History Association. The hill has two year-round Nordic jumps, alpine race terrain, a terrain park, ski and boarder-cross areas, cross country terrain, freestyle mogul and aerial complexes, and beginner terrain.
Founded by Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen in 1914, Howelsen Hill is Colorado’s oldest ski area and one of the few natural ski jumping competition sites in the world. It’s been the training ground for more than 90 Olympic skiers, 22 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame, and 13 members of the National Ski Hall of Fame.
Skiing
Skiing is available at Howelson Hill, which is the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado and has the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America. Its terrain caters to beginners, intermediate learners and advanced skiers and snowboarders at affordable prices for all ages.
Howelson Hill is also home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, which provides training for alpine skiing, nordic skiing and freestyle for ability levels ranging from beginner to Olympians. This is an important part of its mission, which is to provide an opportunity for children to develop confidence and perseverance through physical activity.
In addition to the ski slopes, Howelson Hill has an array of other activities for families and individuals of all ages. It has outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, and a skate park in the summer months.
The city of Steamboat Springs owns Howelson Hill Ski Area and manages it. It offers reasonable and attractive prices for lift tickets, tubing cross country trails and night skiing.
It is the oldest ski area in continuous use in the United States, and has a rich heritage that includes sending more skiers to international competitions than anywhere else in the country. It is also the training ground for Olympic competitors and has been recognized as a pioneer in ski jump development.
Jumping
Howelson Hill Ski Area is not your typical alpine ski area, but rather the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America. It is also known for training Olympic competitors, sending more skiers to international competition than any other Colorado area.
Howelsen Hill has a remarkable heritage, with a long tradition of training and cultivating winter athletes. It is Colorado’s oldest ski area in continuous operation (opened in 1915) and the site of the largest and most complete natural ski jump complex in North America.
The facility is home to a local youth ski team, along with a number of US Ski Team Jumpers and others in training. It has hosted several major competitive events in the past, including the North American Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships.
To prepare the jumps for use in winter, wooden slats are placed up the length of the in-runs. Then, when there is enough snow, they are packed in to create hard tracks.
Aside from the many jumps on offer, Howelson Hill Ski Area offers many other fun opportunities for those looking to hone their skills on the slopes. You can try your hand at a bump jump or 20-meter jump, and take part in the junior racing courses. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy the scenic views from the top of Howelsen Hill, where you can look over Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Yampa Valley.