Located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Howelson Hill Ski Area is a little gem of a local ski hill. With a 440-foot vertical drop and 19 runs, it’s a great spot for beginners and experts to try out their skills.
It’s also the home of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, a youth training group that trains future Olympians. This community-owned ski area is steeped in history.
History
The history of Howelson Hill Ski Area dates back to 1914 when Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen, a skiing pioneer, organized Steamboat Springs’ first Winter Carnival. For the next year’s event, he built the area that would later become Howelsen Hill.
Howelsen Hill is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area since 1915, and the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America. It has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in the nation, and it’s a training ground for nearly 100 Olympic athletes.
Located right in the heart of historic Steamboat Springs, Howelson Hill offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities for both visitors and locals alike. Plus, it’s within walking distance of all the city’s restaurants, shopping, spas and other attractions.
In addition to skiing, Howelsen Hill also has cross-country trails and a bobsled track. For an added thrill, visit the terrain park and halfpipe to practice your skills on kickers, tabletops and other features.
Terrain
If you like long, natural ski jumps, or you just want to see some future Olympians in action, Howelsen Hill Ski Area is the place for you! It’s Colorado’s oldest continuously operating ski area, since 1915, and it boasts North America’s largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex.
It has also been the training ground for over 90 Olympians, and has sent more skiers into international competition than any other ski area in North America! It’s also acknowledged as a “Pioneer Ski Resort” by the International Skiing History Association, Snowboard Museum, and Colorado Ski Hall of Fame.
Howelsen Hill offers 50 skiable acres with 150 inches of average annual snowfall, 2 year-round Nordic jumps, alpine race terrain, a terrain park, cross-country, and freestyle mogul and aerial complexes. It’s also one of the best training facilities in the country for beginners, with 80% of its trails rated at or above intermediate level.
Night Skiing
When it comes to Colorado night skiing, Howelson Hill Ski Area has a lot to offer. Located in Steamboat Springs, Howelson Hill is North America’s oldest continually operated ski area, and it’s open for night skiing Tuesday through Friday nights.
The city-owned resort also offers snow tubing and ice skating. Its slopes average over 150 inches of snowfall per year, so you’ll be able to have an adventure all winter long.
Howelson Hill offers five trails for night skiing, including Sitz, See Me, Vogue, Stampede and Lil’ Rodeo. These trails are illuminated by the resort’s state-of-the-art Ultra-Tech(tm) lighting to help you navigate the slopes.
There are a few other slopes in the area that offer night skiing. The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Echo Mountain in Colorado and Brighton Resort in Utah all offer night skiing.
Rentals
Howelson Hill Ski Area is the oldest operating ski area in America and features some of the best snow in Colorado. It also boasts the largest natural ski jumps in North America and is home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, which trains future Olympians.
The area’s main attraction is the alpine ski trails but there are plenty of other things to do if you’re looking for a change of pace. Aside from the alpine slopes, visitors can also take in the scenery on the thirteen miles of groomed and lit Nordic trails at Howelsen Hill’s Nordic Center.
Howelson Hill Ski Area is a small ski area with an interesting history that makes it a must-visit on your next trip to Steamboat Springs. Be sure to check out the ski town’s other landmarks, including its infamous black diamonds, its quaint mountain village, and the oh-so-popular Old Town Hot Springs. The best part? You can stay at a variety of places to call home, from luxurious condos and cottages to cozy ski in ski out cabins.