Howelson Hill is Colorado’s oldest continually operated ski area since 1915, and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. The mountain is also known for training Olympic competitors.
Home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Howelsen Hill has produced over 95 Olympians, and is one of the few international ski jump competition sites in the U.S. Howelsen 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, plus beginner terrain making it one of the most unique training facilities in the world.
Skiing
Howelsen Hill is owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs and 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 continuous ski area in Colorado, Howelsen Hill boasts a remarkable heritage with the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. It has also been the training ground for nearly 90 Olympians making over 150 Winter Olympic appearances, 22 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame and 13 members of the National Ski Hall of Fame.
The mountain features 2 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 making it one of the most unique training facilities in the world. It is also home to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, a local youth ski team that works with children in developing skills and athletic goals.
Snowboarding
Howelson Hill Ski Area is North America’s oldest continually operating ski resort, keeping skiers happy since 1915. Not far from the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, Howelsen is one of the most affordable places in Colorado to hit the slopes.
Howelsen Hill is primarily known for its giant, natural ski jumps that are visible from town. Many future and current Olympians started their skiing careers on these long, freestyle jumps.
Snowboarding is available at Howelson Hill for all levels and ages. The 10-Point Learning System is a proven, step-by-step program that will teach you how to master snowboarding in the quickest time possible.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Howelsen Hill offers a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy. With 50 skiable acres and 150 inches of annual snowfall, Howelsen Hill has everything you need to have a blast on the slopes.
This winter, Howelsen Hill also opened a tubing hill not far from its legendary, Olympian-molding ski jumps. A covered, colorful carpet lift ferries riders up the hill where they’ll find lanes sculpted with rollers, banks and turns.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of winter, while also getting some exercise. It’s also a cost-effective alternative to traditional alpine skiing and snowboarding, as gear and lift-ticket prices are much lower than they are for those sports.
It’s not a difficult activity, and you can easily get started on your first day by taking a walk in the snow. Just don’t forget to wear the right gear for the activity!
For example, dress in non-cotton layers so you can adjust to the weather and activity level. Cotton can get soaked and chill you, so try synthetics or wool styles instead.
Ideally, you’ll want to wear waterproof winter boots with a good pair of socks. You may want to bring an extra pair in case yours are soaked.
Getting There
Steamboat Springs is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are three ski areas nearby – Howelson Hill, Steamboat Resort, and Bluebird Backcountry.
Howelson Hill, which has been in operation since 1915, is the oldest ski area in North America and is owned by the city of Steamboat Springs. It’s also known for its natural ski jumps, which are the largest in the country and have produced over 50 winter Olympians.
With 150 inches of annual snowfall, Howelson Hill has a lot to offer skiers and snowboarders. It offers affordable skiing and snowboarding on 50 skiable acres (10 are open for night skiing), with terrain catered to all abilities and ages.
It’s a great spot to learn new skills or improve on your existing ones. It’s mostly a beginner-friendly ski area, but it does have a fair share of harder trails as well.