Steamboat Springs’ Howelson Hill Ski Area is one of the most beloved winter destinations in the state. It has a rich heritage and remains a training ground for Olympic athletes.
It is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area since 1915 and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. It has been the training ground for 89 Olympians and is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in skiing or snowboarding.
History
Howelson Hill Ski Area is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area and is home to the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America. It is also recognized as a Pioneer Ski Resort by the International Skiing History Association and has been the training ground for more Olympians than any other area in the United States since its opening.
Founded in 1914 by Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen, the park’s roots stretch back to Steamboat Springs’ early years. At the time, skis were just a way for residents to commute down the snowy slopes.
But within a year’s time, Howelsen teamed up with the local youth ski team and began laying the foundation for the first Winter Carnival in Steamboat Springs. With his infectious energy and passion, Howelsen helped transform Steamboat into a skiing mecca.
Getting There
Located in the heart of Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill Ski Area offers affordable skiing and snowboarding for all abilities and ages with 50 skiable acres, 150 inches of annual average snowfall, and a wide variety of lodging and dining options within walking distance.
The mountain is also home to the largest natural ski-jumping complex in North America and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. It also provides training for alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and freestyle skiing and snowboarding for ability levels from beginners to Olympians.
Howelsen Hill is a smaller than average ski area with only 50 skiable acres (equivalent to 20 hectares, 0.1 square miles, or 0.2 square kilometers). It has 17 trails serviced by 4 lifts.
Trails
The historic Howelson Hill Ski Area in downtown Steamboat Springs has a unique place in the history of skiing. It has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America, and has the largest natural ski jumping complex in the country.
It also offers trails for cross-country, fat biking and snowshoeing. You can watch the current and future Olympians train on the jumps, or practice your own skills on the terrain park.
The 4,000-acre Emerald Mountain ski system, with Howelsen Hill as the base, has 24 miles of groomed trails. The Hogan Park Trail (Sky Terrain Steamboat Springs / Mount Zirkel) is an easy, counter-clockwise loop of single-track that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
Lifts
Steamboat Springs’ Howelson Hill Ski Area is the oldest continuously operating ski resort in Colorado. It has a history of producing winter Olympians, and it’s still sending athletes to international competitions.
This small ski resort has three lifts – a chairlift, a Poma surface lift and a carpet lift. It has 134 metres (440 feet) of vertical descent and 25 acres of terrain over 15 trails.
It’s a great family-friendly mountain that is geared toward advanced and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Its slopes aren’t quite as big as the nearby Steamboat Resort, but it’s still a fun place to go for some great skiing.
Rentals
If you’re looking for a great ski experience, look no further than Howelson Hill Ski Area in Steamboat Springs. The oldest continuously run ski area in the nation, Howelsen offers affordable skiing and snowboarding for everyone from beginners to Olympic level athletes.
The area also features a Nordic Center with thirteen miles of trails that are groomed daily to maximize fun and control. There are a variety of rentals available, including snowmobiles and side by sides. The nearby Routt National Forest and trail system provide endless miles to ride through pine forests, wildflowers, and wildlife. You can even head out for a short drive to the top of Rabbit Ears Pass to enjoy mountain biking all winter. And, with 2,500 vacation rentals near Howelson Hill Ski Area in Steamboat springs, you’re sure to find the perfect place for you!