Steamboat Spring Winter Activities

Steamboat Spring is a year-round destination, but in winter it really comes alive. Whether you’re an Ikon Pass owner or a skier looking for some winter fun, there’s something for everyone in Steamboat!

Besides skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the snow. From sledding to fat biking, here are 17 awesome things to do in Steamboat Springs during winter!

Cowboy Downhill

Steamboat Springs is known for its Western heritage mixed with a love for all things snow. Throughout the year the resort hosts several unique events that bring this rich history to life.

One of the most famous and enduring Steamboat traditions is the Cowboy Downhill. Forty years ago, former Olympic gold medalist Billy Kidd and Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, invited a few of their Pro Rodeo pals to the resort for a day of skiing.

Today the event still brings together over 100 professional rodeo cowboys to compete in the most unique ski rodeo in the West. Featuring dual slalom and Stampede events, the race begins at 1 pm. Get to Gondola Square early to see the 4H petting zoo, meet Denver Broncos cheerleaders and try your hand at a learn to rope clinic.

Winter Carnival

Winter Carnival is quintessential Steamboat Springs – a celebration of snow, ice, and a love for all things winter. It’s the only event in town that combines giant snow sculptures, kids skiing with road flares and adults skiing through fiery hoops, plus a high school band on skis!

This year’s 110th Winter Carnival takes place February 8-12, 2023 at Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs. A $10 button or $15 neck gaiter grants you free access to Howelsen Hill, but some events require additional registration or tickets.

Hiking Trails

Steamboat Springs is a fun place to visit year-round, but it really comes alive in the winter. This mountain town is known for its ice-climbing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, and other snowy activities.

One of the best things to do in Steamboat Spring is hike on the numerous trails in the area. There are a number of scenic routes that offer views of the Routt National Forest and Yampa Valley.

Hiking trails range from easy family strolls to more challenging treks. A great option for a beginner to intermediate hike is the Fish Creek Falls to Long Lake Trail.

Brewery Tours

After an apres-ski day or after an intense winter activity, there’s no better way to relax than with a cold brew. Steamboat Springs has several breweries, and you can take a tour to visit them.

The Steamboat Springs Brew Trail will lead you to three breweries and a distillery. You’ll start with Mahogany Ridge Brewery where you can try their signature Alpenglow amber ale and fill up on some delicious tapas.

Then head to Storm Peak Brewery on the west side of town where you’ll find over 20 different beers on tap in their warehouse-style brewery. They’ve also got wood-fired pizza from the nearby shop and a friendly staff.

Tubing

Tubing is a fun activity for all ages and is a great way to spend an afternoon during your Steamboat Spring Winter Activities. The local mountain town receives an average of 336 inches of snow every year, making it a perfect place to experience the thrill of tubing down fresh powder slopes.

The family-friendly hill at Saddleback Ranch has three runs along with a tube tow to get you back up to the top. It also has a warming lodge where you can warm up and have a snack before going back out for another run.

If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling, visit Tube Howelsen in downtown Steamboat Springs. They have a custom-built track with cool curves and speedy straightaways.

Fat Biking

The amusingly wide tires, monster tread and enlarged frame of fat bikes may look funny, but they’re quickly becoming a must-try Colorado winter activity. The oversized tires make it possible to bike over large rocks, sandy sections and even ice.

While they can be a bit more challenging than riding a mountain bike, they’re also more forgiving. They absorb big bumps and maintain traction compared to a mountain bike’s deformable wheels that can squish or flatten.

Steamboat Springs has some great Nordic trails and fat biking is encouraged on them! Check local regulations before going off-trail.