If you’re looking to have a blast this winter in Steamboat Springs, there are plenty of things you can do. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or ice fish, there’s something for everyone.
Besides skiing, you can also do a bit of hiking in winter. One of our favorites is 283-foot Fish Creek Falls, a short drive from town.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Steamboat Springs. It’s also a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
Saddle up to explore the snowy landscapes of the Yampa Valley on a 1.5-2 hour winter horseback ride. Along the way you’ll have a chance to take in views of Flattops, Sleeping Giant and Mt. Werner!
Saddleback Ranch offers a variety of activities year round. From sleigh rides, horseback riding and tubing to wagon rides and cattle drives.
Ice Fishing
During the winter, Stagecoach Reservoir freezes over and ice fishing becomes a popular activity. It’s a fun and safe way to spend a day outdoors while enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado.
Yampa Valley Anglers offers half and full-day excursions that take you to some of the best ice fishing spots in Colorado. You’ll be in the company of a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with a rod, bait or lure and fishing license.
Snowmobiling
There’s no better way to experience Colorado’s Rocky Mountains than on a snowmobile. Steamboat Springs’ extensive backcountry terrain offers plenty of trails to explore.
The area’s premier outfitters, including Thunderstruck Adventures, Saddleback Ranch and Steamboat Snowmobile Tours, offer tours on a variety of terrain. Some even allow you to rent a snowmobile if you’re not equipped.
Rabbit Ears Pass, a mountain pass in the Routt National Forest, is home to one of the state’s most extensive snowmobiling trails. These tours travel through tree-lined trails to massive open meadows with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the most fun winter activities around Steamboat Springs. Not only is it an awesome way to get a workout, but it’s also great for the whole family!
There are many scenic snowshoe hikes throughout Steamboat Springs, without lift lines or big crowds. Often, you’ll find open meadows and high vistas with breathtaking views of mountains and frozen waterfalls!
A popular trail very close to town is the Fish Creek Falls hike. This lightly-traveled trail offers a fantastic workout, with views of the canyon and Fish Creek Falls.
Winter Driving School
Winter Driving School is a great way to improve your skills and confidence in winter conditions. It offers both safety and performance based programs, ranging from a half day to two days.
The Bridgestone Winter Driving School has been teaching safe driving techniques in real winter driving conditions on their purpose built ice and snow tracks in Steamboat Springs since 1983. Toyota vehicles featuring Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires are used in all programs.
The 77-acre facility is terrain-based, not a lake or parking lot like most other winter driving schools. It emulates the real world and provides students with the most challenging driving situations they can find anywhere.
Ice Skating
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, ice skating is a great way to stay active and spend time with friends. In Steamboat Springs, we have a number of ice rinks where you can get your fix.
One of our favorite rinks is the Howelsen Ice Arena which features an Olympic-sized indoor rink for public and private skating sessions. It also offers bumper cars on the ice, which is a unique experience for families in Colorado!
The Howelsen Ice Complex is free to the public with your own skates and open year-round. However, be sure to check their public skate and bumper car schedule to plan your visit in advance.