Winter Family Fun in Steamboat Springs

Navigate the winding road of Rabbit Ears Pass and the Yampa Valley will unfold before you to reveal Steamboat Springs, named for the once-noisy geothermal hot springs that early settlers believed to be actual steamboats.

Ski season at Steamboat Ski Resort begins in late November and stretches through mid-April. Between the legions of Olympic athletes that call it home and its trademarked average 26 feet of champagne powder, Steamboat Springs has earned itself the well-deserved nickname of Ski Town, USA. Hurry here for a ski vacation to write home about and enjoy the range of charming and family-friendly activities that the winter months have to offer.

World-Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Before working up a calorie deficit on the slopes, stop by Winona’s Restaurant & Bakery on Lincoln Avenue to fuel up on one of their world-famous cinnamon rolls. This decadent treat is the size of your face and arrives piping hot with just the right amount of lemon buttercream melting into its layers. You can thank me later.

Howelsen Ski Area

On the edge of downtown, Howelsen Ski Area is Colorado’s oldest. It’s also home to the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in all of North America. With 17 alpine and nine cross country trails, skiers and snowboarders of all levels of ability will find appropriate runs at this historic spot. At the base, grab a hot chocolate and watch the experts and future Olympians tackle extreme heights on the jump.

Steamboat Powdercats

Book a day in the backcountry with Steamboat Powdercats, who have 30 years of experience taking tens of thousands of skiers to powdery corners. They offer all-inclusive tours with provided equipment, catered meals and digital photographs of your outing.

Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling

For an authentic high country experience, get picked up in town for a twenty-minute drive to the Elk River Valley where your horse-drawn sleigh awaits at Bar Lazy L Ranch. The sleigh ride whisks you through snow-covered pastures and meadows to the ranch’s remodeled barn where you’ll warm up with hot drinks, dinner, and live entertainment. Bar Lazy L Ranch can accommodate the whole family, ages 3 and up. Reservations are required.

Geothermal Reprieve

Development of the railroad in 1908 silenced the chugging sound of the hot springs but these bubbling hot waters are still readily available for a leisurely soak. Located conveniently downtown, Old Town Hot Springs is a multi-use complex with hot spring mineral pools, two waterslides, a 25-yard lap pool, and on-site childcare services. For a more rustic experience, take a trip to Strawberry Hot Springs where you can immerse yourself in hot spring basins directly in the mountainside under the sun or stars. If the snowy weather has you guessing about the drive to get there, shuttle services are available.

Be sure to review our luxury vacation options in Steamboat Springs and then call your Personal Vacation Advisor to book your ski-in, ski-out adventures. Happy winter!