Steamboat Springs in Winter: Everything You Need to Know
Steamboat Springs in winter is like stepping into a fairytale. Steamboat is one of the most magical towns to visit in Colorado during the chilly months of December through March. The winter time is such a phenomenal season to visit Steamboat Springs as this charming town turns into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy! Between the streets lined with twinkling Christmas lights, snow falling, and the beautiful architecture… you have got to check out Steamboat Springs in winter.
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Drive from Denver to Steamboat Springs in Winter
The drive from Denver to Steamboat Springs is about 3 hours long. In the winter, we highly recommend that you drive a 4WD vehicle due to the likelihood of snow and the winding mountain roads. Furthermore, along the route that you are required to take from Denver to Steamboat Springs there are specific traction laws, so make sure to keep up to date on these and when they are being enforced. Whether it is chains, 4WD, or snow tires, not only will they prevent you from getting a ticket, but they will also help to keep you safe and enjoy the gorgeous, snowy Rocky Mountains.
Does Steamboat Springs Have an Airport?
Yampa Valley Regional Airport is about 20 miles from Steamboat Springs if you want to avoid the drive from Denver. It’s about an hour flight from Denver International Airport and is a great option to look into if you’re already going to be flying into Colorado.
Why is Steamboat Springs so popular?
Steamboat Springs is so popular during the winter months due to its infamous champagne powder that Steamboat Ski Resort has become world famous for. Steamboat is known for getting massive snow storms that lead to some of the best and fluffiest snow to ski and snowboard in.
What is Winter Like in Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat Spring in winter is like stepping into a fairytale with all of the snow around you! During the day there are endless winter activities that you can indulge in including skiing, snowboarding, sled riding, snowmobiling, and so much more. At night Main Street comes alive with the town lit up with Christmas lights, delicious food being served at endless restaurants, and cocktails flowing at bars and breweries!
Steamboat Springs Winter Activities:
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter activities to do in Steamboat Springs. The Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the state of Colorado with a wide range of slope options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The resort has right under 20 ski lifts, incredible terrain parks, and nearly 200 different trails! Additionally, the resort is one of the top resorts in Colorado for the quality and quantity of snow that it receives every year. Afterall, their snow is known as Champagne Powder, so that speaks for itself!
This Champagne Powder comes early and often with Steamboat Ski Resort averaging over 330 inches of snow annually. And speaking of early, Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the country to ski at in the early portions of the ski season because it averages having more than 90% of slopes open by Christmas!
Lastly, since Steamboat Ski Resort is a little further from Denver than some of the other popular resorts in Colorado a lot of the big crowds don’t make it to Steamboat Springs which is an added benefit for ski and snowboard enthusiasts!
Snowmobiling
There are a variety of different snowmobile tours that you can choose from when visiting Steamboat! Snowmobiling is a great option for families and individuals alike and is sure to be a memorable experience! This is a great way for non-skiers or skiiers taking a day off to still get up into the mountain and experience the snow!
Dog Sledding
For something a little more unique, why not check out dog sledding in Steamboat? This is a great option for those looking for something different and fun to do in the snow while watching the pups do what they love!
Helicopter Tour
If you are looking to see some of the best views of Steamboat Springs, be sure to check out one of the helicopter tours in the area!
Fat Biking
For those that love a good exercise or really enjoy bike riding in general, check out a fat bike rental or tour in the Steamboat area for a unique snow experience.
Hot Springs
There are quite a few hot springs options surrounding the Steamboat Springs area. The most common option being Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs. This is an amazing way to warm up and relax on those cold, snowy winter days!
Tubing
Tubing is a great option for kids and adults alike that are looking for a thrill but would rather stay away from skiing or snowboarding! Be sure to check out some of the best tubing in Colorado that can be done at Steamboat Springs!
Ice Skating
For those that are looking for a romantic outing or an activity to do with the kids, ice skating is sure to be a crowd pleaser for everyone!
Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing
There are many snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails in the Steamboat Springs area. These are great options for those that want to get outside, get some exercise, and experience the snow but would rather stay away from the speedy adrenaline that is often tied with skiing and snowboarding. The AllTrails app is a great way to find trails nearby.
Winter Hikes in Steamboat Springs
There are several winter hikes in Steamboat Springs to choose from. One of the most common is Fish Creek Falls, a marvelous hike to do in Steamboat Springs in the winter. Bringing some microspikes is typically a good idea when hitting the trail in the winter!
Spa
There are quite a few different mountain spas to choose from in the Steamboat area. If you are looking for a romantic date, a getaway from the kids, or something cozy to do to get away from the cold weather… check out one of the many spas in the area for a truly memorable winter activity!
Steamboat Springs Gondola Ride
Children and adults alike can take in the scenic views from the gondola ride up Mt. Werner! The gondola is open 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM everyday until April 9th 2023, weather permitting.
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival 2023
One of the most popular events in Steamboat Springs is the Winter Carnival. The Winter Carnival 2023 will be held February 8th-12th. This coming year will be the 110th annual Winter Carnival celebration, making it the oldest continuous winter carnival west of the Mississippi. It’s an experience you have to see for yourself.
Light Up The Night Celebration
Speaking of experiences you must see for yourself, how about hot air balloons, fireworks, and a torch parade? The weekend following the Winter Carnival in 2023 the Light Up The Night Celebration will take over Steamboat Springs on February 18th. Hot air balloons will illuminate the mountain village before a fireworks show and a torchlight parade down the mountain!
These are only a couple events held in Steamboat Springs. Make sure to check the towns and ski resorts event calendars for the full list of events including ski racing events, jump competitions, fireworks and so much more!
Steamboat Springs in Winter: The Best Places to Stay
If you’re going to be skiing, it is hard to beat staying in or around the mountain village because of the easy access to the slopes! We highly recommend that you check out Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas! These villas are right on top of slopes which makes it extra convenient for skiers and snowboarders as well as families that would like to spend the majority of the time on the mountain!
However, if you’re going to take a couple days off or coming to Steamboat Springs to relax then downtown near main street is such a lovely place to stay. Downtown has countless shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars! It really is an amazing place to spend time to take in the views and town. We recommend that you check out the Nordic Lodge. This lodge is in a great location right near the downtown area with countless shops and restaurants.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with where you stay in Steamboat Springs because the public transportation system is very convenient and efficient and will quickly zip you from the mountain to main street!
Is Steamboat Crowded at Christmas?
Yes, Steamboat gets crowded during the Christmas holiday! Due to many 9-5 employees having off around the Christmas season and the champagne powder that Steamboat Springs has to offer during the winter season… Steamboat can get quite crowded during Christmas. We recommend visiting Steamboat Springs from early January to mid to late February so that you can avoid popular holidays and massive crowds!
Steamboat Springs Vacation
Steamboat Springs is a great place to vacation year around. However, we highly recommend that you check out this marvelous mountain time in the winter for some of the prettiest views, snow, and endless winter activities.
What to Pack for Steamboat Springs in Winter:
This definitely depends on what you plan on doing in Steamboat Springs! Obviously, pack warm clothes due to the chilly temperatures and frequent snowfalls. Below you’ll find some of our favorite cold weather gear that are our tried and true favorite winter accessories for making it through Colorado winters!
North Face Insulated Gloves– These gloves are lifesavers in the winter! They keep your hands extra warm with the insulation and are our go-to gloves for keeping our hands warm in the snow or chilly temperatures!
Electric Hand Warmers– Sam got me these for Christmas one year and WOW they are incredible. They make such a difference outdoors and truly keep your hands warm for an extended period of time. I love that they are electric and easy to charge!
Smartwool Beanie– We love the brand Smartwool. We wear so many of their products during the winter because their wool material truly keeps us warm outside and on the slopes. We both highly recommend this Smartwool beanie for keeping your head extra warm during those low temperatures you’ll face in the winter.
Smartwool Socks– These socks are our go-to socks all year round. We especially love Smartwool socks for skiing, winter hikes, and wearing with snow boots. Not only do they keep your feet extra warm in the winter but they are also extremely comfortable!
Where to Ski in Steamboat Springs in Winter:
Steamboat Ski Resort is one the best resorts for skiing and snowboarding in Colorado!
Free things to do in Steamboat Springs in Winter:
One of the most common free things to do in Steamboat Spring in winter is to explore the downtown area. Put on your parka, snow boots, and gloves and walk around the fantastic downtown area that is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops!
Another popular free activity to do in Steamboat Springs is to go hiking. This is a great activity to see some incredible views of Steamboat and the surrounding mountains. To find some of the best hikes in the area, be sure to download the AllTrails app! The reviews and descriptions on AllTrails will help you determine if you need snow boots, microspikes, snowshoes, or any combination of the three!
Overall: Is Steamboat Springs Worth Visiting in Winter?
100% YES! Steamboat Springs is absolutely worth visiting especially during the winter months. It is one of our favorite Colorado mountain towns and is full of charm from the ski slopes to the downtown area.
